History of Henderson County, 1882
October 30, 2017 | Author: Anonymous | Category: N/A
Short Description
: together with biographical matter, statistics, etc G. Mercer Graeme Mercer Adam ......
Description
http://stores.ebay.com/Ancestry-Found
http://stores.ebay.com/Ancestry-Found
CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
Cornell Univeralty Library
F 547M55 H67
http://stores.ebay.com/Ancestry-Found Mercer and Henderson Counties History of
olin
3 1924 028 805 766 ^ Overs
Cornell University Library
The
original of this
book
is in
the Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright
restrictions in
the United States on the use of the
text.
http://archive.org/details/cu31924028805766
HISTORY Mercer and Henderson
COXJNTIES TOGETHER WITH
BIOGRAPHICAL MATTER, STATISTICS, ETC.
GATHERED
FROM
MATTER FURNISHED BY
COUNTY HISTORICAL
THE
SOCIETIES, INTERVIEWS
MERCER AND
HENDERSON
WITH OLD SETTLERS,
COUNTY, TOWNSHIP AND OTHER RECORDS, AND EXTRACTS
FROM FILES OF PAPERS, PAMPHLETS, AND SUCH OTHER SOURCES AS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE.
CHICAGO: H. H.
HILL AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 1882.
E.M-'
F
6>f
Shei'ard
&
Johnston, Printers.
140, 142, 144, 146
Monroe
St.,
Chicago.
PREFACE
*
In presenting the history of the Counties of Mercer and Henderson to the public, the editors and' publishers have had in view the preservation of certain valuable historical facts and a vast fimd of
information which
been obtained,
without concentrated
failure
of memory,
diaries,
would soon have been
we
tively new,
displayed
could
never have
away of the old
pioneers, the
of public records
and private
but, with the passing
and the
flatter
loss
effort
This locality being compara-
lost.
ourselves that, with the zeal and industry
by our general and
we have
local historians,
succeeded in
rescuing from the fading years almost every scrap of history worthy of
Doubtless the work
preservation.
do not present
it
as a
model
is,
in
some
respects, imperfect
literary effort, but in that
;
we
which goes to
make up a valuable book of reference for the present reader and future historian, we assure our patrons that neither money nor time has been spared in the accomplishment of the work.
be found.
With treacherous memories,
Perhaps some errors
personal, political and sectarian
prejudices and preferences to contend against,
miracle
which
if
no mistakes were made.
may be found
may provoke
to exist,
may
will
it
would be almost a
We hope that even these defects, be made available in so
far as
they
discussion and call attention to corrections and additions
necessary to perfect history.
In this work
we have been
bers of the Mercer County
McWhorter, Geiger,
we
I.
N. Bassett,
greatly aided
by the
officers
and mem-
Historical Society, and to Messrs. Tyler C.
S.
Kichey,
Graham
Lee, and
John
are indebted not only for valuable advice, but for articles
on various topics that cannot but prove interesting and acceptable to our patrons.
Messrs. J. Simpson, Dr. A.
W. Hyde,
E. Mathews,
^
l'JiKl''AOK.
N. D.
Hillis,
who have plam:!
M.
S.
Cxreeii,
contributed
to
the patrons of the
Mrs. Pliebe Button, and
the
work
work under
many
others
Henderson County, have
in
lasting obligations for valu-
able matter rescued from oblivion, where
it
was
sui-ely tending.
the^ames and
private
sketches of nearly every person of importance in the counties.
A few
The persons,
biogi-aphical
department contains
whose sketches we would be pleased
to
have presented, for
various reasons refused or delayed furnishing us with the desired information, and in this matter only plete.
to the
However,
in
we
feel that
is
incom-
most important persons, some items, and have woven them
into the countj"^ or township sketches, so that, as ))c'
our work
most of such cases we have obtained, in regard
accused of negligence, partiality or prejudice.
we
believe,
we cannot
LIST
William Druky, Vashti Druey, J. M. Emebson, Feedeick Feick,
OF PORTEAITS.
51
69
.
.
.
.
" .
159
B. C. COGHILL,
177
W. Chandler, Alvah W. Paul,
195
.
.
.
Dan W. Sedwick,
357
.
William Hanna,
.
Cabken, S. P. Cabeen, John Cooper, J. Musgove, William Beaty, Joseph Glancey, C. Schenck, .
.
.
483 501 519
.
KiMEL, .
.
825 843 861
879 897 913 931
.
.
949
.
.
967 985 1003
,
.
David Rankin, F. M. Davidson, George H. Dixson, .
.
1021
1039 .
1057
1075
.
1093 1111
Brook, H. W. Whiteman, Samuel Galbraith,
1129
I. J.
.
A. Wallbaum,
1147 1165 1183
Isaac T. Haetee, A. 0. McQuowN,
1255
609 627
William McMillan,
645
S. S.
591
C. D. Eltinge,
.
1201
555 573
M. C.Paul,
807
William B. Dean, William H. Gittings, George C. Watson,
537
Daniel Jones, George Cuery,
.
.
Patterson, R. H. Barnes, P. D. Salter,
393- Joseph Dixson, 411 T. G. RiCHEY, 429 A. L. Porter, 447 John N. Brubn, 465
.
Jambs F. Peasley,
375
.
G.
J. B.
339
.
789
285 303
771
.
.
267
321 .
George McPhereen, Thomas Candor,
W. BEcfoK, Maey C. Beook,
735
.
753
Joseph Allen, W. H. COETELYOU, Lewis Duke, James Duke,
249
.
Jacob Bear, Samuel Mickey,
J.
William Lomax,
231
Maetin Bear, . Mrs. Martin Bfab,
W.
141
213
.
Dennis Mueto,
J.
123
105
.
.
J. C.
717
.
A. J. Steeetbr, A. P. Petrie, R. A. LpMAX,
87
William Gayle, Daniel Mowky, Samuel Cabeen, James Hbaton, J. S. Bhokaw, Maey a. Beokaw, RiCHAED KiDDOO, CURTS,
699
.
.
'
B. C. Taliafeeeo,
J. F.
H. B. Feazier, Charles E. Drew, R. A. MoKlNLEY,
33 .
663
1219 1237 1273
.
Hutchinson, R. W. RlCHEY,
.
.
*
681
1309 1327 1345
5
IISTDEX, Abington Township
* .
Accidents, Biggs ville
B
Adams, John
Additional Matter Additional Matter Agricultural Society Akin, James Aledo, Mercer County Aledo Public Schools " Aledo Weekly Record,"
M
Allen, John S Allen, Joseph Alyea, Thomas
Anderson, Anderson, Anderson, Anderson, Annegers, Annegers, Annegers,
Joseph Alexander
James
W
William G.
Henry
Herman Herman
M
.
.
.
;
G., Jr G., Sr
Ansley, Dr. J. Arthur, Martha A Scrap of Ancient History Associate Reformed Branch, Suez
Township
H
Atkins, John Attig, Nicholas
A
Bailey, John Bailey, William Stuart Bainter, Peter C
Bald Bluff Churches Bald Bluff Township Baker, Dr. Jacob Russell Banking in Keithsburg Barnes, J. E Barnes, Robert Barnett,
H
John
Bassett, Isaac
Newton
Bay, James E Beal, Perry Bear, Jacob Bear, Martin. Beard, Dr. E Beaty, Ely Beck, Robert C Beckett, Joseph
Bedford Township Bell, John Bell, John Bell, Silas Bell, William
W
Bentley, James L Beverlin, Thomas Biggs, John Biggsville Township Biggsville, Village of. Biographical, Bald Bluff
512 1337 740 820 1407 1330 998 539 564 552 204 1282 99 505 987 990 1405 1046 1049 1049 738 1086 99
Bedford
Biographical, Biographical, Biographical, Biographical, Biographical, Biographical, Biographical, Biographical, Biographical, Biographical, Biograi>hical
1113 1348 Carman Township 1404 Greenville 1079 Honey Creek 1205 Olena Township 1035 Oquawka 962 South Henderson.. 1248 Terre Haute 1280 Walnut Grove 1174 Biggsville
i
.
—
Abington Township Duncan Township Eliza Township Greene Township Keithsburg Township Ohio Grove Township Millersburg Township Mercer Township New Boston Township North Henderson Township Perry ton Township Preemption Township Richland Grove Township Ri voli Township Suez Township .
630 1136 510 1391 1042 1312 1146 1142 529 152 1007 1128 1192 832 293 1086 293 287 1133 1083 1268 1314 1096 252 263 1397 1392 604 293 989 1315 1332 1151
.
.
.
.
.
D
Birdsall, Paul
Bishop,
51
Edwin
Ammi Hawk War
Bissell,
Black
Black, Albert Black, Samuel Wilson Black, William Blue, George
A
N
Boden, William Boise, Milton S
Bolton, William.-
Boone, George Boone, Hopkins Boone, Washington Bopes, David Boruff, Milton
:
Bowen, John Boyd, Boyd, Boyd, Boyd,
Joseph P
John
R
Martin William
Bradford,
W.
C
W
Brady, John, Jr Brain, William Brainard, Charles Brainard, Davis S Bras, Charles W. Braucht, Jacob Braucht, John Breckenridge, Hugh Breckenridge, William
H
.
.
498 287 671 118 444 205 583 72 809 324 713 737 763 634 1354 289 690 23 1048 1048 1048 813 1009 618 1312 248 659 607 327 506 1136 251 1383 597 259 336 242 326 1263 1002 Ill 247
C
503 748 691
.
nSTDBX.
8 Bredsford, Harrison Brewer, Louis Waldo
W
Bridger, G. Bridger, Henry T Bridger, James Bridgford, Oliver Bridgford, W. A Britt, Zelota Brock, John
A
W
Brokaw, Abram Brokaw, Josiah Brook, Isaiah J Brook, James William Brook, John A Brooks, Benjamin Brooks, Isaac Brouse, Charies Brown, Allen S
F i
W
Brown, Benjamin F Brown, Harrison Brown, John H Brown, Joshua H Brown, Loami Brown, Samuel Brownlee, David S Brownlee, James H Brownlee, William C
,
Briggs, William Bristol, C. Beecher
Bruen, John N Bruen, Stephen Bruington, George Bruington, Gus Bryan, William P Bryans, David
H
.
Bullock, JohnV Burgett, Frederick Business of Aledo Butler, James Butler, Jesse
P
H
1390 527 116 644 743 241 238 1119 984 1122 1139 1254 1054 1189 1012 782 1396 811 809 637 451 643 622 622 650 648 461 723 738 1248 1295 648 643 1311 1081 529 154 548 1123 1289 525 445
Cabeen, Hon. Robert J Cabeen, John Cabeen, Samuel 446 Cabeen, Samuel P 444 Cabeen, Thomas B 153 Cable, Eichland Grove Township 737 Calhoun, Henry G 180 Campbell, Alexander 202 Campbell, Dr. James A 616 Campbell, Matthew S 639 Campbell, Robert 647 Campbell, John 1088 Campbell, John 1395 Campbells, The 199 Cameron, Peter 725 Candor, Cajjt. Daniel 334 Candor, Josiah , 334 Candor, Thomas 446 Cannum, Mark; 603
W
M
Carman Township Carothers, Andrew, Jr Andrew, Sr Carothers, Jacob Carothers, John, Jr Cartwrightj George Carolihers,
1401 1046 1046 1046 1051 1213
Carver, Jesse Carver, Redding Castle,
Edward
L
M
A
Caswell, James Cemeteries, Walnut Grove Cemeteries of Ohio Grove Township Cemetery of Greene Township.. Cemetery of Suef Township .
W
Chandler, George Chandler, John T. Chard, William J Chidester, Nelson , Chidester, Sidney,
,
443 668 632 1285 1305 1187 745 100
B
Childs, Augustus Chowning, Dr. John
720 720 504 1005 1171
P
823 264 472 1072 1098 1339 954 575 495
Church, Beard Churches in Greenville Churches of Bedford Churches of Biggsville Churches of Oquawka Churches of Aledo Churches of Duncan Township217 Churches of Millersburg 86 Churches of New Boston 755 Churches of Rivoli Township 1236 Churches, South Henderson 1279 Churches, Terre Haute Tp 1167 Churches, Walnut Grove Circuit Court of Henderson county 883 •
•
1406 1402 1155 739 737 737 719 20 1207 1209 1089 605 630 780 510 674
Cisna, Zilile Cistern Tragedy Clark, Lemuel T Clark, James Clark, Samuel Clark, Sarah Clarke, David Andrew Clarke, G. Clover, Cornelius
G
R
CluflF,
John
W
Cochran, William Cofflan, Martin L
William Anderson Coleman, John Cole,
H
Collins, J. Collins, William
P
Commissioners' Record Constitutional Conventions Cook, Henry C Cool,
George
56
M
H
Cooper, David Cooper, Hamlet Cooper, Levi Cooper, Ephraim Cooper, John Cooper, John Cooper, R Company E, 9th Regiment Company A and G, 13th Regiment Company 1, 17th Regiment Company C, 26th Infantry Company G, 27th Regiment Company C, 36th Regiment Company A, 37th Regiment. ' Company B, 65th Regiment '.
908 188 616 329 329 338 1155 1151 1315 991 701 788 730 703 787 729 739
853
INDEX.
Company D, 83d Regiment Company D, 83d Regiment Company G, 124th Regiment Company G, 124th Regiment Company B, 126th Regiment Company B, 12eth Regiment Company F, 140th Regiment Company F, 140th Regiment Company C, 11th Cav^ry Company H, 11th Cavalry
794 854 794 856 795 858 796 859 859 860 Connell, James 833 Connolly, William 722 Conway, Joseph 721 Correll, Richard 1188 Cortelyou, R. 1128 Cortelyou, William 1135 Corns, Warner. 344 County Officers, Henderson county 899 Cowden, George Henry 1369 Cowden, Isaac B.. 1043 Cox, Richard 744 Cox, John 1118 Crabs, George D 325 Cramer, R. S 112 Crane, J. 244 Crane, Robert 1210 Creighton, Samuel 460 Crenshaw, J. 1299 Crime in Greenville 1068 Criswell, Dr. 333 eronch, W. A. 1083 Crosby, Edwin T 680 Crownover, Robert 1213 Cullison, William B 778 Cummins, Thomas S 190 Gumming, John 1007 Cunningham, James 1006 Curry, George 1037 Ctwry, William 1214 Curts, John 1036 Dallas City 1204
H
H
V
H
,
.
G
'.
.
H
W M W
•
M M
'
Damp, Michael Darrah, Charles B David, Dr. E. B Davidson, Francis Marion Davis, Abner Davis, Abner Davis, Andrew J
Davison, D.
A
Dean, James Henry Dean, William B Deceased officers, Henderson Deets, Joseph Dehaven, Alfred Delany, William Democratic Press in Aledo Denison Family Denison, Heniy Description of Mercer County Detwiler, Charids Detwiler, Lewis Cass
W W
Dilley, Dilley,
John Webster William
DingweH,John Discoveries
341 1088 619 1189 964 1054 1055 260 1044 1207 Co. 1198 819 1409 1195 554 73 92 31
622 621 620 458 647 17
Ditto, Ditto,
John
W W
522 1153 1177 1176 174 345 262 343 613 103 Ill 1352 517 1055 1082 1082 1380 1119 259 265 94 289 93 252 454 492 593 498
George Dixson, George H Dixson, Joseph Doak, Daniel P Doak, William Dool, John Dool, Robert
Doughty, Lucien B Doughty, Thomas L Doughty, T.
H
Douglass, Samuel C Douglass, Andrew J Drew, Charles E
Duke, James Duke, Lewis Duncan, John C Durling,
A
Downey, Joseph DoTvning, John
A
Drury, Courtney Drury, Silas Drury, William
Dryden, Cary Duncan, Jonathan
Duncan Township Dunlap, Isaac
•
N
Dunn, Henry Dunn, John Dunn, J. M Durston, Charles F Durston, Samuel L Durston, Sidney
191
;
Fames, Thadeus Early Courts Early History of Richland Grove
Township
336 597 776 774 1000 820 732
656 Early Settlement of Greene Tp 623 Early Settlement of Suez Tp 45 Early Settlements 1318 Early Settlement Biggsville Early Settlements of Henderson 867 county 1065 Early Settlers of Greenville Early schools. South Henderson. 1233 738 Eckley, George 247 Edgar, Richard S .
.
.
Edmunds, Marion Edmunds, Oliver Education in Perryton Township
.
Educational, Greenville
Education in Henderson county. Edwards, Nicholas Edwards, Adoniram Edwards, Thomas R Efforts to move County Seat Egbert, Eighty-fourth Reg. 111. Inf. Ohio Grove Town ship Election Eliza Township
W.W —
Ellett, Benjamin D Emerson, Dr. Edward Emerson, JamesM Emerson, Oliver P Elmerson, William S
.
.
L '.
.
1308 1284 347 1070 1196 590 1194 1358 910 261 363 439 269 172 780 822 175 179
INDEX.
10
741 Engle, Charles 711 Episcopal Church 665 Episodes Greene Township 499 Epperly, William Evangelical Lutheran Church .... 734 641 Evans, George 1035 Evans, Hamilton. 1405 Evans, John 1050 Evans, J'ohn, Jr 719 Everett. Samuel F 1088 Fair, William 255 Faran John 480 Feather, James
—
M
.
Felix, M. F Felton, Herchel Felton, J.
B
Fender, Jonas Fifty-ninth Infantry Filler, Jacob Finch, William
M
Findley, Mitchell Findley, William A Fires in Greene Township First Settlers in Duncan Township
H.W
Fisk, Flack,
Thomas S Fleharty Family Bennett E Govert S H. C
Fleharty, Fleharty, Fleharty, Fleharty, Fleharty, Fleharty, Fleharty, Fleharty,
Q.
A
Rev.
J.
J. S.
J
F
W
Stephen S. W., Wm. and William Flehartv, William L Fleming, Marshall Flory, Moses K Foote, George
D.,
.
M
Forbes, John Ford, J. L Forsyth, Elijah Fort, John B Forty-fifth Infantry ,
Forward, Isaac Foster. Robert Foster, Foster,
John
R
A
William
Foulkes, Richard Frazier, Jesse
V
Frazier, Hugh B Frazier, Miss Amanda
Frew, William
B
Fricki Clarence Frick, Frederick Froehlich, G. F. Fuller, Jefferson Fuller, WiUiam
W
W
Gaddis, Robert Galbraith, Franklin. Galbraith, Samuel Garber, Leonard
Gardner, John C Garrett, Richard
E
Mary
617 234 343 500 1062 1085 1314 1001 1008 662
493 338 1154 802 809 805 804 804 805 805 803
A.,
806 804 116 675 1182 1307 1186 480 1052 1060 1266 728 1378 1389 1080 671 673 354 607 192 516 996 234 638 1053 1258 1258 507 688 819
C
Garrett, William
Garretson, P. S
Gaunt, Jonathan Gayle, William Gearhart, David Geiger, John
Genung, Joseph Geology of Greene Township Gibb, James Gibb, Paul D Gibson, Samuel Gilmore, Edwin
C
Gilmore Family
Gilmore, J. G Gilmore, J. Gilmore, Joseph Gilmore, Robert
M
C
M
Gingles, James Gilbert, John
G
Gillespie, William C Gittings, Clarence Gittings, Benjamin Berry Gittings, William
R
K H
Gladman, William
Gladstone Glancey, John Glancey Joseph Glenn, Robert K. N Glover, Allen F Goding, Joseph A Goempler, Peter Goodnight, John Gordon, Daniel Gordon, Miles Gore, George
»
,
M
Gorman, Graham, Graham, Graham, Graham, Graham, Graham, Graham,
James James
F
William Albert
M
G
Andrew David Russell
William B Gray, George Green Bower Nursery Green, Charles
W
Greene Township Greenville Township
Greenwood, Thomas J Greer, Minerva A Griffln Brothers' Tile Works, Richland Grove Township Griffin, John Griffith, Edward
Groom, Peter Gruwell, Benjamin F Guffy, Theodore Gustin, Lemuel '.
Guthrie, Jacob Guthrie, Robert
Habits and Customs of Pioneers. Haffner, Charles ^ .
Hageman, James Hail, Eugene A Halsey, James H
.
.
.
775 1300 332 128 1126 586 1283 652 1355 1383 1195 241 588 326 244 oil 1351 342 688 690 1298 1206 1206 834 1243 292 515 1389 184 676 1009 1124 1361 1384 117 337 459 639 1276 1376 1373 1398 1376 336 669 988 652 1064 644 518
734 695 233 1123 174 346 479 474 678 36 10O6 1116 933 1155
.
INDEX. Halstead, C. B Hamill, Adam
B
Bamilton, Robert Hamilton, B. F Hamlet, Perryton Township Hammock, William H
Hammond,
s
.
.
AVilliam
Hand, Lewi? H Hanna, D. C Hanna, Jojin Hanna, William
:
Hardin, Alvis Hardin, Benjamin
Hanson, W.H Hiarris, Nancy
L •
Harriott,
Van E
Harroun,
J.
E
Harter, Isaac F Hartley, Joseph
Hartman, Frederick Hartson, John
L
Harvey, J. F Hawkins, John J Hazel wood, James Heaton, James Heaton, William Hedges, Cyrus Hedges, Thornton Helwig, John Henderson, William Henry, John Henry, Wesley
H H
Herbert, J. N Heriford, John
Hevener, Solomon Hicks, Eobert Hindman, Daniel T Historical Society History of Henderson Hite, John
County
Hixson, Winfield S : Hoagland, Francis A Hodson, Robert Holmes, George Holmes, Stephen Holmes, Louis D Holmes, William Henry Holister, Lee Hoisted, David Honey Creek Township Hopkins, William T
W
M
Walnut Grove Howard, Thomas Andrew Howe, Lucien B Hoye, Rev. John F Huffman, Henry Hugenschutz, John Henry Humbert, Robert Humes, Joseph H Humphrey, John C Hunter, James Hunter, Samuel Huston, Matthew Huston, Walter Hospitality,
191
M
Huston, W.
.
327 1086 470 1301 317 1275 726 1008 1408 1408 978 190 179 22 1153 676 570 1404 1085 328 108 230 188 1127 185 140 1268 1268 203 457 525 521 1313 467 1407 725 600 66 863 1155 1121 677 993 1391 1397 615 600 325 193 1199 1404 1162 1208 240 621 256 1048
—
813 192 1308 1308 1135 1118 .1120
11
Hutchinson, Benjamin Hutchinson, James C Hutchinson, Robert Hutchinson, William John Indian Implements I.O.O.F., Ri voli Township Irvin, Dr. George
M
Ives,
,
Gideon
Jackson, Isom Jackson, Thomas J Jamison, George Jamison, James Jamison, John Jamison, John C Jamison, William R Jamison, Wilson B Jenne, Lansing Jennings, Jefferson Jewel, Zachariah
M
W
K
H
Johnson, Aaron Johnson, J. Johnston, Dr. D. R Johnston, John Y Johnston, John Y Johnston, Lorimer Johnston, M. Johnston, Peter Johnston, Thomas L Jones,Daniel Jones, Milton
M
H
W
M
Jones, Orson Jordan, Capt. John Journalism, Biggsville
A
Keithsburg Township Kellogg, James Kellogg, James Kelly, Potter Kelly, Henry L Kelly, Samuel Kemp, Jesse
A
Kemp, John Kendall,
A
Kennedy, Matthew Kessel, John Kiddoo, John S
K
Kiddoo, Richard Kiddoo, Wilham Kiddoo, William Kimel, Henry King, Jacob R King, Joseph S Kinsley, Samuel Kirby, Joseph Kirby, Risdon Henry Kirlin, David Kitzmiller, Frank
E
E
Knox, James Knox, Asa Krause, Jacob
H
Lafferty, James Lafferty, John Lafferty, John B Lafferty, William Lair, Joseph Laird, John.
A
•.
.
1087 1366 1396 1250 29 761 611 Ill 115 115 1349 1349 1350 1348 1350 1350 204 1084 264 1127 1120 615 721 722 635 814 816 722 747 523 747 741 1337 118 521 477 724 1388 199 1262 1212 330 679 1010 243 236 243 233 601 1207 1138 516 1213 1212 .102 679 1387 235 689 649 642 639 639 605 1154
.
INDEX.
12 Lakes, Eliza Township Lambert, Francis Landers, John Landreth, Lewis Landreth, Thomas Larue, William B
283 288 S21 509 251 824 18 La Salle 695 Lathrop, Urban D 220 Latter Day Saints, 1195 Laut, George D 680 Leary, Thomas 331 Lee, Graham 651 Lee, James 294 Leech, John Humphries 1136 Leinbach, Daniel 614 Lemon, Francis Lemon, W. R 266 Leuze, George 507 Lewis, William 109 Likely, Thomas 636 Linell, Josejih S 1012 Literary Eelic 935 Little, David 723 Livingston, David 499 Lloyd, Benijah 173 Lloyd, James 503 Logan, Jasper 1215 Logan, John 1208 Lomax Family, The 1205 Longshore, James 260 Looser, Jacob 110 Lorimer, William 594 Louden, William 1294 Lovitt, John W., Sr 1294 Lovitt, O. P 1313 Lovitt, Price 1294 Lovitt, William J 1283 Lunblad, Joseph Oscar 606 Lunn, Charles Elsworth 500 Lutz, O. C 113 Lynn, Alexander Wright 1270 Lynn, Samuel 1262 Mack, Daniel 727 Maddux, Thomas 599 Main, William Riley 517 Maley, William 1079 Manners and Customs of Indians 28 Mannon, James 96 Marder, Michael 506 Mardock, Michael 506 Markee, Jesse 611 Marlatt, Thomas 189 Marquette 18 Marquis, Samuel 832 Marrow, John 640 Marsden, Thomas 1406 Marsden, William 1285 Marsden, William 1406 Marsh, Mordecai L 595 Marsh, William A 253 Marshall, Alexander 1047 Marshall, Elisha L 835 Marshall, James A 1047 Marshall, John 1047 Marshall, Robert 1047
W
M
W
H
H
A R
W
M M
A
H
W
W
Marshall, Robert Marshall, William Marston, Nathaniel Martin, Andrew Martin, Charles A Martin, Judge Preston Martin, Mrs. Eliza Martin, N. R Martin, Robert J Martin, William F
1051
W
MasoUj John Masonic, Preemption Township. Masonic, Sagetown Masonry in Ot[uawka Masons, Rivoli Township Mathers, George Mathers, Joseph Mathers, Robert Mathews, James
.
W
W
Mauk, Henry Mauk, John Maxwell, John
:
.
.
.
.
.
A
Maxwell, Thomas J Maygie, Joseph H
Mayhew,
D. S.
:
Maynard, Lewis P Mc Arthur, Alexander McBride, Alexander McBride, James McBride, John F McCallister, Harry F McCartney, David McChesney, William H McClannahan, William S
W
MoClellen, John McClellen, Richard
C
B McClure, Warren B McClun,
J.
W
McCreight, John McCurdy, George McCutchan, Dr. James McDill, John
F.
C
McDill, John C McDill, Robert McDill, Samuel
McDonald, Hugh
'.
-.
H
McDougall, John McFarland, Alexander McFarland, John
McGee, John McGinnis, John T McGuffln,
JohnG
McHard, William Mclntire, John B Mclntire, Moses McKee, John McKee, Joseph McKee, William McKim, Frank McKitft, Marvin MclCinley, Robert A McKinney. John, Sr
McKinnie, Dr. Ebenezer McLain, Aaron H McLaughlin, James R
L
1047 J045 1352 1272 1371 296 1193 1360 1401 292 712 1232 953 760 1393 1190 1191 1300 647 642 777 1351 1287 508 1303 593 477 450 617 995 1191 1267 692 455 643 1407 528 678 1157 651 1355 1264 1356 1380 1085 1394 1269 1011 478 242 565 346 473 473 1379 604 603 1395 1305 1371 824 648 1393 G39
13
INUEX. McLaughlin, John L McMillan, Eobert T McMillan, William McMuUen, Major
650 1084 1362 746 McMurry, Thomas 1312 McPherfen, George 449 McPherren, Jesse 612 McQuown, Arthur 1368 McQuown, Isaac 1367 McQuown, John R 1384 McWhorter, Tyler 618 Mekemsen, Andrew 1264 Mekemson, Joseph Scott 1265 Mercer County Agricultural Board. 489 Mercer County Poor Farm 481 Mercer Township 581 Merritt, J. 290 Merryman, Albert D 740 Merryman, David D 740 Merryman, Henry 739 Merryman, Timothy D 785 Mertz, Charles 200 Methodist Episcopal Church, Preemption 709 Methodist Episcopal dhurch, Suez
W
Y
A
*634
Township Methodist Episcopal Church, Swe-
dona
M
Michener, Joseph Mickey, Eobert Mickey, Samuel Miller, Miller, Miller,
Abraham
G.D
M
William
Millersburg Township Milligan, David Milligan, Joseph Milliken, Wesley Mills, Eliza Township
H
Mills, Mills,
Moirs,
John
Myron The
H
Montgomery, James Montgomery, John Montgomery, John H Moore, Beet Moore, George Moore, Joseph B Morey, Benjamin F Morford, John T Morgan, George Morgan, Thomas Morgan, WilUam P Morris, Edwin Morris, George Morris, John Morris, William
W
Morrow, James
K
Mowry, Daniel Murray, David B Murray, William Musgove, James Murto, Dennis Natural History Negley; Jacob S
T
'. .
734 1398 1374 1154 48 344 258 205 476 1394 1181 277 1299 1079 988 1377 333 1182 1211 288 598 691 818 1304 1304 643 698 697 698 1154 251 740 1156 109 1082 202 68 1314
Nelson, Alexander Nelson, Alfred Nelson, George C Nelson, J. C
P
1359 815 1286 1282 Nesbitt, Henry 606 1127 Nevius, John S 1122 Nevius, S. P Nevius, William 1 452 New Boston Township 72 Newspapers of Henderson county 895 Newspapers of Keithsburg 137 1059 Nichols, Isaac 1059 Nichols, Peter Nichols, Thomas 1052 Nigger Ridge, Greene Township. 62 Ninety-flrst Regiment 1089 Noble Family 183 . Noble, Daniel 274 Noble, D.F 290 Noble,D. J 95 Noble, Ira 296 Noble, L.D 297 Noble, Mrs. Harriet 296 Noonan, Timothy 262 North Henderson Township 796 915 Noted Criminal Trials 221 Odd-Fellows of Millersburg 799 Odd-Fellows, North Henderson Odd-Fellows of Oquawka 951 Odendahl, Frederick 1005 Ogle, Jasper 528 528 Ogle, Joseph D 527 Ogle, Lewis F 424 Ohio Grove Township 1228 Old Settlers, South Henderson. Township 1020 Olena 1231 Olena tragedy 154 O'Leary, Cornelius Oliver, S. 266 One Hundred and Second Regiment 386 One hundred and eighteenth Regi1091 ment One hundred and thirty-eighth Regiment 1095
W
.
.
.
.
.
A
Oquawka and Washington Plank Road Oquawka Historical Society Oquawka Incorporated Oquawka Township •.
.
Organizations in Greene Township Organization of Duncan Township Organization of Eliza Township. Organization of Greene Township Organization of Henderson county Organization of Keithsburg Tp Organization of Mercer Township Organization of Millersburg Tp Organization of Preemption Tp Organization of Suez Township. Orth, C. S .
.
.
".
.
.
.
.
.
Ott, Edward Otto, Julius
E
Page, James Painter, Charles
T
943 947 938 919 665 497 281 660 865 165 49 227 713 626 197 189 725 638 1288
INDEX.
14 Pardee, David Park, Cephas Park, BuBsell Parkerson, Robert Parks, John Patterson, J. B Patterson, James
176 995 684 478 475 962 997 471 453 1214 1306 1290 1390 649 649 649 648
•
C
Patterson, Moses Patterson, William Paul, John Paul, Paul, Melzay C Pearson, John E Pease, Pease, John Pease, Josejph Pease, Martin Peasley, James F Peasley, John S Peasley, Moses
T
M.A
A
A
>
Pence, John A Pence, Robert Pence, Thomas F Pendarvis, Lemuel A Pendarvis, William G Penny, W. H..... Pepper, Hon. John C Pepper, John C Pepper, William Perryton Township
Peterman, Jacob C. Peterson, Peter. Petrie, Cornelius
L
Petrie, Hon. Alexander Pfanstiehl, A.
P
A
H
Phelps, Nelson PhelpSj Stephen Sumner Physicians, Walnut Grove Pickup, Pinkerton, Albert Pinkerton, George Pinkerton, John C Pinkerton, Joseph Pinkerton, Wallace Pinkerton, William
G.W
M
W
W M
1281 1035 1280 1011 1209 1288 1189 1188 1122
607 834 456 298 1010 470 773 767 1114 1156 966 1164 266 678 695 687 686 693 683
Pioneer Log Cabin 41 Pioneer Settlements of Millersburg 207 1102 Pioneers of Bedford 936 Plat of Oquawka
Plummer, Samuel Pogue, Eleazer Vogne, John Pogue, William
G
G
Political Parties
Pollock, Pollock,
James Samuel
Poor Farm Porter, Alexander
911
L
Postlewait, Matthew S Potter's Clay in Greene
PouU, Jacob Powley, James Pratt, John Pratt, John Prentiss, S.V
P
1365 1000 1174 1176 886 1043 518
1253 779 Township 654 1408 116 97 297 92
M
102 Prouty, William 704 Preemption Township 632 Presbyterian Church, Suez 1329 Public Improvement, Biggsville. Public Improvements, Keithsburg 166 .
1042 739 62 904 616 1038 113 198 1178 1179 1180 1180 637
Putney, Ira, Jr Quaintance, James S Railroads Railroads
H
Ramsey, James
Randall. Boswell Randall, Stephen
Range, William
P
L
Rankin David Rankin, James F Rankin, Samuel S Rankin, Thomas
Ransom, Asa
W
Rathbun, Dr. John B. Refinery, Gladstone Regan, Hugh Relics, South Henderson Religion in Keithsburg
781
:
1246 1397 1223 148 1203 Religious, Lomax 284 Religious Meetings, Eliza Tp 442 Religious, Ohio Grove Township 1278 Remarkable Family 1252 Renwick, Andrew 60 Republican Party in Mercer County 509 Retherfcrd, William 1302 Retzer, Jacob 1410 Revolutionary Heroes 25 Reynolds, Gov 1088 Reynolds, Hugh A 1386 Reynolds, Hugh 778 Reynolds, J. Warren 188 Reynolds, William D 1388 Rezner, Eli 1157 Rice, John Rice, William C 999 Richey, Cornelius Springer 828 Richey, R. 994 Richey, T. G 1185 Richland Grove Township 732 Riddell.S.H 255 Riggs, H. 238 Riggs, William 229 Bivoli Township 742 Roads, Eliza Township 281 Robb, Thomas S 455 Roberts, Henry 100 Robinson, George L. F 686 Robinson, William 1306 Roderick, M. L 1302 Rodman, Robert 1050 Rodman, William 1050 Rogers, W. 1307 Rose, Hiram 981 Rosenberry, Dr. James S 742 Rosenbum, Andrew J 777 Rowley, John 1153 Rubert, John.. . 261 Ruberts, R. 1297 Ruple, Samuel 987 Russell, A 1163 .
:
R
H
W
M
H
H
H
A
W
H
INDEX.
Samuel
E
689 282 1271 Sage, Gideon 1275 Salter, John 1369 Salter,;Paul D 1372 Sapp, George B 203 Sohell, Charles F 1009 Schenck, Cornelius 1116 Schenck Family 1115 William Schenck, 1116 J Schirmer, Herman 1002 Schlotz, Justice 1002 Schmitt, John 1085 Schools of Biggsville 1338 Schools of Eliza Township 284 Schools of Greene Township 667 Schools of Keithsburg 144 Schools of Millersburg 228 Schools of New Boston 85 Schools of Olena Township 1031 Schools of Oquawka 959 Schools of Preemption Township. 713 Schools of Rivoli Township 749 Schools, Walnut Grove 1163 Schrader, August 293 817 Scott, Notley 197 Scott, Samuel Scudder, Lyman 114 110 Seastone, John 572 Seat of Justice, Mercer County 523 Seaton, Duncan Seaton, John 459 524 Seaton, John J Secret Orders, Terre Haute Tp. 1278 Secret Societies of New Boston ... 89 Sedwick, Dan. 634 620 Sedwick, George 1096 Seventh Illinois Cavalry 1141 Seventh Missouri Cavalry 1063 Seventy-eighth Infantry 774 Sexton, John 694 Sexton, Eoswell C 258 Shafer, Aaron P 468 Sharer, Christian 776 Shaw, Clinton 1210 Shaw, Lee 634 Shearer, George Shearer, Nicholas 472 500 Sheese, Samuel 254 Sherer, A. A 173 Sheriff, Paul 739 Sherrard, David 726 Sheyler, Dr. James 291 Shields, William.. 263 Shingledecker, P. D 1359 Shook, Dykeman 1358 Shook, George 1187 Shookj James 1379 Short, Abner 1353 Short, Isaac C 786 Shroyer, A. P 117 Signor, George 1257 Signor, Willard I 1210 Simmons, Samuel Russell,
Bural Places in Eliza Township EyasoUj James
.
.
;
.
H
.
.
.
W W
G
W
A
H
W H
.-
._
."
.
.
15
Simonson, Garret Sinipson, Jonathan Simpson, William Sixteenth Illinois Infantry
1126 965 640 1017 1385 1296 1266 1357 1397 203 337 1010 991
H
Adam
Sloan,
Sloan Family Sloan, Sloan, Sloan,
Henderson James James
Slocumb, Charles G Smith, Alfred Smith, Alexander Smith, Asa Smith, D. C. C Smith, Eli Smith, George Smith, Hugh,...-. Smith, John B Smith, Lucius E Smith, Nathan -P Smith, Samuel Smith, Stephen Smith, Thomas C Smith, Warren L Smith, William E Smith, William H. Societies of Aledo Societies of Keithsburg
H
M
v
467.
W
H
H
Soldiers of Eliza Soldiers" Soldiers'
Township
Monument Monument
South Henderson Township
W
Southern, Charles Spangler, Jacob Sparrow, Charles Speculators, Eliza Township Spicer, Reuben H. Sr
Thomas
Spicer,
Sprowl, Samuel Stanley, Wyett
Greene Township Cyrus David A Stephens, Prof. Alex St. Joseph Catholic Church
Steam
Mill,
W
Steele, Steele,
H
Stevens, John Stewart, James Stewart, Samuel Stewart, William
G
M L
Stone Quarry, Gladstone Storms and Floods
,.
D
Stratton, J. Streeter, Hon. Alson'
Strong,
J
Luke
Stuart, William Suez Postofflce
Suez Township Swafford, Jacob Swanson, John Swartwout, Cornelius Swezy, Jerome A
H
W
Taliaferro, C. Talliaferro, Benjamin
Tenth
Coleman
.
.
.
1370 727 194 693 698 784 1087 745 1002 697 1157 477 581 155 282 837 1410 1216 696 1080 1209 279 763 638 475 1120 670 1041 246 569 711 1045 1375 1365 644 1247 945 254 769 616 685 626 623 99 1156 331 187 1081 830
Illinois Infantry
1013,
Terre Haute Township
1277
INDEX.
le
696 1125 1132 Tharp, William 608 Thede, C. F 791 Thirtieth Regiment 1385 Thomas, Isaac 621 Thompson, Benjamin F 1192 Thompson, William P 235 Thornton, H. 245 Thornton, J. D 282 Timber in Eliza Township 1276 Tolman, James Gary 887 Towns of Henderson county 594 Townsley, Benjamin F Townsley's Tile and Brick Factory 583 783 Tracy, Victoria 162 Tragedies in Keithsburg 638 Trask, Andrew 1303 Trask, E. 617 Turnbull, Eev. Thomas B 1270 Tweed, Hiram Sylvester 1263 Tweed, John 1139 Twelfth Illinois Cavalry Twenty-eighth Illinois Infantry. 1019 1269 Udolpho, Rufus Unangst, Jacob Wilson 605 United Brethren, Richland 734 United Presbyterians, Suez Township 629 "Valentine, William 257 Van Arsdale, S. B 1134 Vance, James 524 Vance, William 474 Vandalsem, W. C 335 Van Doren, William J 1194 Van Tuyl, W. E. B. 1377 Vater, George 503 Vaughn, Charles 1211 Venable, Joseph 182 Vernon, Caleb 505 Vernon, James 239 Vetter, Michael 328 Villages of Millersburg 211 Village of Swedona 733 Viola, Greene Township 661 Viola Vineyard 668 Vogt, George 1152 Volkel, Fred 508 Voorhees, Henry D 1119 Voorhees, Jaques 1131 Wade, Josephus 176 Wadleigh, Luke 992 Wagy, Abraham 1056 Wagy, Lemuel 1059 Wait, F. G 330 Wait, Meigs 324 Walker, William C 1405 Wallace, William B 1387
H
.
R
H
;
Wallbaum, August Walnut Grove Township
.
.
1261
1157
.
W
W
CM
343 1156 1410 Township 670 746 Watson, Abram 1392 Watson, Hezekiah 458 Webster, Hammond 469 Werts, George West End Creamery, Millersburg 583 1007 White, James R 605 White, Snowden 526 Whitehall, Thomas 1259 Whiteman, Henry Miller. 1398 Whiteman, David A 608 Whitham, Kenneth Walter, George Walters, John War of 1812 War Record of Greene
Terry, William Tharp Family
.
K
Whiting, George Whitsitt,
W
M
John
Wiegand, William
Wild animals. Walnut Grove. Wilkins, Samuel Williams, James
M
M
Willis, J. Willits, Dr. T Willits, Isaiah Willits, Levi ." Willits, Mary D.. Willits, Milton L Willits, Mrs. Sarah Willitt, Thomas Wilitts, Thomas Willits, Thomas T Willits, William
G
M
W
Wood, J. Wood, Newton Wood, W. A Woodard, Alonzo T.
G
Woods, Alexander Woods, James H Woods, Richard H
.
.
171
Wilmerton, William Wilson, David Wilson, James McCormick Wilson, John A Wilson, William A Winchester, W. A Winders, William Wirt, Martin Wolf, George S Wolfe, Jacob Wolff, Reuben S
Woodhams,
.
197 715 1386 1159 1378 1290 621 97
M
Woodside, Hugh G Wordin, Charles C Wright, George A Wright, James C Wycoff, J. P York, Charles Young, Jacob and H. Zentmire, Wilson P
V
583 101 96 527 114 254 836 523 714 741 829 1353 94 526 596 176 823 181 1152 246 1409 345 1275 786 608 1409 1087 1137 599 607 596 192 240 1125 257
,
HISTOEY OF
Mercer and Henderson
Counties.
DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS.
That our readeTs may have a full understanding of the history of Mercer and Henderson counties, it will be necessary to take them back, not merely to the time of their earliest settlement by the whites, but a time far anterior to
that. This part of the State of Illinois has at been in the possession and under the dominion of various persons and powers, whose acts play an important part in the
different periods'
Of
history of this section.
we
course
population, the present history
fully realize that, to the present
wUl prove much more
interestiag than
that which precedes, but as the foundation of the house is
appreciated
by the occupants and
is
yet one of
its
much
less
very important parts,
so that part of history which forms the basis for what follows must necessarily be of the utmost value as a foundation or root
on which
to
develop the complete work.
Though but a
more than half a century has passed
little
since the
of this part of the Mississippi vaUey was occupied and cultivated
soil
that length of time had elapsed since its During that 150 years it was occupied by various of Indians, and was under the dominion of several powerful
by white men, three times first
discovery.
tribes
governments, with but
who contended
littie
for its possession with varying success,
apparent design
of occjipation other than for the
purpose of trading with the original owners, in furs and such other natural products as they could easily gather, and their simple and Indeed the fur trade seems to have been not indolent habits required. only the chief object, but eventually to have led to the peopling of the country with those who added to the industry of fur catching that of agriculture.
The
first
white
men
to "visit lUinois with a
view of making extended
explorations were Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette, their travels in this state
Joliet 2
beginning in 1673.
was
bom
at
Quebec in 1646, and educated
for a priest of the
HISTORY OF MEECER
18
Eoman doned
AJftD
HENDERSON COUNTIES.
Catholic Church, but at the time of which
his profession,
and
at the
we
write
had aban-
age of twenty-eight was engaged in the
fur trade.
Father Marquette was born in France in 1637. same church and of the order of Jesuits.
He was
priest of the
view to promulgate the doctrines of his church that he
It
left
also a was with a
comparative
comfort in his native country, crossed the Atlantic and braved the
western wilderness, hundreds of miles beyond the boundaries of civilihe professed, in which, by
zation, to convert the Indians to the faith
he made many enduring friendships. These two men, with their several objects in view, set out from the Jesuit Mission on the Strait of Mackinaw with five other French companions on their journey. May 17, 1763, their objective point being the Mississippi river, of which they had but a vague idea. Coasting alongthe northern shore of Lake Michigan, they reached Green Bay, on the west side of the lake, and the mouth of Fox river, in "Wisconsin. Up this river they pushed their canoes as far as the depth of the water would permit. Having reached the head waters of the Fox, it was but a few miles to the waters of the "Wisconsin, which flows thence into the Mississippi. Across this stretch of prairie they carried their small boats and scanty outfits, and again launched them. On the 17th of June, just one month after their embarkation at the Mackinaw, they found themselves on the broad bosom of the Father of Waters (meaning of the Indian words composing the name Mississippi). Down the river they glided rapidly and easily, touching frequently at different points on either shore, and doubtless the soil of these counties was pressed, for the first time by white men, by the feet of Joliet and Marquette and their companions. On landing at one place their journal shows that they went ashore and remained several days with the natives. This could not have been far from this part of the river's course probably near Eock Island on the west side. They were his kindness,
—
by the Indians, and given all the supplies at their disposal for the further prosecution of their explorations. They continued then- course until they came near the mouth of the Arkansas river, where, finding Indians who showed some signs of hostility, treated kindly
they
deemed HHnois
it
expedient to return.
river,
They now entered the mouth of the up which they toiled to Lake Michigan, whose western
shore they followed to Green Bay, where the;^ arrived the latter part of September. In this journey they had spent about four months and traveled nearly 3,000 mUes. JoKet had accompHshed his discovei-ing a route to the great water thoroughfares and friendly relations with the inhabitants along their shores,
purpose of opening up
and Father
DISCOVEBtES
Marquette had
made known
AND EXPLORATIONS.
the gospel to those with
19
whom
his brief
brought him in contact. The formal occupation of the Mississippi and Illinois yalleys was accomplished in 1680, ia the name of the French, by Eobert La Salle,, who came, with about thirty followers, for the purpose of building forts visits
on the
Illinois river at different points,
name and for ment, which he represented. Even
with the natives in the
and establishing trading points
the benefit of the French governat this early date the
English and
French were disputing the rights of each other to the trade of these valleys, and this expedition was watched with suspicious eyes by th& former. Not only so, but the enterprise which bid fair to be popular and profitable was jealously viewed by the order of Jesuits, who had been excluded from it, and their rivals of the RecoUet order selected as spiritual counsel and companions. Of the last was father HennepiUy after whom, 150 years later, was named a town on the Elinois river.. Owing to these, and unfaithful members of the expedition, treacherous guides and hostile Indians, \rith many unforseen mishaps, the story of La SaUe's travels sounds more like fiction than truth. Often, almost alone, he traveled for many days through the wilderness in the dead of winter and almost without a mouthful of food. His forts and tradrug^ posts were built and destroyed and rebuilt by turns, imtil at last, having formally taken possession of the country and traversed the Illinois river from Lake Michigan, the Kankakee to its junction therewith, and the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico, he was basely assassinated by In taking possession of the his own followers in January, 1687. country he gave it the name of his reigning monarch and called it Louisiana, so that what is now Mercer and Henderson counties and Illinois was once called by that name. Very much that would be interestiug to the general reader concerning La Salle's voyages must necessarily be omitted, as our work has not so much to do with the State of Illinois and the great water-courses explored by him as with the locality under immediate consideration. Father Hennepin, whose name has already been mentioned, made byLa Salle's order an excm-sion from the mouth of the Illinois up the Mississippi as far as the Falls of St. Anthony, and may have touched Henry Tonti, one of La Salle's at points bordering on this section. companions, figures largely in the early explorations of this part of the country. He spent over twenty years in establishing posts and buildUnder his command was all of ing fortifications for their protection. the territory from the Allegheny to the Rocky Mountains, and from the
Gulf of Mexico as far north as imagination could carry. Although the French had, as noted, taken possession of
this large
20
HISTORY or MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
The EngUsh, tract of country, it was not an undisputed occupation. having settled the Atlantic coast, were gradually pushing their settlements toward the west, and finding the fur trade a profitable source of revenue to individual enterprise and also to the government, disputed with the French who inhabited the shores of the gi-eat lakes, the right To carry out their plans it became necessary for to the monopoly. either to enUst the Indians in their schemes, as from them they were Accordingly, the natives of the Alleghenies and to derive their profit. the Ohio valley were naturally arrayed against each other and many and bloody wars were the consequence. In the mother countries the
which and thus were the struggles for the fur trade, which might otherwise have been confined to active competition, transformed into long-continued and bloody conflict. These wars in history are termed the Fi'ench and Indian wars, and lasted for a period of more than fifty years. At last, in 1763, at a Trench and English were engaged from time
to time in combat,
naturally extended to the colonies of America,
ti'eaty
between these nations, all that portion of the Mississippi valley was ceded to England, and thus for a time, until the
east of the river
war of
the revolution, this section of country remained a province of
Oreat Britain.
The great struggle of the colonists, commencing in 1775 and ending with their independence in 1783, though mostly confined to the shores of the Atlantic were not wholly so, for while a fierce conflict was going on at the east, the valleys of the Mississippi,. Wabash and Ohio were receiving some attention from both the English and Americans. At the beginning of that war the whole northwest was in the possession of the British. , The brilliant achievements which wrested these beautiful valleys from English rule were brought about by Gen. George Eogers Clarke, of Virginia. He well understood the relations existing between the Indians and the mother country, and though the natives had been stured up to jealousy by the rapid encroachments of white settlers upon their domain, he wisely judged that if the British posts and foits could be wrested from them, the subjugation of the Indians would be a comparatively easy matter. Accordingly he applied to the authorities of Yirginia for men and means for the accomplishing of the enterprise, and though they could at that time ill be spared, they were granted, and Clarke set out upon the underi;aking. Though many hardships consequent upon hunger and fatigue had to be endured, the whole line of fori;s,
CahoHa and Yincennes, was taken with scarcely a show of resistance, the inhabitants of the posts apparently being desirous of coming under the new government. In February, including Kaskaskia,
•
1777,
—
DISCOVERIES
AND EXPIOEATIONS.
21
Yincennes was taken, and thus hostilities for this region, not only hetween the Americans and English, but for the time being between the Americans and Indians were terminated, and the possession of the northwest made secure. But for these brilliant strokes of Gen. Clarke it is hard to conceive what would have been the history of this part of the country. Possibly a union of all the tribes from Maine to Florida might have been effected, which in conjunction with foreign foes, though then somewhat discouraged, would have retained possession of the whole Mississippi valley even to this time. .The close of the war of independence left this portion of the country under the government of the United States, and as a part of Yirguiia. In 1778, the legislature of Yirginia formed, from the territory under that dominion, all of the country now embraced in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, "Wisconsin and Michigan, the county of Illinois, so that what is now embraced in Mercer and Henderson counties was once a part of Yirginia. Illinois continued a part of Yirginia until March 1, 1784, when that state ceded it with all other territory north of the Ohio river to the United States. In 1787, the whole country under consideration was, by an ordinance passed by the government, set apart and named the Northwestern Territory. After a while the territory was divided into smaller territories, and what is now the state of Illinois fell into that portion called Indiana Territory as one of its counties, with its old name of 1778 Illinois county.
In 1809, the country
now known
as Illinois
and "Wisconsin was
name
of Illinois Territory.
erected into a separate territoi^ With the
The population
of this vast region was then only about half that of
Mercer and somewhat 9,000.
Many
less
than Henderson county,
being
all told
of the oldest citizens of this region, but then residents
of other states,
doubtless remember, if not the event
incidents of as early a date.
Now there
itself,
many
are 102 counties in the State
of Illinois, few of which contain a smaller population than did both these gi-eat states only seventy-five years ago, one of which has residing
within
its
limits a population sixty times
which we write, the and Kandolph.
territory
was divided
as great.
into
two
At
the time of
—
counties^
St.
Clair
the valley of the Mississippi was a part of the United and though it belonged to the government, it was occupied almost exclusively by the Indians, and they claimed it as their rightful possession in which to live and derive support, not from the' cultivation of its soil, but from its natural products. In 1804 "William Henry
Though
States,
Harrison, authorized
by the general government, made a
treaty with
HISTOEY OF MERCEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
22
the chiefs and head
men
of the Sac and
Fox nations who were then the
the country on both sides of the Illinois, was the Mississippi and including all the country west of the whites. given up to the government for purposes of settlement by known as the •Out of this treaty, a number of years later, grew what is
occupants of
Black
all this region,
whereby
all
Hawk war.
GENEEAL HAEEISON. of the state between the Mississippi and and extending from the mouth of the latter about 170 miles north, and including the counties of which we now write, was surveyed by the government and subsequently set apart as bounties to soldiers of the regular army who had served in the war with Great The whole Britain, and which had just preceded the date just given. These land tract contained 207 entire townships and several fractions. grants or bounties became a kind of cun-ency in this part of the country, and were used not only by actual settlers in making homes for themselves, but large numbers were bought by speculators for a trifling
In 1816
all that poi-tion
Illinois rivers,
3)art of their face value.
From misunderstandings many claims were put
value and of their validity,
much
litigation in regard to the
embraced by the military
tract
land
titles
as to their real in jeopardy,
and
in the parts of the counties
have been the
result.
Whoever has
held successfully a disputed title in the Bounty lands, from bitter exper rience has learned the history of these land schemes and speculations better than any but the attorneys engaged in unravelling them can
know
or care to learn.
http://stores.ebay.com/Ancestry-Found HAWK WAK.
BLACK In 1818 the territory
now embraced
organization and was admitted into the
23
in Illinois
Union
became a separate
as a State.
As
yet but
had been formed in the state and all of these ta the southern pai-t. None had been formed in the military tract, nor indeed was there much necessity for such organizations, as there was scai'cely a family permanently established. However, a few years fifteen counties
later,
Pike county, embracing
all
of the wilderness of Warren, Mercer,
Henderson and a number of other counties, was organized. From and after the Black Hawk war, settlements were quite rapid west of the Illinois river, and new counties were accordingly as rapidly authorized. The army which went forward to suppress the uprising of the Indians under that chief in 1832 had much to do in settling the section between the mouth of the Illinois and Rock Island. It was "then discovered by many of the soldiery that the garden of Illinois lay .along that line of march. Many of them profited by their experience by themselves selecting homes in the section under consideration. Information sent by others to friends in the east and south brought
many more, so that in 1826 the county of Warren, embracing all ot the territory now included in Warren and Henderson, and Mercer with its present limits, were formed and attached to Peoria for political pur-. poses. Subsequently, Warren county was organized and Mercer was attached to Warren for a few years. In 1835 Mercer was organized, and in 1841 Henderson with its present limits was cut off" fi'om the west side of Warren and immediately organized. This then brings us to the consideration of the several counties as separate organizations,
and
as such
we
shall refer to
them
as separate items of historical
interest.
BLACK Though
this
was not
HAWK
WAR. Indian troubles, yet
the battle-field of the
proximity to the scenes of the struggle
its
makes the Black Hawk war a
peculiarly interesting topic for consideration
;
indeed this portion of
the valley of the Mississippi was the iome of the Indian. On its banks and those of the Edwards, Pope and Henderson rivers, and the smaller streams of the two counties, he built his wigwam, hunted game
and
fished in their waters.
This coimtry was dear to him and for
it,
he made his last desperate struggle. The rich mines of lead at and in the vicinity of Galena had for some time been worked. That section, about fifteen miles square, had been bought by the government in 1804, and its occupation by the Tvhites had been the source of some ill-feeling on the part of the In 1825 or thereabouts Indians, which was resented by the whites. real trouble began to show itself and conflicts between the two races though not in
it,
M
HISTORY OF MEECEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
were common. At this time the number of miners had increased to more than 1,500 and they were not always careful to avoid crossing the Indian claims, nor were they always particular about holding sacred the rights of Indians to their property, or of shooting their game or
came about that an Indian's scalp much of a trophy as was a white man's to an
stealing their ponies,
was considered
as
and
it
finally
Indian.
These growing animosities
finally
culminated in an attack by the
Winnebago Indians on the 30th of July, 1827, on two keel-boats which. were passing up the Mississippi river with supplies for Fort SnelUng. The state govSeveral of the crew were killed and others wounded. ernment being apprised of the' outbreak ordered forward, to the threatened portion of the state, military to quell the hostiles. The whole country roundabout was in confusion and alarm, and settlers throughout the northern part of the state fled to distant points where had been erected fortifications for safety. At Galena 3,000 people, men women and children from the surrounding country were gathered for protection.
Several hundred
equipped, and in
men
at
Sangamon and Morgan
Galena were armed and counties a regiment was
formed and sent forward, but before they arrived the Indians had been driven far north and some of the leaders captured. Hardly had the excitement occasioned by this outbreak died out, however, until trouble began with the Sac and Fox tribes. The leadersand chiefs of these were Keokuk and Black Hawk, whose names have been perpetuated in different localities in this vicinity by places which, bear their names. These men were not friends had they been, the war which was soon to follow might have been a much more seriousaffair than it proved. Keokuk was loyal to the government and conti'oUed much the larger portion of the people, though they were anxious for war, and in accordance with the stipulations of a preceding treaty he with a majority of the two tribes remained on the west side of the Mississippi river. Black Hawk, however, claiming that the treaty alluded to was void, crossed the river with 300 warriors in the spring of 1831 with a view of occupying his former home near where ;
Kock Island now stands. Here had these people lived for more than a hundred years and this was the piincipal town of the Sac nation. According to one provision of the treaty the Indians had a, right to occupy the lands imtil wanted by the government for actual settlement, and though the Indians had been ordered to vacate them no actual settlers were very near in all of Mercer and Henderson counties perhaps not more than five or six families, and in the whole county of Kock Island not one. However, in those times people liv-
the city of
—
BLACK
HAWK WAE.
25
ing within forty miles of each other were neighbors, and the two races
could not well exist within twice the distance without encroaching on
each other. test
conflict,
should be made.
details,
much to blame in bringing^ and doubtless both were anxious that the final
Doubtless both parties were
about this final
It is not our province to discuss causes
with the territory whose history
On
or
but simply relate facts that seem to have a close connection
we
set out to write.
the 30th of April, 1831, a petition signed
by
forty persons was.
had done and that their lives and homes wereJohn Reynolds was then Governor of Illinois and petition and other information received, that
sent to the executive of Illinois representing that the Indians
much damage
to their property,
in constant danger.
believing from
this
Black Hawk was determined to retain possession of the disputed territory to the detriment of the state, resolved to expel him. He accordingly made a call for volunteers. In a very short time 700 militia were assembled at Beardstown on the Illinois river ready to take up the line of marcb toward the camp of Black Hawk. Before moving, however, Gen. Gaines, who was then stationed at St. Louis, passed up the river to Eock Island in command of a regiment of. United States troops, with the hope of returning the Indians to the west side of the river without the necessity of calling
upon the mihtia. The Indians. were obstinate and refused to move, and according to previous arrangement the volunteers from Beardstown were advised to go forward, which they did with much enthusiasm, their numbers having in the meantime been swelled to twice the original
call.
The brigade was accompanied by Governor Reynolds and Joseph Duncan, whose name appears on the records of Mercer and Henderson as -a large land-holder in the early times of this section, was appointed ;
brigadier-general.
On
the
15th of June,
this,
the largest body of
mihtary that had ever been seen in the state, left their encampment at RushviUe, just west of the Illinois river, and marched to within a few This line of march took them directly miles of the Sac village. through the central part of Mercer county, and the exact route is still known and pointed out, it being on the old Indian trail (which was nearly on the Henderson and Warren county line) and extending through Mercer county northward between Aledo and Joy. When the Indians found that the government and state were in earnest, and that they were nearly surrounded with bristling bayonets and cannon, and
were about to be cut ofij they took the alarm, and the night before the intended attack escaped to the west side of the river. Doubtless their retreat was known and could have been cut off", but Gen. Gaines was
26
HISTOEV OF MEECER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
The soldiery should end without bloodshed. burned their revenge were somewhat disappointed, and in a spirit of anxious that the
town, though the
affair
wigwams and
cabins were needed to protect them-
from the rain which was falling incessantly. Thus bloodlessly terminated the campaign, but the war was not yet at an end. Black Hawk had promised to submit to the government of the country and to the counsel of the friendly chiefs, but he still had the defiant will which ere long must needs break out in the act which did not terminate so favorably to him and his braves. During the following winter he was busy inciting the Indians to hostility, and by His headquarters spring had succeeded in raising a force of 600. were at the site of old Fort Madison, just on the west side of the Mississippi. From thence they proceeded up the river on horses, the women and children in canoes, to a point just opposite the present town of Oquawka. Here they were met by White Cloud, the prophet, who, at a council held at the place named, advised them to go forward and cross the river, and. that numerous other tribes would surely join them in a war against the whites. Accordingly the Indians crossed the Mississippi at Rock Island and ascended the Rock river to the country still occupied by the Winnebagos, near its source. Couriers were sent to warn them to return, but with no effect. The attitude of Black Hawk looked so alanning that the settlers of the whole of the north half of the state fled precipitately to the southern part and to the more thickly settled portions of Indiana. Governor Reynolds at once called for volunteers to meet at Beards-. town. About 2,000 men assembled upon this call, and on the 27th of April the army started on their march to Oquawka, where they were joined by two companies from Shelby county. Here the anny encamped for several days awaiting supplies and provisions, which were furnished them from Rock Island and St. Louis. As soon as they could be supplied, baggage wagons were loaded and all was got in readiness for a march to Dixon, where they had been informed the «nemy was encamped. When the army was ready to stait a letter was brought from Gen. Atkinson, who commanded several companies of the regular army at Fort Armstrong, that Black Hawk had descended the Rock river, and requesting the governor to march selves
immediately with troops to Fort Armstrong. The army was then put in motion and moved to the mouth of Rock river, where they were jeceived into the service of the United States, and Gen. Atkinson
assumed command. The volunteers now took up their course along Rock river toward Dixon, where they were joined a few days later by Gen. Atkinson and
BLACK the regulars.
From
this point
HAWK WAE.
27
Majors Stillman and Bailey had been
detailed to protect the pioneer border, and having as yet seen but
little
service they were anxious to
go farther up the river to reconnoitre. Accordingly orders were given to proceed up the river for this purpose, and with nearly 300 men they advanced about thirty miles, where they captured a few Indians and pursued some others, who had fled, into the very ambush of Black Hawk, who with only about forty warriors put them to flight and killed several of them. The retreat was as inglorious as it was confusing ammunition, food, horses and wagons were left in the precipitate flight, and the fugitives did not stop running until they arrived at Dixon, in squads of from two or three to ;
a
dozen.
The war was now
and the next day the army They found the ground strewn with
fully inaugurated,
started for the field of action.
their comrades in a horribly mutilated condition, with heads and limbs sundered from the bodies and hearts plucked out. The fragments were gathered together and buried in one common grave on the spot. The Indians had fled, well knowing that the fury of the whites would be fully aroused upon the discovery of the atrocious deeds. The Government now sent Gen. Scott with 1,000 United States
troops to superintend operations in the future campaigns.
New levies
made and sent forward by the State. On the 6th of June Black Hawk made an attack with about 150 warriors on the fort of troops were at
Apple
fort,
river,
There were only twenty-five men in the with desperation for fifteen hours, and the
near Galena.
but they defended
it
retire, the only damage sustained being the loss of one man, the burning of the houses of the village,
Indians were finally compelled to
and the
destruction of other property.
Other conflicts followed rapidly in succession between bands of Indians and detachments of American troops, but as the engagements did not occur in the vicinity of the counties of which we write, we shall but mention them. The battle at Kellogg's Grove, and other conflicts in the northern portion of Illinois and the southern part of Wisconsin occurred during the months of June and July. At last, about the first of August, the Indians were completely hemmed in at a point on the Mississippi called Bad Axe, where they were driven into the river, many being killed and many others being •drowned in the attempt to gain the opposite shore. The loss of the Indians was not far short of 300, and near 100 more were wounded and taken prisoners. The war virtually ended with the battle of Bad Axe,
was not deemed necessary. Many of the names of those engaged ia the war, such as Anderson, Tumey, Ewing, Breese, Dement, Ford, Duncan, Dodge and Lincoln, iind the further pursuit of the hostiles
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
28
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
nation. afterward became noted in the history of the state and of the more a made none themselves, Among the many who distinguished after Springfield, of Henry, D. brilliant record than did Gen. James
whom
has been
named an
adjoining county.
A few weeks subsequent to the battle of Bad Axe, Black Hawk and by some friendly Indians and turned over They were held in custody for about, authorities.
the Prophet were captured
United States subsequently Black Hawk one year, when they were set at liberty period, and then moved short for a settled down in Lee county, Iowa, above its mouth. In miles twenty to the vicinity of the Des Moines, to the
;
1838 he contracted a disease which ended his life when he had Abraham Miller, formerly a attained the age of seventy-two years. a letter to the Historical Society of says, in resident of Mercer county, Hawk after his expulsion Black frequently saw county, that he Mercer from this section, in the neighborhood of New Boston, where, Mr.
Black Hawk's daughter lies bm-ied. Quite a number of Mercer and Henderson counties yet survive who were personally acquainted with this great chief, notably amongst whom isColonel Patterson of Oquawka, whose intimacy with him and his history we shall notice at length on a subsequent page.
MiUer
says.
citizens of
^
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE INDIANS. The Indians inhabiting advent of the white
settler,
this portion of the state at the
and
for
many
time of the
years previous, were the Sae
and Fox nations, and consisted of the Ottawa, Kickapoo, Chippewa, Shawnee, Mascoutin, Piankeshaw aud Pottawottamie tribes. They had obtained possession of this part of the State by conquest from other tribes who had lived here before the occupation by these nations. The Sacs and Foxes were at the beginning of the present centmy indeed 'but one nation in reality, intermarrying, living, hunting and fighting together as an individual nation. closely connected with this section,
As their history is sO' many of our younger-
doubtiess
whose
fathers and mothers and elderly friends have recoUeeback to the closing scenes of the Indian's last years on the east side.of the Mississippi and their final departure, wiU be inteiv ested to read something relating to their modes of life. Before the' arrival of the Europeans and their intercourse with them, their manners, implements of agi-iculture, hunting and war, were much more rude than after contact with the more enlightened whites. They were at first found in possession of the most simple utensils the flint dart, of which many have been found along the timber lands of the streams, were the points for the arrows, which, shot from the bow, brought down the game which was their principal subsistence. The
readers,
tions reaching
;
;
MANNERS AND
0TTST0M8 OF
THE INDIANS.
29
boys as soon as they were strong enough were given this instrument,
and
their education consisted in
habits of the animals This, too,
was
it
its
was designed
use and the knowledge of the to destroy.
their instrument of warfare.
For the
different pur-
poses different shaped points were used. Some were fashioned with barbs at the base, so that the arrows having entered the object would
not be easily withdrawn, which, possibly were used for shooting .fish apme were made broad at the base, and were no doubt designed to
make
a large wound, and were perhaps used for the slaying of the and in war and yet others were evidently intended for
larger animals
;
small game, and where
it
absolutely necessary.
Of
was not
desirable to injure the flesh
more than
these three principal varieties cuts are here these, as can be seen
given, but there were numerous modifications of
by
reference to the collections in the possession of a
number
of persons
HISTOET OF MERCEE AOT) HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
30
For knives and axes they
in this section.
also used flint
and granite
stones fashioned into proper shapes.
Mr. Tyler McWhorter has in his valuable and extensive cabinet a very large number of these and other implements used by these people.
These rude implements were, after the fur trade was established, gradually superseded by knives and guns procured from the tradera in exchange for furs, and many of the Indians soon became as skillful in the use of the rifle as the white men, and afterward made eflfectual and savage use of it against the race by whom it had been supplied. However, when our fathers and grandfathers found these people here they were
still
anything but cultured in their ways.
Their h'ouses consisted of a few poles ten or fifteen feet in length, planted in the ground in circular form and approaching each other at the top, and covered with the skins of animals.
In the winter the
was kindled in the middle of the area inside and the smoke found
way •
out at the top, where an opening had been
left.
At
fire its-
this fire they
cooked their food by roasting animal's flesh held on the ends of sharpened sticks, and by baking cakes of meal that had been made by breaking the grains with stones on flat, heated stones. common food was made by boiling the carcass of an animal with kernels of com and such vegetables as they could find. Abraham Miller, an early settler at the town of Millersburg, relates that he saw Black Hawk and a few of his friends regale themselves on a stew prepared from a polecat thrown into the kettle without any dressing whatever. Skins of animals taken in the chase constituted their beds, and around the smouldering embers of the camp-fire they smoked their pipes and recounted
A
and slept the long winter upon these primitive couches. The business of the Indian was to Idll game and spear fish, while that of the wife was to till the soil in summer, gather and chop the^ wood for the fires and do the drudgery for the simple household. Cleanliness was by no means essential to respectability, neither did there the incidents of the chase or war,
nights
the clothing nor the person of the Indian receive so many ablutionsall these events in his life could be easily remembered.
but that
Marriage with them was not even a matter of form, unless it be considered in the light of a bargain and sale, for such it really was, ponies, and bear and deer skins being almost always given in exchange^ for wives.
In general they had but few children.
treated as slaves
The women were
and were subject in consequence of exposure to
many
and severe attacks of sickness.
The stories found in novels of the wooing of the dusky maiden the noble warrior or daring hunter, and of their tender attachment
by for
31
DESGEIPTION.
A
their wives and cliildren, are in the main very much overdrawn. few rare exceptions are tnown. It is said that Black Hawk was amost devoted husband, and was, throughout his long life, true to his-
marital relations.
The amusements of the Indians were the war dance, athletic sports, and the narration of their hunting and war experiences, but in none of these did the females take any part. Though filthy in their habits to the extreme they were nevertheless proud, and were fond of decorating their dirty bodies with paint, feathers, and such bits of ribbons and beads as they could obtain. After its introduction by the whites the Indians grew very fond of whisky, and drunkenness became much more common with them than Sometimes when a fresh supply of liquor with their pale brethren. was obtained, a whole band, with the exception of two or three, whowere required to remain sober for the purpose of keeping the rest from murdering each other, would get on a grand big drunk, which would not end until the whisky was all gone or they got beyond the power of locomotion.
DESCEIPTION. Mercer county braces a
little
lies
'^
on the northwestern border of the
more than
state
and em-
about 550 square miles.
fifteen townships, or
boimded on the north by Rock Island county, on the east by Henry and EJnox, on the south by Warren and Henderson, and on the west by the middle of the Mississippi river. The fourth principal meridian passes along the eastern border, and it embraces townships 13, 14 and 15 north, and ranges 1, 2, 3, 4, and a part of 5 and 6 west. It is intersected from the east to the west, through the northern portion, by Edwards river, which, near the western border, changes its course, and It is
running in a southwesterly direction, empties into tiie Mississippi about, few miles south of the a mile and a half below !N"ew Boston.
A
Pope creek, which passes through the county in the same In addition to direction, and enters the Mississippi at Keithsburg. these there are in the northwest, Eliza creek, which empties into Swan
Edwards
is
South of these is: lake, and Camp creek, a tributary of the Edwards. North Pope, a tributary of Pope creek, and in the southeast are North Henderson and Duck creeks. These, together with some smaller streams, furnish an abundant supply of water.
A
portion
large
the
a is
prairie
yeUow similar
is
a
or dark to
that
county
the
of
borders of the streams
are
deep
the
black
brown of the
clay
is
prairie,
so-called
or
chocolate
subsoil.
prairie,
only
while
The
colored soil
lighter
along
The
barrens.
the
soil
loam,
of
with
of the barrens colored
and of
HISTOEY OF MEBOEK AND HENDEESON 00ITNTIE8.
32
upper part of the slope it is of a light or yellowish color, owing to the character of the subsoil, which near the surface. In some portions of the barrens there is but
less depth, while along the
brown
wmes
.
a thin covering of the
The most extensive
soil,
and in these places
it is
quite light colored.
alluvial deposit is along the Mississippi bottom.
This extends along the whole western border of the county, with a Of this, that portion which is varied width of from two to five miles.
on the northwest and extends as far south as New Boston, is up by swamps, lakes and bays. Through a large portion of The these bottom lands there are one or more low ridges of sand. soil of this sandy portion is of but little value, there being but few In other portions the seasons when it is wet enough to produce. Narrow alluvial belts soil is a deep black loam and very productive. are also found along nearly all the water-courses, the soil of which is very dark colored, but more or less intermingled with sand and pebCoal of a good quality is found in various parts the veins are bles. from three to five feet thick. The mines famish a large amount of good coal. The seam ftimishing the largest portion of the coal of this county extends over most of the northeastern half of the county, but is most extensively mined in the townships of Greene, EivoU, KichIn the township" sketches, devoted land Grove and Preemption. to these townships, wOl be found more extended notices of these situated
much
cut
;
naines.
The is
soil
of this county
is
well adapted to agricultural purposes, and
in nearly every part of the county productive of large crops of com,
oats and hay.
was grown
Wheat
is
not
much
raised.
Formerly, spring wheat
to a considerable extent, but of late years its cultivation has
greatly decreased.
Eecently, considerable attention has been given to
The land along or near the water-courses, though of a lighter character, is valuable for the production of fruit. Nearly all the lands along the streams were formerly heavily timbered, producing winter wheat.
but here the
cabins, and in consequence of and southern homes, much of the orig-" inal forest has disappeared. In the early times coal was not used for indeed it was scarcely known to exist, and its value as a fuel was fuel overlooked for a number of years. Fencing and house-building also required much timber, and ^o the once heavily timbered portions of the county now resemble much more than formerly the open prairies which lie beside them. The kinds of timber most abundant ai-e white, burr, black, red and laurel oak, red and white elm, blue and white ash, hickory, maple, wild cherry, and occasionally a black walnut. In the bottoms are also locust, sycamore, Cottonwood,, box alder, wild plum first settlers built their
habits acquired in their eastern
;
^AAILLIAM
DRURY.
A SCRAP OF ANCIENT
HISTORY.
35
and crab-apple, and occasionally pecans and buckeyes. Grape vines and other cHmbers are abundant. In later years the hand of man has added many varieties of fruit and ornamental trees, which thrive apparently as 'though in their native soil. The osage orange grows well here, and many of the most tasty farms are now fenced with this shrub. The climate is rather cold for it, however, and its fruit scarcely ever comes to perfection. In the larger supplies of fish,
rivers,
especially near their mouths,
and formerly
are abundant
in the timber along their banks were
found many wild animals, such as deer, squirrels, raccoons, turkeys and chickens. The game has almost all vanished from before the face of the white man. The description of the county will be given more in detail in the several township sketches.
A SCRAP OF ANCIENT HISTORY. The
following, written nearly half a
wiU doubtless prove
this section,
centmy ago, by a
interesting to
many
visitor to
readers.
It is
from Augustus Mitchell's description of Illinois in 183Y. "Mercer county is situq,ted in the northern part of the Military Bounty tract. It lies north of Warren, south of Eock Island, west of Henry, and east of Louisa and Musquitine counties, *Wisconsin territory, from which it is separated by the Mississippi, river. The town of Mercer is located in the exact geographical center and with the express view of becoming the county seat of Mercer count}-. It is situated midway between Pope and Edwards rivers, which run through the county parallel to each other, and at this point are not more than five miles apart. The site is healthy and elevated, commanding a beautiful view of the surrounding country, which is as rich and as well adapted to the culture of wheat, and indeed of all Mnds The county is settling rapidly with a of grain, as any in the state. The water-power moral, industrious and enterprising population. afforded by Pope and Edwards rivers is equal to that of any county •
in the state
:
a circumstance of
much
•
•
importance, not only for fur-
nishing lumber for building, but for the erection of grain and flouring
one saw mill now in operation within two and onewiU be built the approaching The situation of Mercer season, also within a few miles of the town. admits of the convenient access to the timber, stone and stone coal of both Pope and Edwards rivers and their branches. Mercer "is situar ted about fourteen miles from New Boston, on the Mississippi, at which It is also on the direct route from the there is an excellent landing. mills.
There
is
half miles of Mercer, and several others
*Now
Iowa..
HISTOET OF MEECEE
36
latter place to
AND HENDEEgON
COtTNTIES.
Hennepin, and from Oquawka to Rock Island.
New
only other town in the county, and is just above Edwards river, nearly bank, Yellow situated at the upper a considerable. stream of the Lower Iowa, of the opposite the mouth Boston, the seat of justice, is the
Wisconsin territory. This place has- a good landing and a fine harbor, and when the opposite territory becomes settled it cannot fail to become a town of considerable importance, as it will be the commercial entrepot of a large extent of
fertile
country."
HABITS AND CUSTOMS OF THE PIONEERS. Perhaps most of the grown people of this section have some knowledge, either by actual observation or from the lips of the few worthy pioneers who still linger on the shores of time, of the early modes of life which obtained during most of the first quarter of a century of its history. But the last original settler wiU soon have left us, and then these things, but for the historian's pen, would become but matters of ti-adition. Even now, amongst the younger class, the stories of the early hai'dships, trials and triumphs of this worthy class of heroic men and women, are not so very fully realized, and in the near future an account of what were once considered "afflictions grievous to be borne," will, without doubt, prove interesting reading to the grandchildren of those whose voices will have been hushed, and whose weary bodies will have been lain away in the soil they first turned to the sun.
How
they camie.
—^A single
history of the emigration of
We will give
instance would almost answer for the
all
of the early settlers to this section.
though not exactly in the words of one who came to this country in 1838 Far across the dense woodlands of Indiana, near where Ohio's broad waters roll onward to join the Mississippi in its course to the great ocean, among the graceful forest trees, and gushing springs and fertile fields of Ohio, rests in quiet beauty a shady hillside, a bright green valley, and a dancing water-brook. Near the lane which passes this spot and crosses the little stream of water just beyond, may be seen a fine old farm house surrounded with towering elms and fronted with evergreens of different varieties. But not with this place, as it it
in substance,
:
^ '
exists to-day, has our narrative to do. True, the sun-oundiijgs have changed but little in half a century. The trees are much larger, and the house has been so metamorphosed that its former occupant would
not recognize
it but the hillside and the brook, the valley and the present the same appearance as when forty-odd years ago the scene which we are about to describe might have been witnessed.
forest,
;
HABITS It
AND CUSTOMS OF THE
was no uncommon occurrence
because of
its
that
being a usual circumstance
importance and
is
was taking place there, but it becomes of the greater
described the more minutely.
was a matter of the
37
PIONEERS.
To
the parties con-
moment.
The family had caught a glimpse of the wonderful country in the Bounty tract, one of the number having the year before made a trip to the new State of Illinois and brought back cerned, however,
who had
it
greatest
for years occupied this place
glowing accounts of the broad prairies, the fine belts of timber, the richness of the soil, the abundance of game, and the many other real and fancied advantages to the emigrant bold enough to face the dangers and privations incident to a pioneer life. The matter had been talked over for many months. The children talked it over and wondered at the length of the journey, the exciting incidents of the trip,, and the novel scenes that awaited them in their new home, little comprehending the hardships to which they would be subjected. The mother and wife had said but little, but naturally shrank from the trial of leaving relatives, friends and home, and taking up her abode in the
She could scarcely reconcile herself to the life of privaand perhaps danger, that awaited her and those she loved. But the father argued that the little farm on which they lived, and rented by the year, but barely gave them a support that the prospect, as mnch as he liked his neighbors, and much as he prized the social and He was advancother privileges, was very feeble for an independence. ing in years, and the children would soon arrive at manhood and womanhood with no provision for old age for himself and wife, and with nothing for the young folks with which to begin life. And so it was decided to remove to what seemed to be the land of promise. Accordingly, their plans had been announced to their neighbors,, a sale had been made of what they found to be superfluous articles,, though perhaps with a view to realize a little ready money, with which to make a substantial start in their new location and to liquidate a few debts that had been contracted at the stores, and all was ready for the wilderness.
tion,
;
journey.
The wagoij had been backed to the front door the evening before, and the cows, and a few sheep, that they had concluded to take with them, and which had been reserved from the sale, had been penned up, that they might not stray away before the hour at which they were wanted to begin the journey. The morning had arrived, the candles were lighted, the fire in the fireplace was crackling, and the kettle boilThe breakfast ing, preparatory to taking the last meal in the house. was dispatched in an unusually short time, and then commenced the Bedsteads were knocked to pieces. exciting process of packing up.
HI8T0ET OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
38
bed-clothes were thrown in all directions, and things in general presented a confused appearance. The children seemed to enjoy the ex-
mother hastened about, but on her face was a look but the father and husband moved around with a firm gait, attending to the work of preparation with no sign that betrayed the feeling of reluctance with which he was leaving the place that he citement, the
of dejection
;
had
many
for so
cheerfulness was
years called home, though doubtless
assumed
for the effect that his
much
of his
demeanor might have
on the other members of the family. Soon the household effects and the simpler class of farming utensils were stowed away in the wagon, the bows to support the wagon cover were put in their staples, and the white cover stretched on and Then the oxen were hitched to the wagon, the sheep and cows tied. turned into the road, and all were ready to start. Numerous relatives and friends by this time had gathered to bid them good-by, looking on in the meantime with mingled feelings of sorrow and wonder. When at last the moment for starting came, the wife broke into weeping and though the husband showed no outward signs of regret, when he bid his nearest friends farewell his hand shook a little and his voice was husky. Such a trip as lay before these adventm-ers would now be considered comparatively a trivial undertaking, but at the time of which we write it was of a more serious nature. It would well compare with the embarkation of the hundred pilgrims, who left their native shores two hundred years earlier to make their way across the boundless deep, to ;
home in the new world. Indeed, the hardships of the wilderness road which lay before were greater than those experienced by the emigrants of the Mayflower. The length of time required to complete
find a
the journey was almost as great.
The mother and the youngest children rode in the wagon, while the father and oldest boy trudged along on foot to guide the oxen and attend to the stock. It would be interesting to listen to the account of all
the incidents of their long and tedious journey, but time and space
more than brief allusions. The roads, even in Ohio and Indiwere but poor, and after crossing the Wabash, consisted of mere trails across prairies, through sloughs, fording creeks and ferrying rivers. There were but few bridges across the streams then, especially on this side of the Wabash, and after some days out some of the streams were found to be so swollen by recent rains that the emigrants were compelled to go into camp for several days to wait for the flood forbids ana,
to subside.
On
one such occasion they became so impatient
ting into the stream before
it
had
fallen sufficiently, they all
that, put-
came near
HABITS AND CUSTOMS OF TICE PIONEERS.
39
At another place, where there was a prospect of having to staj several days, a raft was constructed of timbers cut and prepared on the spot, and lashed together with bed cords. On this they crossed to the other side, bringing over the last wheel of the wagon after a whole day's work, thus camping .only a few hundred feet from their camping place of the night before. Theu' little stock ot provisions soon gave out, but they did not suffer for lack of food, as the timber was full of game and the rifle supplied them with plenty of
losing their lives.
The cattle easily subsisted upon the grass that grew along the However, the journey was a wearisome one, and all were well pleased when at length it was completed. Finally, at the close of a weaiy day, the company came to a halt, not -with a design of locating at this stopping place, but, knowing that they must be in the vicinity of the point toward which they had been traveling, they concluded to camp a few days and look around. Accordingly, arrangements for more than an ordinary stop were made, and our pioneer the next day started out on foot to select a location for his future home, leaving his family in camp. After a few day's search, he had fully made up his mind, and the camp was removed to the spot selected for the future home, provided the land was not already the property of some one else. It was yet early spring and they at once set about planting some com and other vegetables, even before the land they were breaking had been secured, living in the meantime the now empty box of the wagon. After the crop was planted, the father made his way to the land By office, and secured the quarter on which he had pitched his tent. fall, a cabiu was erected, and thus began the nejy life of one of the
meat. road.
m
brave families who at that early date came to this countiy to seek an independence and a home. Doubtless many of the earliest settlers will recognize the experiences of this family thus fai' as that of their own, and many of the younger people will imagine they have heard the story before, as told by father or mother, who may long since have been laid to rest in the littie cemetery at Sugar Grove or the Yellow Banks, near the great
many
river.
The experiences of the first emigrants were so similar that a repetition of them destroys the novelty but it could never destroy the charm or lose the interest, while at the same time it renders the faithful description the more valuable, appljang as it does, to so many cases. With the change of the name of the state from which the family came, and the addition or suppression of a few more details which marked their journey, no doubt the narrative might be made to fit the emigra;
HISTOET OF MEECEE
40
AND HENDEE80N
COUNTIES.
A few brought its early occupants. which drew the great prairie schooner wagon, and not infresingle ox or quently a horse and an ox did duty in the same team. a single horse has drawn to this country all of the worldly wealth possessed by some of what have proved its most worthy citizens. The Fwst Dwellings. Judge Gilmore, whose recollection of the early features of the country are probably as correct as any, gives us the pen picture of the pioneer cabin which follows. The pioneer cabins were nearly all built after the same pattern, the plans and specifications being very simple indeed. The building site was a spot in the edge of the grove, so as to be near the patch of prairie designed to be cultivated, and within the shelter of the grove for the protection of This was themselves and stock from the cold winds of winter. considered a colder climate than that fi-om which most of them had come, and protection from its inclemencies was a matter for serious tion to this section of a majority of
horses,
A
.
—
consideration.
The very the small
or
fii-st
cabins were constructed fi'om logs entirely undressed,
difi'erence in
The
utility.
length being considered no disadvantage to looks
trees selected for the purpose
From
less in diameter.
were generally a foot or
these logs were cut, usually about sixteen feet
In both ends of the logs notches were cut to receive the
in length.
notches cut in each other, so that in their building up they would close one
upon the
other, in the
manner of a
rail pen.
When
lie
the pen
was built to the height of six or seven feet, a portion of one or two logs on one side would be removed for a window another opening would be ;
made
and mud chimney, which kind of an addition to the house. In winter the windows consisted of greased paper pasted over tlie opening mentioned. In summer none were needed. The door wks usually made from boards that had been fashioned from a straight grained tree by no other tool than the ax. The latch was a home-made and another
for a door,
would be
for the stick
built outside as a
A
similar to those still to be seen on farm gates. little above the latch a small auger hole was bored through the dooi-, and through this hung a thong of buckskin attached to the latch, by which it could affaii-,
be
from the outside by pulling the string. The floor of the dwelling in very many instances was the earth. The hearth of the fire place, where the cooking was done, was made of lifted
A
such flat stones as could be found in their natural state. little later bricks for this purpose, and in a few instances for entire chimneys, were
made by tramping mud hundred of them county, but
now
in a
box with the bare
at a time.
Abraham
in Oregon, wi-ites that
feet
and burning a few Mercer
Miller, foi-merly of
he made the
first
bricks ever
HABITS AND CUSTOMS OF THE PIONKEES.
used in Mercer county, and that the hare
mud
for
them was mixed with
his
feet.
The cabins were covered with boards
riven from straight grained
trees the full length of one side of the building,
by
41
and held in their places
The cracks between the logs composing the sides of the cabin were filled with wedge shaped pieces of wood called "chinks," and these were daubed over with mud, the weight of the bodies of small trees.
the hands in
many
says that the young
kind of work, as
who
held this
cases being used as the trowel.
men were
Abraham
particular to leave fingei-
Miller
marks on
this
was a sure road into the good graces of the maidens, sign of industry and democracy in high repute. it
A PIONEEE LOG
CABIN.
In the construction of these simple dwellings the only tools employed were an ax, a saw and an auger, and in very many cases only the ax. JSTot a nail or any piece of iron was used, and not a pane of glass; neither paint nor plaster were available. Decorations, such as pictures or brackets for the walls, would have been a great curiosity. In their place festoons of corn for the next The year's planting hung from poles in the upper space of the cabins. trusty rifle lay in two wooden hooks over the door or fire place, and from pegs near the chimney often hung bits of venison that were being dried for future use, and was called "jerk." These were the decorations of grandfather's house.
http://stores.ebay.com/Ancestry-Found
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND IIENDEESON COUNTIES.
42
day, however, and is now a thing of hewed log the past. It has been supesrseded by the more pretentious to the place given has turn in this and rooms, house of two or more groves all and prairies the dot which dwelKngs fine frame and brick
The pioneer cabin has seen
over.
its
A few of the ancient cabins are
still
doing service as
pig-sties
or
would hardly dream that once hen houses, families. happy and large of they were the dwellings still standing in Eliza cabin of a view a connection We give in this township, Mercer coimty, though the artist has had to draw somewhat on imagination for the suiTOundings, as the once pioneer mansion now
and the modern
traveler
serves the ignoble purpose of sheltering the chickens.
AThci&nt
Rotme Fwmitxvre.
— Perhaps
in nothing has there
and
been a
with which the houses of this county have been supplied. Any one curious enough to make a list of the numberless articles now considered indispensable to a well furnished house, will be surprised to find tiiat scarcely an article now in use was in the early times of this section even known. And so also the few utensils and ornaments used by our grandmotherswould be curiosities now. Sewing machines only began to come intouse here in about 1860, and now scarcely a family is without one. Grandmother Dennison, of. Keithsburg, says all of the clothing in use by the family was maide by the skillful and industrious fingers of the housewife with the needle and thimble. Not only so, but even the cloth of which the clothes were made was a home manufacture. Each family kept a few sheep, and from these the wool was sheared, washed, picked, carded, spun, woven, dyed and cut, in many instances, all at home. None of the young ladies of to-day know what a "wool pickin'" is. The last one was had years ago. The picking of the particles of dirt and burs from the fleece was a very tedious process, and in the early times it was customary for the matron of the family to call in the help of all the young and middle aged ladies for some miles around to assist in this work. These invitations were gladly accepted, for the picking always ended with a frolic at night, to which the young ladies' beaux were invited. So in the making up of clothing, there were in use the big sheep shears, the cards, which were two instruments much resembling the greater change than in the furniture, both ornamental
useful,
instruments used for currying horses at the present day, the spinningwheel, the hand loom and the dye kettle. None of these remain in. use, but occasionally one may be found in the garret of the house of an old settler.
Many
of the early settiers were skillful in the use of
some of the
HABITS AND CUSTOMS OF THE PI0NEEE8.
43
and could turn out a decent, but rough had themselves tanned from the skins of animals that they had themselves reared. Even the lasts and the pegs were of home manufacture. The simple kits of tools used in the manufacture of leather and shoes were, however, soon superseded by the tan yards and the professional shoemaker, and they in turn have had their time and are almost extinct. The few pelts that are now taken from the cattle are sent to the great cities and tanned by improved processes, made into shoes by machines driven by steam, and shipped back to us in nice green boxes containing a dozen pairs of all sizes and simplest tools of the shoemaker,
pair of shoes from leather that they
qualities.
The
culinary implements were as rude
and simple
as
it is
possible
The old Dutch oven for baking bread, a skillet and an iron pot, that hung from a wooden hook in the great wide chimney, were about all that were considered necessary for baking, frying and boiling. There was not a stove in the county until about 1845, and,
to conceive.
therefore, the fireplace, extending almost across
one end of the cabin,
was the only source of heat in the winter, and also answered all the demands of cooking. Even the first cook stoves were simple affairscompared to those in present use, and were constructed with a double purpose of heating and cooking. . In a letter from Abraham Miller, he says: "Our early crops were mainly com, wheat, oats, flax for home use, and the most useful vegeWe raised tables of all kinds, all of which did remarkably well. melons in abundance. The only market point for the county was New Boston, then only known as Dennison's Landing and wood yard, at upper Yellow Sand Banks, on the Mississippi river. The first store or trading post was there in 1834, and was kept by a man by the name of Irvin, who was very §xact, both in a commercial and moral point of view. He was a seceder by profession. So coiTCct was he in his views of the Sabbath that he penned up his rooster on that day, that he might not disturb the holy day. This is neither jest nor hoax. I only mention it to show that, in those early times and among backwoods settlers, Pricesreligious rites, according to each order, were strictly observed. Wheat was not more than forty cents per of produce were very low. bushel, and this was the highest priced article, proportionately, that the farmer had to seU. In those days we were all new beginners and had but little surplus to market. We raised our own hogs and hominy, killed deer, wild turkeys, prairie hens, caught fish and found wild bees. We had to get what little groceries we had with raccoon and deer skins, and frequently the best of us did without any. We were inured tO' anything from hard times down, and small privations were not noted.
^
^
44
HISTOEV OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
Our wives and daughters could spin and weave, and wear the product of their own industry. We drank parched com or pea coffee until we answer the purpose. We drank tea was made of red-root leaves, sweated under a Dutch oven, rolled between the two hands and 4ried. When drawn and sweetened with well scummed honey, your readers are assured it was not bad to take. This tea we called grub hyson. Aii early merchant of New Boston, after the discovery of this tea, caught at the idea, and when his black tea ran short in the store, tradition says, he sold many a pound of red-root leaves. " The men and boys could wear buckskin breeches and a coonskin cap, with the tail danghng behind the head as an ornament thereto, Tvas not a novel sight. We were all poor, but on a social equality. We hardly had an idea of what aristocracy was. With the greatest of pleasure I yet look back on those good old times as my golden days, when all around was clothed in the wild, yet gorgeous robes of nature, and while its half-forgotten scenery plays about and flits across memory's path, imagination paints the flush of youth where age as weU as grief have coursed bitter tears down its lachrymal furrows. Despite this, for the moment, the blood of boyhood rushes through the sunken veins and makes the aged young. "We had our backwoods mechanic in almost every farmer and got
to raising
tea
made from sycamore
wheat and rye enough chips.
to
A favorite
;
who learned early in life, and who turned his hand to anything necessaij for carrying on our backwoods operations, both in wood and iron. But as the country grew up mechanics of almost all kinds dropped in, but it was only upon a small scale that they were patronized, or that they expected pati-onage, as they generally added to their mechanical skill agricultural industries, and pursued their trades only at odd times." farmer's boy,
The wool picking has been alluded to. It had its corresponding for the yoimg men in the com husking, or "shuckin'," as it Avas called. It was common, not only in the early days, but until with^
MILLEK8BUE& TOWNSHIP.
251
He has a nicely improved' farm of and a good grade of farm stock. James K. Mokeow was born in 1852, on the farm where he now His parents, David and Elizabeth (Kiddoo) Morrow, were resides. The latter was the daughter of James both natives of Pennsylvania. Kiddoo. David Morrow came to Mercer county with his family in 1847 and located in Millersburg township, where he resided till his His wife, death, which occurred in 1854, in his thirty-seventh year. mother of James K., died in 1872. They were man-ied in 1846 and They raised a family of four children, two sons and two daughters. were quiet farmers and good citizens and members of the Presbyterian They left their children in good circumstances. Their son, church. James K., occupies the old homestead of 120 acres. He pursues the He keeps a good grade of farm stock. He vocation of his father. His early has imbibed the republican spirit of his neighborhood. educational training was that of the common school. De. Joseph P. Boyd, deceased, was bom in Wayne county, Indiana, His parents were James and Hester Boyd, both members of in 1826. daughter,
Mary A. FuUerton.
eighty acres,
the Christian church.
and
at the
Dr.
Boyd
early exhibited a fondness for books,
age of sixteen entered the profession of school teaching,
which he followed tiU he began reading medicine with Dr. James
Ruby
He
began the practice of his chosen profession at Bentonville, Indiana, then went to Randolph county, where he remained two years, and then came to Millersburg in 1852, where he had a large practice. He began life for himself with limited means, at
Abington, Indiana.
He was Commons,
but died in 1878, leaving his family in easy circumstances.
married to
EUen Commons, daughter
of William and Sarah
who emigrated from England to America. The Commons family England were members of the aristocracy. The oifspring of this mamage were three children: William C, Sarah H., and Om'fer. He was a member of the masonic order at Aledo, and the Mercer County Medical Society. The community mourned his death as a gi-eat loss. He was a man respected for his ability and thorough going business
in
ability.
Thomas Landeeth is a native of Owen county, Indiana, where he bom in 1842. His parents, Zacharia and Elonder (Fender), both
was
settled in Owen county, Indiana, about 1825, where the subject of our sketch was reared and educated on the farm. In 1852 they came to Mercer county and located in Perryton township, where the former died in 1872, aged sixty years the latter in 1875,
natives of Virginia,
;
aged sixty years. porters of 15
good
They were
society,
quiet,
good farmers and earnest sup-
and were members of the Missionary Baptist
;
HISTORY OF MBECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
252
Mercer county when a small boy with and Andrew, in the army The former belonged to the 126th HI. Vol., and in the late war. died at La Grange, Tennessee, but a few months after his enlistment Mr. Landreth is a the latter died two days later at the same place. member of the I.O.O.F. at Millersburg. He was married in 1865, to Eachael Eeed, a native of Mercer county, bom in 1843, and a daughter of Harper and Louisa (Drury) Eeed, early settlers in Mercer county. They have three children: LiUie M., William E., and Nola L. He has a farm of ninety acres well suited to stock raising. He keeps a good article of farm stock. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church. In politics he is a Greenbacker. Caey Detden is a native of Ohio, born in 1840, and is a son of J. M. and Elizabeth (Ellis) Dryden, the former of Ohio, the latter of Virginia. She came to Ohio with her parents when eleven years old. J. M. and Elizabeth Dryden came to Elinois in 1851, and located in Peoria county, where they remained till 1853, when they came to Mercer county, hx 1855 they went to Iowa, but returned to Mercer county in 1864, where the former died in 1872, aged sixty-eight years; the latter is living in Keithsbiirg, this county, and is seventy-four years old. Gary Dryden accompanied his parents, first to Peoria county, then to Mercer county and to Iowa, and returned in 1858 to Mercer county, where he has since Hved. He has pursued the occupation of fanning all his life, except three years and one month he served in the army. He enhsted in 1861 in company G, 27th lU. Vol. He was a non-commissioned officer aU the time of his service, and was in the battle of Belmont, siege of Island -No. 10, the numerous skirmishes around Corinth, battle of Stone Eiver, Chickamauga, siege of KnoxviUe, Eesaca, Georgia, and Kenesaw Mountain, where he was wounded and taken to the hospital, where he remained till after his tenn of enhstment expired. In 1867 he was married to Catharine Wolfe, native of Illinois and daughter of Solomon and Evaline (Marlatt) Wolfe, both of Indiana, and came to Mercer county with its early settlers. Mi\ Dryden by this marriage has four children: Eva (deceased), Mary, Frederick, Nellie L. He and his wife are members of the Seventh Day Advent church, at 'the Marsh school-house. He has a farm of 160 acres of fine land, well improved, located near the south line of the township, upon which he keeps a ^ood grade of all kinds of farm church.
Our
his parents.
subject
came
He had two
to
brothers, Crisby
stock.
John Bell is a son of John and Mary (Clifford) Bell, both of Ii-eHe was born in Ohio in 184S, and came with his parents to Illinois in 1S02. He was reared on the farm. His early education
land.
MILLEESBUEG TOWNSHIP.
253
district schooh He was married in Adams, native of Illinois, born in 1858, and daughThey came to Rock ter of Samuel and Mary Adams, of Kentucky. Island county, Illinois, with its early settlers, and now reside in Eliza The former is a member of the Latter Day township, Mercer county. Mr. Bell has by this marriage one child, Harry Earl. Saints church. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Aledo his wife is a member
-was such as
he could get in the
ISSl to Florence
S.
;
of the Latter
Day
land fairly stocked.
The
He
Saints church. Politically
he
is
has a farm of 160 acres of fine a democrat.
subject of this sketch, "William
A. Maesh^
is
by
birth a native
New York, bom in 1833, son of M. L. and Eliza Marsh, both of New York. They came to Mercer county in 1853, and are now resi-
of
dents of Aledo, where the former
is
justice of the peace.
M,
L.
Marsh
by vocation a farmer. He first settled in Illinois, in Millersburg township, where he now owns a farm of 150 acres. He and wife first moved to New York city, where their son, William A., was bom then from there to Licking county, Ohio then to to Buffalo, New York William A.'s early education Illinois, where they have since resided. was that of the common school and two years as a student in a graded -school. He accompanied his parents in all their removals till they located in Mercer county, and then he located on the farm where he -has since resided. While he has pursued the vocation of farming for a livehhood, he has by no means given all his time and thought to making the farm pay, but is one of the most active members of the Mercer County Historical and Scientific Society, the tmth of which his large collection of well-arranged specimens of shells, woods, grasses and Indian implements demonstrate without further question. No one, we have good reason to believe, has added more to the conchology and botany of Mercer county than Mr. Marsh. So large is his collection in these two sciences, and that of Indian implements, that one who has any taste in either of these directions could spend months in his cabinet with both pleasure and profit. The proficiency Mr. Marsh has •acquired in these branches of science clearly shows that success depends upon the amount of labor we give to one thing, and not to the number of branches we take up. Mr. Marsh was mamed in 1855 to j^ is
;
;
;
J. Patterson, of Licking county, Ohio, bom in 1837, daughter of Wilson and Isa Patterson, both of Pennsylvania. They emigrated in 1835 to Mercer county, where they a;'e both living. They are members of the predestinarian Baptist church, and fanners by occu-
Maiy
Mr. Marsh has nine children: Philip, Eliza, Francis L. Mary J., Isa E., William A., Frederick A., Wilson, and Estella E. Mr. Marsh has a good farm of SiO acres, well improved
pation.
(deceased),
;
IIISTOKY OF
254
and
fairly stocked
MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
with a good grade of farm stock.
In
politics
he
votes for the man, not for the party.
A. A. Sheeek, the subject of this history, is a native of PennsylLavwence county, born in 1839. His parents were Robert and The latter died in 1841 the Eliza Sherer, both of Pennsylvania. former was married a second time in 1843, and came to Mercer county His business was in 1853, where he died in 1861, aged fifty-six years. At the time of his death he owned 600 acres of that of stock dealing. vania,
;
land.
He was
church, as
was
a devoted Christian and also. both his wives.
member
of the Presbyterian
His second wife now
lives in Joy.
Eobert Sherer did much to improve the stock of horses in the county. No one carried off more first premiums from the county fairs than he. A. A. Sherer came to Mercer county with his father. His early educar tion
was limited
to the district school.
He was reared to the business He was married in 1861
of the farm, which he has always followed.
Hannah
born in 1841, daughter of and early settlers of New Boston township. They were prominent fanners and respected citizens The former died, 1859, aged of the community where they resided. Mr. forty-eight years; the latter in 1871, aged seventy-three years. Ella M. Willie T. Sherer has by this marriage seven children (deceased), Robert G., Jane E., Adda P. (deceased), Rachel C, and Frank E. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian faith and hold their membership with the congregation at the Peniel church and also his two eldest children have embraced Christianity in the same church. Mr. Sherer has a fine stock farm three miles south of MUlersbm'g, which consists of 420 acres. He deals in both stock and fat cattle. His herd of sheep is of the Leicester stock; hogs, Poland China. He follows in the footsteps of his father as to class of stock, he
to
CJhurch,
native of Illinois,
Thortias and Rachel Church, both of Indiana,
,
:
keeps.
The
among
came from Pennsylvania
Wilitts family its
early settlers
;
to
Mercer county
but at the present writing but few of the once
Thomas Wilitts was born in Columbia His parents, Nathaniel and Sarah WiUtts, were natives of Pennsylvania, where they lived out their lives. His mother lived to the ripe old age of 60 his father died ten years younger. His vocation was that of a shoemaker. Thomas came to Mercer county in 1854 and settled in Duncan township, where he now owns a farm, and lived there till the winter of 1881-2, when he retired from active farm life and took up his abode in Millersburg. In 1828 he was married to Margaret Taylor, of his native state. She was born in 1810, and is a daughter of Christopher Kahler,Ti native of Germany. large family resident remain.
county, Tennessee, in 1804.
;
;
MILLEESBURG TOWNSHIP.
255
They had twelve children, eight of whom are now living "William, Townsend, practicing physician in Philadelphia; Horace, Charles, Korman, Thomas, Maggie, and Chester. His four sons, Norman, The first Chester, Charles, and Horace, were soldiers in the late war. :.
served as quartermaster; the second, in the 102d reg. El. Vol. Inf.,
was out three years, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea months in the 9th 111. cavalry the fourth served He and wife are members six months in the 27th reg. lU. Vol. Inf. In politics he is a of the Methodist Episcopal church in Millersburg.
the third served eight
;
straight out republican. S. H. RiDDELL is a native of Clinton county, Ohio, born in 1840, and came to Mercer county with his parents, Humphrey and Mary (Mori) Eiddell, in 1855. His father was a native of Maryland, his mother of Pennsylvania. The former emigrated from his native state to Pennsylvania, where he was manied, and emigrated to Ohio in 1836, where he remained till he came to Mercer county. He died in 1871, at the ripe age of seventy years. His wife now resides in Aledo and is sixty-four years old. He was by trade a shoemaker, by vocation a farmer, and superintended the county farm for ten years. He and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Tlie early literary training of S. H. Riddell was that of the common school. He b'egan a coUegiate course at Delaware, Ohio, but owing to his ill health it had to be abandoned. From the age of twelve he was reared on the farm, which business he followed for himself only three years. In 1861 he was married to Sarah F. Vernon, born in 1843, daughter of James and Eliza Vernon, whose history will appear elsewhere. Mr. Riddell by this union has five children: Jennett, James (deceased), Frank A., Milo A., and Thomas V. In 1865 he engaged in the mercantile business in Millersburg, which he carried on till 1871. Since that time he has been empl6yed as clerk, and is now engaged by W. W. Egbert. He now holds the ofiices of notary public and supervisor, and has filled most of the township offices. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the lO.O.F. lodge. John Faean came to Millersburg in 1855, whei'e he has since resided. He is by trade a plasterer, which trade he followed till 1879, when he engaged in the grocery business. In 1882 he bought the store of J. D. Strattan, and now is engaged in general merchandise. In connection with his store he keeps the postoffice. Mr. Faran is a native of Dearborn county, Indiana, born in 1832, son of John and Stinche Faran. The former was a native of Ireland. He first located in Cincinnati, where he was married, and' then came to Indiana and
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HKNDEESON COUNTIES.
256 settled in
the latter
Dearborn county, where his son John was born. The wife of was a native of Ohio. Both were members of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
The former died in 1835, at the age of thirty-eight moved to Topeka, Kansas, where she died in
years.
The
1867.
Mr. Faran was married in 1857 to Harriet Eiddell, daughter of
latter
then
Humphrey and Mary Eiddell, whose history will appear in the sketch By this marriage he has three children Jeneva J., of S. H. Eiddell. Mr. Fai-an is one of the men now living in MUlersIda, and Howard. burg who was instrumental in driving the saloons from the village and He now has a good business, with an stopping the whisky traffic. :
increasing trade.
y -^
'"
PIeney Htjttman, farmer and stock-raiser, Aledo, was bom ini Pennsylvania in 1824, and is the son of Henry and Charity (Feazel)> Huffman, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and resided in "Washington county. The former died in 1827, aged forty-five years, and the latter in 1845, aged fifty-two years. They were farmers and members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and were quiet, well-to-do jmd highly-respected people in their community. Henry Huffman
came to Mercer County in the fall of 1854, and located in Keithsburg, where he resided till the following spring, when he located on section 25,. He was married in Millersburg township, where he has since lived. 1854 to Mary Witherspoon, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1831, daughter of John and Margaret (Kennedy) Witherspoon. They were-
members of
the Presbyterian church,
known
as Seceders.
They
were^
Mr. Huffman has six children John (deceased), MaisonB., Samuel I., "Willie E. and Dora A.. (twins), and George W. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 208 acres of fine faa-ming land, located one-half mile from the east line of Millersburg township and four miles from the county seat. He* keeps a good grade of all kinds of farm stock. peaceable farmers and highly respected citizens. :
Among
the business
men
of Clinton county, Ohio,
Harriet (Hinman) Strattan
;
is J. D. Steattan, native His parents "were David and
of Millersburg
bom
in 1839.
the former of Lynchburg county, Virginia,
New Salem. They came to Mercer county and located at Millersburg in 1855, then emigrated to "West Liberty, Iowa, where the former died in 1867, aged seventy-four years.
the latter of Connecticut, near
The
latter
then
moved
to
Mt. Vernon,
at the age of seventy-three years.
Illinois, where she died in 1880, David Strattan was bv profession a
merchant and did business in Cincinnati as early as 1812-13. He sold goods both at Millersburg and "West Liberty, Iowa, where he resided at the time of his death. David Strattan and wife were members of the
,
MILLEESBUEG TOWNSHIP. Hick&ite Friends. school.
He
J.
D. 's literary education was
257 tliat
of the
common
learned the business of merchandise with his father.
He
began business for himself as a merchant in 1863, in Millersburg, at which he continued till 1882, with the exception of one and a half In 1881 he and years, during -which time he engaged in farming.
MiUersburg a creamery, to Which he now gives all He was married in 1862 to Fanny E. Men-imar, native of Maine, bom in 1843, daughter of Thomas and Mary E. Merriman, who came to Illinois about 1844. By this marriage he had six children, three of whom are living: Ora A., Frank P., and George C. The mother of these died in 1880. He was married a second time to Adella V. Turner, native of Illinois, daughter of John H. and Mary J. Turner. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
LunU
established in
his time
and attention.
He
member
is
a
of the I.O.O.F. lodge at Millersburg.
William Yalentine
is
Absalom and Susan Valentine, to Ohio when a child, a native of Ohio. They emigi*ated to
the son of
the former a native of Pennsylvania,
with his parents.
The
latter is
and came
Mercer county ia 1855, having spent the winter of 1854-5 in Lawrence
.
They
located in Mercer coimty, where Absalom aged sixty-two years. His wife is now living with her son William, and is seventy-four years old. She is an old soldier of the cross in the Methodist Episcopal church, and holds her membership at Joy. William Yalentine received but a meager literary education such as he was able to obtain during the winter months, in the district school of his neighborhood. He was reared to the vocation of farming, which he has followed. He was born ia Ohio in 1837, and came with his parents to Mercer county in 1855, where he has county,
Illinois.
Yalentine died, in
since resided.
He
1
864,
enlisted in the seiwice of his country in 1862,
in
company K, 102d 111. YoL, and served till the close of the war, and was mustered out June 6, 1865. He was in the battles of Kesaca, Georgia, at the siege of Atlanta, and with Sherman, on his march to the sea, at Goldsborough, and Savannp-h, and from there to Kichmond, and Washington. He was married in 1869 to Easter Bell, daughter of John and Margaret Bell. By this marriage he has one child, Benjamia H. He has a farm of 120 acres of fine land, and keeps a good grade of farm stock. Wilson P. Zentmire's parents, David and Dianna (Minick) Zentmire, emigrated from their native state, Ohio, where their son, Wilson P. was bom, to Illinois, in 1855, and located in Abington township, Mercer county, where they resided nine years. They then moved to Millersburg township, where the former died in 1870, aged sixty years, the latter in 1869, aged forty-nine years. He was a cai-penter and
HISTORY OF MEEOEE
258
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
The Zentmires family emigrated to America from Gennany Wilson P. came to Mercer county with his parents, when eight years old. His early education was such as the common farmer. at
an early time.
He
schools of that time could fiimish.
has given his entire time
to
married in 1868, to Miss Nancy Kiddoo, daughter of Eichard and Eliza (Yannatta) Kiddoo, whose sketch will appear in the work. They have five children Harry, Hattie, Kay (deceased), Velly (deceased), and Tuse. He owns a fine stock farm of 160 acres, and keeps a good grade of farm stock. In 1881 he had his house on
He was
farming.
;
section 33, burned, loss $2,200, $1,300 of
which was covered by
insur-
he is a republican. William M. Miller, fanner and teacher," is one of the early teachers in Millersburg. He is a native of Pennsylvania, bom in 1829. His early educational training was that of the common school of his home, and ten months at an academy. Five years previous to his coming to EUnois, which was in 1855, he began teaching in his native state, when he was in his nineteenth year, and has taught school eighteen years in Millersburg township, lodging at the same house all this time, making twenty-three years he has spent in the profession. His parents, James and Mary (McCreary) Miller, were natives of the Quaker state. The former died in 1881, aged seventy-seven years, the latter is yet living and is in her seventy-third year. His parents were well-to-do farmers, and members of the Westfield Presbyterian church. His father came from Ireland; his mother's family, the McCi'earys, emigrated to Pemisylvania in its early settlement. Mr. Miller was married in 1856 to Miss Elizabeth Galaway, native of Ohio. She came with her parents to Mercer county in 1864 and located in Millersbm-g township. Her parents were natives of Ohio. They had previously emigrated to Kansas. There the father died in 1874, aged sixty-fliree years. The mother is still living. Mr. Miller by this marriage has a ance.
Politically
family of eight children
Mary
J., Laura B., Eva S., Granville S., and Lizzie L. He and family, except the three youngest, are members of the Presbj-terian faith. His present occupation is that of farming. He has a fine farm of eighty acres, on which he keeps a good grade of farm stock. In poUtics he is a
Jessie S.,
John
:
G., Mattie E.,
republican.
Aaron
P. Shafer is a native of New York state, born in 1811, son and Hellena Shafer, both of New York. He was by occupation a farmer. For a number of years he held the oflice of colonel of the state militia. Both were members of the Baptist church. They were reared, educated and spent their lives without emigrating from of
Adam
their native state.
Their son, Aaron P., was reared on the farm with
:
MILLERSBURG TOWNSHIP.
259
such educational advantages as the pioneer schools of his boyhood He lived on the farm till he could furnish, which were limited.
He was then engaged for a time as began in the mercantile business in New York for himself, which he followed for a tilne when he sold out his business and bought a farm which he sold and came to Illinois in 1856, and Here he learned located in Millersburg, where he has since resided. the wagonmaker's trade and has carried on a shop since 1856. He was arrived at the age of twenty-three. clerk in a store, then
married in 1841 to Eliza Davis, of
New York, born New York.
in 1818, daughter
They were wellMr. Shafer has by this marriage two children EHzabeth, now Mrs. Felton, and Annie A. Their mother died in He has since remained unmarried. He is a member of the 18i6. Baptist church, and a republican in politics. William C. Boyd, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Indiana in 1847, and is the son of Dr. Joseph P. and Ellen (Commons) Boyd, whose history will appear in the sketches of Millersburg township. William 0. came to Mercer county with his father when a mere boy. His educational training was that of the village school at Millersburg. During his boyhood his father was engaged more or less in stock of John S. and Elizabeth J)avi8, both of
to-do farmers.
which William C. formed a liking and has chosen for a He lives one mile west of Millersburg, near the line between Millersburg and Duncan townships, on a part of the farm owned by his father, which consists of 640 acres, and is yet undivided between his three children. William C. Boyd was married in 1873 to Emma Longshore, native of Indiana, born in 1853, and came to Mercer county with her parents, J. H. and Sally (Hadley) Longshore. Mr. Boyd has by this marriage two children Archie L. and Edna. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Millersburg. In poHtics he is a republican. Joseph A. Downey is the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Wilson) Downey, both of whom are natives of Ireland. He first located in raising, for
liveHhood.
:
Pennsylvania where he worked upon the railroad for several years, then came to Mercer county where he rented land for a while, and now owns a fine farm of 419 acres in Millersburg township, where he
He was
married in Philadelphia and has a family of eleven Joseph A., John, Mary (deceased), William, Wilson, Andrew, Martha, Annie (deceased), Moses, George (deceased), and Harry. Joseph, the eldest of his father's family, is a native of Mercer county, born in 1858. He was married in 1881 to Mary McGinnis, of Mercer county, daughter of John J. McGinnis now a resident of Duncan township, Mercer county. Joseph A. lives on the farm of his father resides.
children:
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
260
and teeps a good grade of farm stock. Hie early educational trainingwas that of the conunon school. He was reared on the farm and this business he has always followed. James H. Longsiioee was formerly from Bucks county, Pennsyl-.
He
emigrated from his native state to Ohio, Clinton county, where he remained till 1852, then he moved to Indiana, where he remained seven years, when he came to Mercer county and located vania.
first
where he has since remained, pursuing the trade of his choosing for a livelihood. He was born in 1823. His parents, James and Sarah Longshore, remained in their native state all their lives. His father was a wagon builder by trade. The reKgiou of his Mr. J. H. Longshore's parents was that of the Hicksite Quakers. early educational training was such as the common schools of his time could iurnish. When a boy he learned his trade with his father. In 1849 he was married to Sally Hadley, of Clinton county, Ohio, whose birth dates to 1842. She is the daughter of William and Susanna Hadley, both of whom are natives of Virginia. They came to Ohio quite early, where they both departed this life, the former at the age of fifty years, the latter at eighty-seven years. Both were members of the orthodox Friend's church. By this marriage Mr. Longshore has four children: Alvin E., now in California, Emma B., Carrie, and Howard. In politics his principles are those advocated by the republican party. He was one of those men who came to Millersbui-g in the zenith of its prospects of prosperity and yet remains, having secured a, good run of trade in his line. D. A. Davison was born in 1833, in the State of Pennsylvania. His parents were Moses and Elizabeth Davison, both of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Wells county, in 1843. There they died, the former in Millersburg,
in 1880, aged seventy-seven years
The former was a farmer,
;
the latter in 1864, aged fifty-seven
D. A. came from Pennsylvania to Mercer county in 1869, and located in l^ew Boston township, where he remained two years, then moved to Keithsburg two years. In 1866 he located in Millersburg township, where he now resides, near the south line. He was married in 1860 to Evaline Wolfe, years.
miller and millwright.
a native of Indiana, born in 1842, and daughter of Solomon and Evaline (Marlatt) Wolfe. They came to Illinois in 1846. They are both natives of Indiana, and are now citizens of Abington township,,
Mercer county, and members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Davison has by this marriage twelve children Ida (deceased). May, Cora, Ealph, Walter, Edward (deceased), Albert, Clarence, Morgan, Grace, Eose, and Maud. Mr. Davison enlisted in 1862 in the late war, in company G, 124th HI. Vol. Inf served three years, and was :
,
MILLERSBUEG TOWNSHIP.
261
engagements: Fort Gibson, Brownsville, Jackson, river, siege of Yicksburg, numerous skirmishes, lives on a fine farm of 320 acres. Fort. He Spanish at and W. W. Egbert is a native of Stark county, Illinois. His parents^ James C. and Catharine (Swank) Egbert, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Pennsylvania, came with the early settlers to There his father Stark county, where our subject was born in 1854. W. W. Egbert departed this life in 1863, aged thirty-six years. received a fair common school education and five terms at HeddingHe first began business for himself as druggist in partnership college. In 1876 he brought a with Dr. D. J. Perry at "West Jersey, Illinois. stock of drugs to Millersburg and opened a store. In 1878 he engaged He has a in general merchandise in which business he is at present. In 1878 his store was burned; loss $2,000, $1,000 of good trade. which was paid by the insurance company. He was married in 1877 to Miss Margaret M. Green, native of Illinois, daughter of "W. L. and Kebecca E. Green, both of Pennsylvania, and came to Mercer county in 1854r. The former was by trade a carver and gilder. He held the office of justice of the peace for several years, was in the mercantile business with H. W. Thornton, and was for a time postmaster at MiUersburg. He enlisted in the army in 1861 in the 4:5th 111. Vol. Inf., in company I, as second lieutenant. He was in the battle of Shiloh, and died of woimds in 1862, while in the service. He was a member of "the I.O.Q.F. His widow now receives a pension and resides in Millersburg. She was at one time postmistress at Millersburg for about fifteen years. W. "W. Egbert has by this maniage two children William C. and Frederick W. He is a member of the I.O.O.r. lodge at Millersburg. He and wife are members of the in the following
Champion
Hills,
Black
:
Methodist Episcopal church.
Among the well-to-do citizens and farmers of Millersburg township John Kubeet, bom in New York in 1838, and son of John and Magdalena (Chat) Kubert, the former a native of France, the latter of New York, and of German descent. John Jr.'s father died when he. was an infant his mother died when he was fourteen years old, aged thirty-seven years. She came to Chicago in 1843, where she resided for a time, when she removed to Peoria county. John's parents were members of the Christian church. Mr. Kubert's early education washmited. He came to Mercer county in 1858 and located near New Windsor, where he remained till 1861, when he enlisted in the army in August of that year, in company A, 30th 111. Vol. Inf., and served till December, i862. He was in the battle of Belmont and bombardment of Fort Henry. At Fort Donelson he was taken prisoner, and is
;
HISTORY OF MERCER
262
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
taken first to Memphis where he remained six weeks, then to Mobile, then to Tuscaloosa, from whence he was sent to parole camp at St. 'He returned home and Louis, and discharged December, 1862. located in Millersburg township in 1863, where he now resides. In 1863 he was married to Miss K. J. Hughes, of Pennsylvania, bom in 1842, and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hughes, the former of
They came to Mercer county in 1857 and located in Millersburg township, where both now reside. He is a wagon maker by trade and canies on a shop in the village of Joy. Both are members of the Seventh Day Advent church at Marsh jschool-house. John Eubert has by this marriage three children: Bertha E. (deceased), Joseph B., John C, and Jennie E. He and "wife are members of the Seventh Day Advent church. He owns a well-improved farm of eighty acres, fairly stocked with a good grade Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio.
'
•of stock.
One
of the early families yet resident in Millersburg towhship
is
now
is
the Dool family.
John Dool.
His
Of
that family
resident of this township
Eobert Dool, was a native of Ireland (Antrim •county), and came to America in 1819, landing in Pennsylvania, where he remained two years when he moved to Ohio, and died in 1829, aged forty-two years, leaving a wife and eight children to mourn his loss. His wife, Margaret (Spears) Dool, was a native of Ireland her parents were John and Mary (Hannah) Spears, who came to America in 182i and settled in Ohio, where they both died. Eobert DooFs children were named as follows: William S., Hemy and Hannah (twins), Eosanna, Margaret, Mary, John, Thomas. Eobert Dool and vnie were farmers both in Ireland and America, and were members of the Presbyterian church. His wife, who still survives, lives with her daughter on the farm of her son John, and is now eighty-eight yeai-s old. John Dool was born in 1826 in Harrison county, Ohio, where he remained till 1868, when he came to Mercer county with his mother ^nd her eight children. Here he has since resided. He was married in 1863 to Sarah Havei-field, daughter of James and Mary Haverfield, the former of Ohio, the latter of Ireland. The former died in 1862, .aged sixty-two years, while in the service of the 9th 111. Vol. Inf Tlie latter died in 1857. They were both members of the United Presbyterian church. By his marriage John Dool has four children Anna L., James I., William H., and Eobert B. He and wife are members •of the Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 120 acres of fine farming land, well improved and fairly stocked, and fifteen acres of timber. -In politics he is a democrat. Timothy Noonan, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Tipperary father,
;
:
26S
MILLERSBUEG TOWNSHIP. county, Ireland, born in 1837,
and came
to
America with
his parents,
Daniel and Ellen Noonan, both of Tipperary county, Ireland, in 1859. They first located for a time in Massachusetts then came to Mercer ;
Both were members of the Roman Catholic church. The former died in 1878, aged ninety-five years the latter, his wife, lives in the village of Millersburg, and is ninety-two years old, hale and Timothy Noonan learned the hearty for one twenty years her junior. He and his father trade of his father, which was that of shoemaker. countv.
;
on a shoe shop for a time in the village of Millersburg. In made a trip to the Eocky Mountains, and was gone nearly one year, when he returned to Millersburg and opened a shoe shop, but soon left the shop for the farm where he now resides, some three miles
carried
1859 he
west of Aledo.
He was jnarried
in
1860 to Sarah McGinnis, born in
and daughter of Thomas and Mary McGinnis, both of Ireland. They first located in Pennsylvania then moved to Keithsburg, Mercer The former county, when their daughter Sarah was seven years old. 1839,
;
died in 1863 faith.
By
;
this
the latter in 1872.
Both were of the
Noonan has six Eddy H., Mary J., and an
marriage Mr.
Eoman
Catholic
Thomas
children:
F.,
infant. John L., He and wife are members of the same church as their'parents. He has a fine farm of 240 acres, weU improved and well stocked. "William,
P. D. Shinglbdeckee, Aledo, is a native of Pennsylvania,
bom
in
John and Sarah Shingledecker, both of Pennsylvania-. They emigrated to Mercer county in 1852, remained one year, and returned to their native state, where they spent the remainder of their days. The former died in 1858, at the age of fifty-two the latter in They were members of the Presbyterian 1872, aged fifty-one years. faith. P. D.'s early education was that of the common school. He came to Illinois in 1862, staid five years and returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained seven years, when he came again to Mercer county, where he now resides. He was married in 1872 to Eachel Eichards, of Whitesides county, Illinois, bom in 1858, daughter of George and EKza Richards, both of Illinois. The latter died in 1864, and was a member of the Presbyterian church the former is now living in Colorado. Mr. Shingledecker is a maff of steady habits and industrious 1852, son of
;
;
turn.
He
keeps a good grade of farm stock, but raises gi-ain to
sell
rather than to feed.
John Bell,
and stock raiser, Aledo, was born in 1805, is a and came to America in 1841. His parents were Benjamin and Ann Bell, both of whom were Presbyterians. Mr. Bell first landed at Philadelphia, and proceeded to Ohio, where he reniained till 1863, when he came and settled in Millersburg township, on the fai-mer
native of Ireland,
HISTOEY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON OOUNTIES.
264
now resides. He was man-ied to Margaret and daughter of John and Mary Clifford, of They were fanners Ireland, both of whom came to America in 1841. and members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Bell by this marriage has six children: Mary, John C, Easter, George, Ann, and Jane. His In politics he is strictly a democrat. wife is of the Presbyterian faith. He keeps on his farm a good grade of farm stock. His farm is the result of his own labor, economy and business ability. Zachaeiah Jewel, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Harrison He was reared on the farm in his native •county, Ohio, born in 1824. state, where he resided till 1873 when he came to Mercer county where he now resides. During the late war he was a member of the HaiTison •County Home Guards, and was called out to drive Morgan from the He was married in 1847 to Mary Dool, native of Ohio, daiighter state. of Robert and Margaret Dool. By this marriage he has seven children Margaret A., Nancy E., James W., Rebecca J., Hannah L., Mary O., John W. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Mi\ Jewel's parents were James and Nancy (Spring) •church at Peniel. Jewel, both of whom came to Harrison county, Ohio, from then- native They were pioneer settlers of Hamson county, state, Virginia. and still reside in Ohio. They are farmers and members of the Baptist farm of 360 acres where he
Cliiford, native of Ireland,
:
•church.
Dr. John P. Chowning, Millersburg, was born January 21, 1843,
town of Payson, Adams county, Illinois. His parents, Thomas and Louisa (Holman) Chowning, were natives of Tennessee, of Scotcli descent. They emigi-ated to Adams county in 1840, and located on a farm near Payson. In 1850 they removed to Adair county, Missouri, but returned to Adams county, after an absence of three yeai-s, where they remained till the close of the rebellion. They" are at present living in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Chowning was the oldest of in the
J.
nine children, eight of
common
whom
are
still
living.
After completing the
school studies he spent two years in the academy of his
The rebellion having broken out he enlisted August 7, Company E, 84th 111. Yol. in which he served till the close second days' fight at Chickamauga, when he was taken prisoner.
native town. 1862, in •of
the
He was
,
taken to Richmond, Virginia, and confined in what was known and one-half months, after which he
as "Castle Pemberton," for one
was removed
to Danville, Virginia,
where he remained four and
one-
half months, from thence to Andersonville, Georgia, where for seven
months he was subjected description.
On
to scenes of cruelty
the night of October
from Andersonville
to Charleston,
1,
and suffering
that beggai-
1S64, while being transferred
South Carolina, he escaped with one
MILLEESBUEG TOWNSHIP.
265
Ms fellow prisoners, by jumping from the train while in motion. Reduced by starvation and disease to a mere skeleton, the tendons of of his limbs contracted till he was literally compelled to walk on tip After a perilous journey of toe by the aid of a "walking stick." eighteen days, through an enemy's coimtry, subsisting on sweet potatoes and such other edibles as were obtainable, he at last reached the Union lines, then at Atlanta, Georgia. Through the kindness of Gen.
of
Stanley he was at once detailed as a clerk in the division hospital, where he remained till the close of the war. In the fall, of 1864: he «ntered the Iowa "Wesleyan University, from which he gi-aduated in 1869, defraying his expenses by teaching during the winter months and working at the carpenter's trade during the summer vacations.
In the spring of 1870 he
commenced
tinued his medical studies, teaching in the
meantime
the schools in Keithsburg and Barry, Illinois, the winter of 1872-3
mth
the study of medicine,
Dr. E. L. Marshall, of Keithsburg, Illinois, as preceptor.
He
con-
was principal of respectively. During ;
he attended lectures at Rush mfdical
college.
Locating at Millersburg, he practiced two years and six months,
when
he again attended lectures at Bellvue hospital medical college,
New
York, from which he received the degree of M.D. Tvas married to Florence,
daughter of A. B. and
Anna
Dr. Chowning Sheriff, in 1871;
her father a native of Pennsylvania, her mother of Ohio.
marriage they have four children
:
By
this
Florence M., William M., Josephine,
and Eva. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal chui-ch. The doctor is a member of the masonic fraternity is also a member of ;
military tract medical society.
John Downing, Aledo, is a native of Belmont c'ounty, Ohio, born in and Ellen Downing former, native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio. They came to Mercer county in 1864, and located one and a half miles east of where their son John now resides, and where they both died the former in 1873, at the age of seventy-two the latter in 1874, at the age of sixty-eight years. They were members of the Presbyterian church, and their remains repose in the cemetery of the Peniel church. John Downing came to Mercer county with his parents. He was married in 1863 to Rachel J. Campbell, native of Belmont county, Ohio, daughter of John and Jane Campbell, both of Ohio, and are now residents of their native state. Mi'. Downing has by this union five children: Jane E., Maggie L.,. Robert L., Birdie S., 1840, son of John
;
and John
;
;
He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. company K, 102d 111. Yol., was mustered into the service in 1862, served six months, and was discharged because of ill health. He moved upon the farm where he now lives in 1877. His farm conHe
C.
served in
:
HI8T0EY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES. tains 160 acres,
which cost $50 per
stocked with a good grade of
cattle,
acre.
It is fairly
improved and
hogs and horses.
W. E. Lemon, Aledo, is a native of Pennsylvania, bom in 1837, son of John and Eliza Lemon, both of Pennsylvania. They came .to Mercer county in 1867, and located in Aledo, where they resided tiU when they moved upon a farm, where the latter died in 1874, at of fifty-seven years, when the former returned to Aledo, where age the Having sold his farm he now lives a retired life. He resides. now he 1871,
and wife were Presbyterians. "W. R. was reared on the farm. His. educational training was such as he could get in the district schooL During the war he was a member of the home guards in his native He was married in 1868 to AUce state, and was ordered out once. Lair, native of Lidiana, and came to Mercer when she was a girl -with. her parents. She died in 1870, at the age of thirty years. He was married a second time to Julia A. Barcroft, of Ohio, daughter of Anna Barcroft, both of Ohio. By this last marriage he has three children: Frank, Lena, and Earl. Mr. Lemon has a fine
"William and
stock farm of 120 acres, lying
upon both
sides of the railroad, three
and a half miles west of Aledo. He keeps a high grade of cattle, sheep, hogs and horses, the latter of the Clidesdale and Norman stock. His sheep are of the Merino breed. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Aledo.
A. Olivee was born in 1865 in Henry county, Illinois, and is the Mary E. Oliver, both of Ohio, now citizens of Henry county. By vocation they are farmers. S. A. was reared and educated to the farm, which pursuit he has always followed. His early educational training was such as the common schools of his neighborhood could fnrnish. He was married in 1874 to Maggie Lyle, native of Henry county, Illinois, born in 1855, daughter of William and Margaret Lyle, both of Scotland. They came to Henry county with its. early settlei's. By this marriage Mr. Oliver has two children, twins Marian and Mary. He came to Mercer county and located in 1879, where he now resides. He has a farm of eighty acres, fairly improved and stocked with a good grade of cattle, sheep, hogs and horses. S.
son of Robert E. and
G. "W. Pickup, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Iowa, born came with his parents, John and Mary E. Pickup, to Burlington, Iowa. They were natives of England, and emigrated to in-
1848, and
America
They both died during the cholera scourge of 1849, W. was born. G. W.'s mother was a member of the Episcopal church. In 1861 he enlisted in company D, 7th lU. Yol., ninety days' men, then re-enlisted in company G, 10th 111. Yol., and served till July 4, 1865. He was in the siege of New Madrid; then in 1838.
the former before G.
269''
ELIZA TOWNSHIP.
was in the battles of Shiloli and Corinth with Gen. sent to reinforce JSTashville in 1863 was placed was E. A. Payne, who was in the battles of Stone river, Chiekamauga, in Eosecrans' division and was with Sherman's division in his march to the sea, at Goldsborough, and then went to Richmond, Washington and LonisvillCy. went
to
Memphis
;
;
;
;
where he w;as mustered out of the service July 4, 1866. lie wa^ married in 1871 to Mary E. Griffith, of Mercer county, born in 1853, and daughter of Charles and Martha Griffith the former of India,na, ;
the latter of Ireland.
They came with the
early settlers to Mercer
where the former now having died in 1879, aged sixty-seven' years. Mr. Pickup by this man-iage has one child, George A. He resides two miles south of Millersburg, on a farm of eighty acres, which is nicely improved and weU stocked. In polities he is a republican. county, and located in Millersburg township, resides,
his wife
ELIZA TOWNSHIP. No. 15, in range 5, of the fourth principal meridian. Rock bounds it on the north, and the Mississippi river on the west. A chain of irregular and abrupt bluifs extends from north to south, through the center of the township, from the south line of section 32 to the northern boundary line between Eliza township and Rock Island county, at the northwest comer of section 6. Three creeks run in a southwesterly direction through the town, the principal one of which is Eliza creek, whose source is in the N. E. J of Sec. 12, of Duncan township. Fed by small tributaries on both sides, it runs southwest through that township, crossing the eastern boundary line between the two townships in the N. E. J of See. 24 runs southwest to the center of section 23 thence northwest to the north section line between sections 15 and 22 thence southwest, crossing the west section line between sections 21 and 22, through sections 21, 29, 30, 25, and 36, and emptying into the head of lower Eliza lake. Winters creek enters the township in the N. E. J of Sec. 25 flows southwest through sections 25 and 35. Glancy branch enters the township at the northern boundary line between Eliza township and Rock Island county, in section 5, and runs southwest through sections 5 and 7. These streams and their tributaries furnish ample supplies of water for stock at all This
is
Island county
;
;
;
;
seasons of the year.
In the western part of the township, below the bluffs and between
numerous small lakes and ponds. The most prominent of the lakes are Upper Eliza, Glancy, and Swan, the largest the river, are nestled 16
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
270
Swan, part of which extends south into New Boston township this lake is two and a half miles long and a half mile wide, and, like all the rest, the water in this lake is clear and from four to five feet in Upper Ehza is one mile long and a quarter mile wide, and deptli. from three to eight feet deep. Glancy extends north into Eock Island county, and is about two miles long, one-eighth mile in width, and from five to twenty feet in depth. These lakes and their tributaries are mostly skirted with timber and a species of willow commonly called
.being
buck brush.
The timber
consists of the various oaks, hickory, maple,
sycamore, hockberry, buckeye, wild honey-locust, ash, walnut, and Grape and pecan, of which a fine young growth is now growing. other wild climbers also abound along the banks of creeks and lakes. These lakes and tributaries abound in game and fish of fine flavor, and
business of fishing
tlie
is
carried
on
lease the grounds for that purpose. plentiful in seasons
some extent by parties who "Wild ducks and geese are also to
when they migrate from north
to south,
and
vice
versa.
The
soil
of Eliza township
is
admirably adapted to
agricultural
The land lying on the southeast side of Eliza creek is mostly prairie, and is composed of rich black loam, with yellow and brown clay subsoil in places, which produces heavy crops of corn and The land lying north of the creek is unduother agricultural staples.
purposes.
near the bluff, quite hilly ; is mostly covered with timber, used for pasture, for which it supplies a fine growth of blue
lating, and,
and
is
grass.
The land on the bluff and in the vicinity of the river seems to have been the favorite abode of the ancient mound builders, of which race* All along below and of people we know but little at the present day. on the summit of these bluft's can be seen these mounds, the most noted of which are on sections 28 and 29, north of Jay Wilson's farm, Martin Bear place, on section 16, now occupied by Edwin Bishop's house, and on the east part of sections 19 and 30, the most prominent of which are on sections 19 and 30. All through the timber on these lands can be seen what appears to have been at one time a line of eapth-works, thrown up for a defense^ inside of' which are hundreds of Some of them measure forty feet at the base, and on these mounds. Many of fliese top large oak trees, four feet in diameter, have grown. mounds have been opened by scientific men and curiosity seekers. In some of them have been found specimens of several grades of pottery, from the common clay to some artistically decorated and apparently glazed. Some curiously shaped pipes and axes have also been found, amon;^ which was a double edged one, having a round hole in the
ELIZA TOWNSHIP.
2Y1
The most important thing found in these mounds The bones taken from
center for an eye.
was a skeleton measuring nine feet in lengtli. the mounds are all well preserved.
and nearest the river
All that portion of land extending westward is of the finest quality,
damp
but owing to the exposure to overflow and the
nature of the soil in seasons for planting,
not farmed.
is
It
is
covered with a heavy growth of tall coarse grass which makes fine pasture for cattle, hundreds of which are grazed upon it annually and hundreds of tons of hay are made and stacked for winter use. ^^The land nearer the bluif is of the finest grade, the soil being from five to ten feet deep, and susceptible of the highest state of cultivation, and in favorable seasons unaccompanied by overflow, has produced more corn per acre than any other land in the country; but in seasons of extreme rainy weather in the northern states, it is subject to ovei-flow, as was too ti'uly the experience in that locality in the spring and fall of Afl;er the farmers had planted their corn and it had grown a 1881. foot or more the land began to overflow, and in the course of a few days crops were completely subinerged in a vast sea of water extending from Crops of all kinds were completely the bluff to the Mississippi. and hogs were drowned and those cattle, horses destroyed. Many only were saved that could be brought out on fiat-boats. The sudden and unexpected appearance of this fiood was without a parallel to the
The water reached a height equal to that of 1851, The inhabitants were at first discouraged at the prospect for a crop that season, but they went to work replanting their corn hoping to be favored by a long season to mature the second crop the second planting germinated and grew and soon looked better than the first. The season of 1881 being unfavorable for oldest inhabitants.
soon subsided and disappeared.
;
corn throughout the state, proved the best in this locality on account of the peculiar adaptability of the
was the best in the county, but
soil.
when
The crop
raised that season
harvest time
came and
the
farmers were about to realize the results of their labor, ^ith corn at sixty cents per bushel,
a repetition of what had taken place in the
spring ensued ruining the
hay and
fences.
Il^o
crops and sweeping
away
horses, cattle,
portion of land could be seen anywhere.
Unlike
was slow to pass off and covered the land for two months, during which time, drawn there by the excellent feeding, the wild ducks swarmed in by the thousands, completely stripping the corn that was standing out in the water. Sportsmen came from all parts of the state, the reports of whose gxms sounded to the old soldier like a distant skirmish line. It has been estimated that during that season forty thousand ducks were killed and the previous overflow in the spring, the water
shipped from that place to the lar^ge
cities.
272
HISTOEY OF MEECEB AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
FIRST SETTLEMENTS.
The first early settlers of Eliza, with, but few exceptions, came from Indiana and, in most instances, brought their families with them, making the journey through the open prairie and enduring all the hardships incident to the times. There being at that time a few trad-
New Boston,
that point was mostly aimed for on account advantages it then afforded. Another commercial of the freight and the bluff. The majority of these along attraction was the timber adjacent timber in the former raised in and to people having been timber without the use of as impracticable, state, looked upon farming unable construct their rude log cabins were to and without which they
ing places at
and fence their farms. He came J. H. Witter was the first settler in Eliza township. from Indiana to Eliza in the spring of 1833 and settled on Witter's creek, then named for him, but afterward changed to Winter,' who was Witter did not stay long the next man to settle near the same place. in Eliza, but sold out and moved to Iowa. In the fall of that year David Shaunce and family, accompanied by
John Shaunce, arrived. They entered the E. ^ of the S. E. J by mistake settled on a quarter of land in the W. ^ of the S. W. J of Sec. 29, soon after which William Wilson and John Hill came. Wilson was from Indiana and Hill from Kentucky. Hill his son,
of Sec. 29, but
took a claim and built the best house then in the township, on the E. S. E. J of Sec. 29, which land by right belonged to Shaunce. soon as the mistake was discovered a difiiculty between the paities ensued, causing a bitter enmity in both men. After considerable
i of the
As
quarreling over the disputed land, Shaunce sold it to Mr. D. F. Noble on condition that he (Shaunce) should take possession of the place. Shaunce first tried to get Hill off the place by legal process, but failing in that he then undertook it by force, which was the cause of some heavy fist battles in the neighborhood. Hill, however, relinquished his right to the property by moving off the premises, of which Noble took possession. Hill then bought a piece of land on section 31, where he lived for a short time, and sold out to Samuel Elliott and moved to Iowa. Shaunce's name is familiarly remembered hj all the old settlers of the present time. His house was tlie radiating point. A traveler inquiring the way to a place was invariably told tliat the place inquired for was so far to or from Shaunce's. Shaunce was one of the first grand jurors chosen in the county, and also one of the first parties in a law suit. In the spring of 1834 Silas Dnny and father, accompanied by a cousin, Charles Drury, and J. P. Eeynolds, arrived. Silas Drury
;
ELIZA TOWNSHIP. entered a piece of land, out to Daniel Noble,
where he
273
built a cabin
when he moved
and lived
he sold town a large mill on
Eock Island
to
until
county,
He then built of Drury, which bears his name. Copperas creek, familiarly known to all the old settlers as Drury's mill.
Mr. Drury's father, Charles Drury, and J. P. Eeynolds did not remain long in Illinois, but took passage on board a steamboat at New Boston
on
their
way back
to
Indiana by way of Cincinnati.
Eeynolds return-
ing the same season lived with Dr. Eeynolds until the following spring of 1835, when he was married to Miss Hettie Elliott, formerly from Morgan county, Indiana. This was the first marriage in the township, which event is distinctly remembered from the circumstance Eeynolds died in just four weeks after the wedding that followed.
and was buried in Eliza cemetery. Charles Drury, returning in of 1835, was also marj-ied to Miss Nancy Prentice, who died He then moved to Eock Island county and eleven months after. studied medicine with Dr. Eeynolds, after which he married Mrs. EHza McGreer, moved back and practiced medicine throughout the
day, the
fall
township, hving
He
upon what
is
known
as the E.
W. Mardock
farm.
medicine in 1851 and moved to Oregon. of 1834 Jesse "Willits and family, also from Indiana,
quit the practice of
In the settled
was the also
fall
on section 32, the place first
now owned by Frank
probate judge, and one of the
one of the
first
place
where he
Mark
Willits settled
grand jurgrs chosen in 1835.
first settled until
Willits.
first justices
He
Willits
of the peace lived on the
the time of his death in 1843.
Dr.
on the same piece of land with Jesse Willits, on section 32, which he sold after living upon the place one year. Dr. Mark Willits was also one of the first grand jurors chosen from the
Mark Dr. Willits was a native of Indiana. Mullen and family arrived late in the fall of that year and settled, on township that year.
where he built a cabin and small blacksmith shop, near the which is still standing. MuUen was the first blacksmith in the
section 7, bluff,
and
presumed he was not troubled inuch with compeshop to him was at North Henderson, some thirty miles distant. Mullen lived but a short time on the place where he settled, and selling his place to Samuel Elliott he moved to Iowa. Isaac Dawson and William Jackson came next. Dawson settled on land now the August Schrader place, which he sold to Martin A. Cook m 1851, and moved to Iowa. Both men were from Montgomery county, Indiana. Jackson settled on Pope creek, near Keithsburg. Lewis Noble and family settled on section 32, where he built a house and improved a farm, which he afterward sold, and moved to Decatur township,
tition,
it
is
as the nearest
_
county, Iowa.
274
HISTOET OF MEECEB AUD HENDEESON COUNTIES.
The glowing accounts of the then far west sent back by those who had settled here, induced others to follow them; and the next one coming in the spring of 1835 was John Drury and family. They settled on section 35, now known as the A. B. Childs place, on which he lived until the time of his death. Aaron Mannon then bought a piece of land on section 29, which is now owned by Harvey Mills. After
Mannon bought the land he returned to Indiana for his family, who had come with him, in charge of the place.
leaving his son,
During his father's absence he built a house on section 30, which land he had entered soon after his first arrival with his father. His father returning in the following May, settled on section 30, land now owned Abijah Wilson and Allen "Wilson came in the by W. H. Mills. summer of 1835 they took up land on section- 33, which they afterward sold. Eobert Childers settled on section 16, where he built a John and cabin, lived a short time, sold out and moved to Iowa: William Fisher came in the fall and settled on section. 18, the Joseph Bush place. John also bought land in section 23. William settled on Jesse L. Adams settled the Ii'a Noble place, at the foot of the bluff. on section 19, from which place he moved to section 22, where he now resides. Eezin Pratt came from Indiana to Mercer county in 1836. He first bought in section 30, and subsequently bought land adjoining. He then returned to Indiana the same season for his family. Pratt was the first postmaster in the township and had his oflice in the house in which he lived. He was also the first justice of the peace. Daniel J^oble and family, accompanied by his son, D. P. Koble, and wife, came soon after Pratt. They rented land the first season of Jessie Willits, and the same year Daniel Noble bought some land from Silas Drury, and at the same time entered on sections 30, 18 and 19. He built a house on the S. E. ^ of Sec. 30 the same year. D, P. Noble he first entered land in sections 31 and 20, which he afterward sold also bought eighty acres in section 29 at the same time, as did David Shaunce, where he first settled. He afterward bought land in section 30, near the bluff, upon which there was a small house, in which he lived until 1881, at which time he built a fine new frame, near the site of the old one. Thomas Morgan, of Montgomery county, Indiana, settled with his family on section 22, on which place he died in 1850. The place is now owned by Martin Bear, and occupied by his son Madrew. The first log cabin built upon the place is still standing in a good state of preservation. Morgan was buried in Eliza cemetery. Samuel Elliott bought the Mark Mullen place in 1836, in section 7. George Moore came in the spring and settled on the S. W. ^ of Sec. 30, which he sold in the spring to his brother John Moore, who came ;
;
ELIZA TOWNSHIP. during the previous winter.
Moore
276
started early in the winter to
make
accompanied by his wife and a small child. When boarding the boat at Cincinnati he fell through a hatchway and was severely injured. On arriving at Fort Madison they found that they could not proceed farther by boat, owing to the river being frozen They left the river at that place and began the over at that point. balance of the journey on foot, through a wilderness of prairie grass The sufferings they endured on account of cold and howling wolves. and hunger was intense, but after several days painful travel, tired and foot sore they finally arrived at the house of Joseph Glancey, where they stayed during the winter, and in the spring settled in Eliza on land bought of his brother George. John Moore seems to have the journey
by
boat,
been exceedingly unlucky, for in the spring of 1839, while in the timber splitting
rails,
a tree
fell
upon him crippling him
for
life.
But notwithstanding all the sufferings he had previously endured, he went to work and built a saw-mill on Eliza creek, the first of township. Martin and Jacob Bear came next. They started from Indiana about April 16, in company with John Thompson, and Abraham Piatt. Thompson and Piatt were fi'om Ohio, and settled in Walnut Grove, in Knox coimty, Illinois'. The Bears' outfit consisted of four yoke of oxen hitched to an old fashioned Virginia road wagon, heavily loaded, in consequence of which the journey was' a slow and tedious one. Often the drivers had to unhitch their teams and carry their loads out of a slough oi» their backs, and often this interesting performance was repeated several times during each days' journey. Many times they would hitch all the oxen to one wagon to pull it through a slough, and when that failed then the interesting process of wading through the mud was resorted to. Mr. Jacob Bear's experience on the occasion as related by him must have been an exceedingly interesting one to him. Among the party there was a small child who was very fond of him, and when not in his company would continually cry for him, and as Mr. Bear's part of the programme was to drive the cattle, he was forced to strap the child to his back, in which manner they made the trip to Illinois together. The party the kind in the
airrived in
Mercer county on the evening of May
twenty-four days on the road.
Amving
having been two miles below
10, 1836,
at a point
Pope creek, they went into camp for the night, on top of a high bluff. They turned their cattle out to graze, built a fire and began preparations for supper. A heavy storm that had been threatening for a few hours before suddenly broke with great violence upon the party, putting out their fires and carrying away their tents, leaving them to sit all night in a drenching rain.
As soon
as daylight came, they
moved forward
to
HISTORY OF MEECER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
276
Mrs. William Willits', where a breakfast was prepared for them, after which they continued their journey, reaching the place where they settled
and
still
own.
George and Isaac Dawson, learning of their and accord-
arrival in the neighborhood, concluded to frighten them,
ingly prepared their toilets in true Indian style, painted their faces with blood root, and, to give them a more hideous look, they bedaubed their hair with yellow clay, in
the emigrant party. the desired effect
It is
which
style they
suddenly rushed upon
hardly necessary to add that the scheme had
upon the
party.
Martin Bear bought his land
of
Thomas Morgan, on section 22, upon which he lived until a few years Jacob Bear still lives where he first since when he moved to Aledo. and has at different times since bought other lands adjoiniag. first few years after coming to the country, he lived with his brother Martin. He first broke ten acres the first season, and built a cabin near the site of which he has since built a large frame house.. He still lives where he first John Glancy settled in Eliza in 1837. settled, on section 7. He bought the land of Samuel Elliott, and fi-om time to time bought lands adjoining it, and now owns one of the largest settled,
For the
farms in the county.
The Indians were plentiful here in the days of the first early settlers. They were peaceful, however, and disposed to trade honorably with the whites. They belonged mostly to Black Hawk's tribe. Black Hawk himself was a frequent visitor to Mr. Silas Drury's cabin, where he was accustomed to stop to enjoy a night's rest on his cabin floor. Among Black Hawk's tribe was one familiarily known to the old settlers as Slim Jim, who was noted for his cunning, and of whom many good stories are still told by the surviving settlers. Jim lived in the bottoms below the bluff, but was quite fond of lounging about the settlers' cabins, and especially at Mark Mullen's. One day Jim came up out of the bottom and reported to Mullen that he had found a bee tree in the timber below, which, after considerable bartering, he succeeded in buying Jim's right in the tree for one dollar in silver. Then Mullen
and Jim
started to hunt for the tree, which they found as Jim had Mullen then set to work chopping the tree, which was a large one. Mr. D. F. Noble and John Pratt, being in the neighborhood, on hearing the noise went to where the parties were at work, and offered their assistance for a part of the honey. Thus reinforced the tree soon began to fall, and on its downward course fell against another near by, breaking off a large limb, from the opening of which there feU out upon the snow a comb of honey, about the size of Jim's fist, which he quickly picked up and ate. Upon further examination it was soon found that Jim had got all the honey the tree contained, besides a good stated.
ELIZA TOWNSHIP. joke on the parties present to
and a dollar in
277 silver.
Mullen concluded
keep cool about the matter and revenge himself in some other way.
He
used to keep liquor for sale at his cabin, an article that Jim had a One day, not long after the bee-tree transaction,
peculiar liking for.
Jim's thirst for fire water :fine
new blanket
to
him
became
so great as to force
him
for a quart of the ardent, which, if
to
he
pawn a
failed to
redeem in a specified time, was to be the property of Mullen. When redemption day came around, Jim's cash account being short, he Jim took in the situation at once, forfeited his right to the blanket.
away was not seen about the and while the settlers were feeling alarmed lest some evil had befallen him he one day suddenly made his appearance, with a large powder horn filled with lead ore, which he took into This excited Mullen's Mullen's cabin and began to mold bullets from. curiosity greatly to know where Jim had found the ore. Upon inquiry Jim pointed across the river, and by signs and gestures conveyed the impression that the place was quite a distance away. Mullen began
but said nothing, and quietly walking place for
many days
after,
at once to enter into negotiations
El Dorado.
Mullen wished
with Jim to be conducted to the
to start
immediately for the place, but
Jim, pointing to the ground, told Mullen that the place could not be reached in the winter season, but that they must wait until the grass grew in the spring, so the oxen could graze. This philosophical statement satisfied Mullen, and he took Jim and his squaw in the cabin with him, where they both enjoyed Mullen's hospitalities during the winter, but when spring came, and they were nearly ready to start for the promised land, Jim suddenly disappeared, and was not seen again for
many
years.
MILLS. The first mill built in the township was by Rezin Pratt and John H. Mannon, about 1837. It was situated just above Daniel Noble's, and was built about 1844, or 1845. This was a grist mill, and disappeared '
No other mill has since taken its place, owing to an insuffibody of water of late years to run one. A saw mill, built by Eezin Pratt and E. Esley, stood on the same stream, a little below Mr. Noble's, and was built somewhat later no remains of it can be seen there now. The mill was a large one and was well patronized at the time. For a long time after this mill ceased running there was no other mill in the township, until about 1864, when a steam saw mill was erected by Jesse Bogart, which, for the want of patronage, did not years ago. cient
;
do much business. section 16
by
J.
A steam grist mill for grinding feed was C. Achison.
started
Before the establishment of the
on
first
HISTORY OF MEECEE
278
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
mill in the township, the inhabitants, having then to go as far as l^orth Henderson and Monmouth, one man would generally do the business
he was usually detained from six to ten the stage of water and the number of persons ahead
for several of his neighbors
days, according to
;
They usually started with a- supply of rations and an emergency. The teams quartered about these mills gave
awaiting their turn. feed for
the place the appearance of a camp-meeting ground.
The only town of importance in the township was started by Edwin who settled there in 1850. Being a blacksmith by trade, he
Bishop,
was then called Mr. Bishop's appointment as postmaster; the having formerly been called Eliza, that name was substituted.
there started a shop on the comers, and the place
Comers
Bishop's office
The
place
is
until
located near the center of section 16.
year 1876 Dr.
Thomas
L.
On
or about the
Edwards bought a house and moved
to the
where he followed his profession until a few years since, when he retired from practice on account of advanced age, and was succeeded by Dr. Reynolds, who is the only physician in the place. Harrison, son of Edward Bishop, built a large house in the place a few years ago, on the opposite corner from his father's, where he resides and
place,
follows the carpenter trade.
The
next, a building sixteen feet square,
was built for a store by Isaiah Bishop in 1876, which was stocked and opened up for the first time on the morning of the annual town meeting of that year. His stock consisted of a barrel of kerosene and a few other light goods which he had earned on his back from Muscatine the day before. Not having a large stock, his business at first was slow and perplexing some of his customers greatly annoyed him by After calling for such goods as they knew he did not have on hand. a careful survey of his stock, one of his customers remarked that his was the only store he ever saw which he felt able to buy out. Bemembering the old adage, that from small acorns large trees grow, he continued in business, and by careftil watching of the wants of his customers, has built up a large trade, and added an addition to his store-room, which is now well stocked with such merchandise as is usually needed by farmers. Before the establishment of this store, the trade of the township was divided between New Boston and Muscatine, Iowa. The place also contains a jeweler shop and the business is carried on by Mr. Taylor. Soon after the organization of, and at the September term of the board of supervisors of 1854, on order was made by that body authorizing the issuing of a bond of $100,000 to the capital stoci of the Warsaw & Eockford Eailroad Company, to be paid in county bonds to ;
run twenty years with interest
at six
per cent, providing that the bonds
ELIZA T0WNSHI1>.
279
amount of available capital stock and providing that the money from the sale of the bonds should be expended within the limits of the In 1855 Mr. Hiram Thornton, agent for said company, filed county. a petition asking a modification of the terms of the bonds, and asking that the bonds be made unconditional and payable on demand of the company or its agents. The question of rescinding the former action should not be issued until a sufficient
was subscribed
to build the
road
;
was submitted to the voters of the several townships in the spring of Eliza township cast eight votes for rescinding the former vote, 1856.
and twenty-eight against.
SPECULATORS. first settlement here the settlers were annoyed by speculators and land grabbers, in consequence of which they were ever upon the lookout for intruders, who usually appeared in the guise of emigrants seeking homes, therefore all new comers were eyed with suspicion. Upon one occasion three strangers were noticed in the neighborhood whose actions aroused the suspicions of Mr. Silas Drury, then sheriif of the county, as to the real nature of their business. After carefully examining several of the best
For a few years after the
greatly
they came to Drury and requested him show them such lands as had not already been taken, saying that they were seeking places upon which to settle. Supposing that they were land sharks, he took them up on top of the blufi" in a thickly timbered place where left them, knowing that they would get lost. Then returning to his cabin he mounted a swift horse and notified his pieces of land in that vicinity, to
neighbors of the threatening danger. at the foot ter.
They
all
met
that night at a cabin
of the bluff to determine the best course to pursue in the mat-
Believing the parties to be speculators, they began to realize the
importance of quick action, and accordingly concluded to gather
money
all
the
Mr. Drury to the land office to buy in their lands for them. Drury left that night in company with a neighbor who was going a part of the way. They took a trail leading through Eock Island county, at which place it was their intention to have staid for the night, at a cabin owned by one Dunlap. On arriving they rode up to the cabin, and looking through a partly open door, saw the same parties whom Mr. Drury had left in the timber but a few hours before. Mr. Drury at once came to the conclusion that the parties were heading for the land office, and determined to get ahead of them if possible. Not wishing to proceed farther that night, the man accompanying Drury rode forward to the cabin and called Mr. Dunlap, who, being in Sympathy with the settlers, was confidentially told their business. in the
neighborhood and
start
A
HISTOEV OF MEKCEE AND I-IENDEESON COUNTIES.
280
away was pointed out to them, where they were Drury started from that place early the next morning, and reaching Andalusia just at sun up in the morning, was directed to cross the river at that point and take a trail made the day before, from Eock Island down the river by drawing a log cabin a short distance
assured they could find quarters.
through the snow, to allow the Indians to go there to trade. Arriving Eock Island about noon, he stopped at a tavern kept by a man
at
named Dixon, who was county clerk of the county. He was instructed by him as to the route to take, and also' informed him that he should stop at Port Byron for the night, which if he passed he would not find another stopping place within forty miles.
Soon
Island Mr. Drury looked back and saw a
man on
after leaving
ently in pursuit, which he supposed to be the speculator. at
man
Port Byron the
have a
him.
not gone far until superior animal,
On arriving
Drury must had failed They left in the morning in company, but had Drury noticed that the stranger's horse was a
fine horse as
to overtake
him and remarked
Eock
horseback, appar-
overtook
he had-
which,
not
that
tried all the afternoon but
agreeing with the statement he had
man was following him for the pui-pose of waylaying him at the first opportunity. After a few hours' ride together he told Drury that he had just come from Eliza township, where the day before he had beaten a citizen doctor in a horse race and taken $500 from him. Drury also noticed by made
the day before, caused Drury to fear that the
man that he likewise suspicioned him, and thus rode along together in silence, the one watching the
the actions of the
the two
men
movements of the other. Presently the stranger asked Drury if he had any money about him. He replied that he had $2.50 and was hurrying to get to Galena to find work, and asked if he was acquainted there. The man said that he was, but that work was scarce. He ofifered to bet Drury that his money was counterfeit, and demanded an examination, after which he passed it back, and producing some of the same kind from his own pocket, said that he was well acquainted with the parties in Galena who made it. This statement aroused Drury's fears more than ever, and as it was now growing dark both parties watched closer than ever. They however reached Dubuque in safety, and Drury going straight to the land office was there informed that they were three weeks behind with their books and that he would have to await his turn to make the entries. Not satisfied he went back and enlisted the co-operation of a friend and the two succeeded in making the entries that same night. The next morning just as Drmy was preparing to start back tlie ^.peculators made their appearance, and going to the oflice were told that the lands had all been entered the day before.
;
ELIZA TOWNSHIP.
281
of rage and said the trick had been Mercer county, and if he could be found played by him within an inch Instead of being of his life. cowhide they would turned "Virginia land agents. homes, they out to be for settlers looking at
which they broke out in a that
little
fit
sheriff of
« ROADS. The bluff to
1850.
first road laid out in the township was one leading from the Eezin Pratt's mill, on Eliza creek. This road was located in In the same year a road was laid out from the bluff to the old
Bloomiagton road, at Bear's. Another road, commencing where the Millersburg and Muscatine road crossed the county line, running west in Mercer county, through H. Mardock's land, intersecting the county fine at
John Boruff's, then west into Kock Island county, was laid out A road leading from George Scott's house in New Boston
in 1851.
township to D. F. Noble's, was laid out in 1851.
A portion of Island, is
still
an old Indian
trail,
New
leading from
ORGANIZATION. The April
first
Boston to Rock
visible in the southeastern part of the township.
•
town meeting was held at the house of Daniel Noble J. P. Mannon was chosen moderator and Joseph
1854.
2,
Leonard
clerk.
The
first
Glancy, for supervisor
;
election
John James M. Mannon,
resulted in the choice of
L. "W. Noble, town clerk
;
William Irvin, M. A. Cook and D. "W. Noble, commishighways H. TI. Randolph and G. W. Black, overseers of highways Dudley WUlits, overseer of the poor and Eli Mills, poundmaster. The whole number of votes cast was thirty. At an annual town meeting held at the school-house in district No. 2, twenty-five votes were cast for supervisor twenty for town clerk twenty-five for assessor twenty-three for commissioner of highways twenty-four for assessor
;
sioners of
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
overseer of the poor,
and
five for pound-master.
decide the question of township organization, votes in favor,
and twenty-three against
A vote was taken to which received eight
it.
D. F. Noble has served as supervisor nine years Martin Bear, six and A. B. Swisher, eight years. J H. Nolan, J. Y. Merritt and ;
H. Leech have each served one year. The Nobles at times held nearly all the principal offices in the township. The Bishops have also held numerous offices, notably that of town clerk, which was filled by one or the other for ten consecutive J.
years.
HISTOBY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
282
SOLDIERS.
At
the
first
breaking out of the late
war, the question as
civil
to
"my duty to go," was responded to aifirmatively by many of Eliza's truest patriots, and from the beginning to the termination of the great struggle, they bravely answered every call fo^^ troops father and son left the farm to oifer their lives, if need be, that the nation might be And it was not until the town had almost exhausted her perpetuated. Many from Eliza resources that men were hired to fill the quota. enlisted in Iowa regiments, among whom were P. Whaley, B. E. Whaley, Jasper Keed, David ISToble, Monroe Leech, Eli Mills, Pyrhus ;
Glancy, Isaiah Bishop, E. A.
John
who
Wood,
S.
S.
Wood, Walter Keneday,
Eeed, Alexander Irwin, Harrison Bishop, wounded. Those J. G. Merritt (who enlisted in the 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf. were I.
:
company K as a private and was promoted to captaia, and was wounded at Averysborough, North Carolina), Madison Retherford, Jacob A. Eeed, Thomas Beverlin, James A. Barlett, William Carr, Ezra Fuller, PI. J. Frazier, Josiah Spicher, James E. Wood, Abram Fuller (died of disease February 8, 1862), James Collier (died of disease December 4, 1862), George Barlett (died May 18, 1864, of wounds received at Eesaca), Noah Spicher (died of disease October 17, entered
Albee (discharged on account of wounds), Peter 0. Pierce M. Biverlin, John H. Mui-fin, Franklin Ferguson, Daniel Knapp, Walter Smithers, Henry Smithers, Harvey J. Fisher (wounded at Averysborough, North Carolina), J. F. Essly (enlisted in company outside of the county), H. C. Esley, W. D. Maladay (who was killed at Stone Eiver), and Yan A. Noble (wounded at Chickamauga). 1863), Otis
(died
May
17, 1864),
BUEIAL PLACES. There are several burial places in the township, the most noted of which are Eliza and Leech's. Eliza cemetery is situated just east of Mr. D. F. Noble's house, on top of the blufi", on a beautiful site over-
More than a hundred have been buried here. person buried in this cemetery was Miss EUzabeth Pratt, who also the first person to die in the township. Leech's cemetery is
looking the Mississippi.
The was
first
located in the northeast part of the township, just south of William
Leech's house, and contains some
fifty
graves.
There
is
also a biu-ial
place on the old Miller farm, and one at
The
first
child
born in
John Glancy's. the township was Mrs. John Shaunce. TIMBER.
At
the time of the
first
settleinent of the township, old timber, such
and hickory, ash and elm, was found in abundance on the upper lands along the edge and on top of the bluffs and in the as the various oaks
•
ELIZA TOWNSHIP.
bottoms near
tlie lakes,
283
but young timber could not be found, lia\'ing
by the Indians to drive out the been destroyed by points where they to could the more easily capdeer and other game destruction of the the young timber by these Noticing ture them. prairie fires started
began plowing around the edges of the had which the desired efi:eci, and in a few years timber to protect it, and where once only large trees could be young saplings sprang up, thickly dotted with a fine new growth of oaks seen the ground is now convert into rails. Many of the large and hickory large enough to On oaks now standing were here when the early settlers first came. the land of Harrison Bishop, a large white oak is standing, as straight as an arrow, three feet through at the base, and sixty feet to the first
fires,
many
limb.
of the settlers
Another, the largest tree in the county,
is
standing in the door-
an elm measuring 37^ feet in circumIt is ference at the gi'ound, and 34 feet three feet fi'om tlie ground. Much notice has 108 feet high and has a spread of top of 104 feet. been taken of this tree by the press thrbughout the country, and having several times been measured by competent surveyors is pronounced It is said that Black Hawk used to hold the largest in the county. council under the shade of its branches. yard of
J.
Y. Merritt.
It is
LAKES. In the bottom lands west of the bluff and near the Mississippi river is nestled tributaries
numerous small
lakes, all linked together
by a chain of
extending from one to another from north to south, the
currents in these outlets being strong in places. The lakes are all fed by the under drainage of the river and from numerous springs along the summit of the bluffs, in consequence of which the water is fresh and clear. In many places the lakes are shaded by large trees, and the sun's silvery rays shining through the tree-tops on the face of the water gives it a picturesque beauty. Fish and wild game are plentiful, and the angler and hunter find enough to occupy them pleasantly for a
short stay.
Late in the
summer season
matted along the edges with a to the surface of the water.
become
thickly
green moss growing from the bottom
tall
At
these lakes
the time of the
first
settlement here,
Glancy lake, were much wider and deeper than at the present time, owing to the accumulation of decayed vegetation and continual washing from the bluff. Glancy, however, still maintains its usual depth, owing to a swift current passing through these lakes, with the exception of
from the river in seasons of high water. At the present time the depth of Glancy lake is from twenty to twenty-five feet in places;
it
Eliza, three to five;
the favorite hunting
Swan, four to six. All along these lakes was ground of the Indians.
:
HISTORY OF MEECEE
284
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
SCHOOLS. school-house in the township was built on top of the The house bluff, a short distance from where D. F. Noble now lives. was built of logs, and the first school taught in it was presided over
The
first
by Miss Mary Ann Delabar, and afterward by Miss Emily CawMns. The school was kept up for many years by subscription, until the legislature passed a
law authorizing such townships as desired
to levy
a tax for the maintenance of schools, soon after which a meeting was called to discuss the merits and demerits of changing to that system.
being determined at that meeting to accept the provisions of that Before the the schools have thus been kept up ever since. change was made the township had but one district, which was composed of what is known now as districts 1, 2, and 3, since which the It
act,
town has been divided into six school districts, as follows Center, 1; Boruff, No. 2; Glancy, No. 3; Wliite Eagle, No. 4; Eliza The following, as shown by Creek, No. 5 Winter Creek, _No. 6. Mr. A. B. Swisher, present school treasurer, are the amounts received and disbursed by him for school purposes for the year 1880 Amount levied for 1881 $1,600 00 :
N"o.
;
State funds received
364 62
Interest received from
town fund
161 65
;
S2,126 27
—
RELIGIOUS MEETINGS.
Many ligious
of the early settlers here were church members, and remeetings date from 1836. At the request of Mr. Daniel
first was held at his son's (D. F. Noble) house which, at was the largest house in the neighborhood and afterwai'd at David Shaunce's and other places ia the township, until the first log cabin was built on the bluff, which was then used for all meetings, public and religious. The Methodists were the most numerous at that time, but the meetings were of a union character, and were participated in by members, of all other religious sects. The Methodists afterward became a regular organized body here, which has since been broken up ovsrLng to many of its members having joined churches
Noble, the the time,
;
located elsewhere outside of the township. the Baptists
and
Christians,
still
They, however, as well
several school-houses in various parts of the town. tion being strong
are conducted
Soon
Neither denomina-
to support a regular minister, the services
Asa McMerter and Samuel who were at that time termed ex-
by transient preachers.
Pinkly were the horters.
enough
as
continue to hold meetings at the
first
preachers,
after the first log cabin
on the
bluft
was
built,
a
regulai*
MARTIN
BEAR
287
ELIZA TO^WNSHIP.
camp-meeting ground was established nefU" the site of it, where the people of the whole neighborhood congregated to worship and talk to
and acquaintances. of brick was burned in the township, on the premises from which several houses in the neighborhood were Strauss, Samuel of season. same the built Eliza township has never yet sent a man to state prison for crime. familiar friends
In 1S42 a
Mln
BIOGRAPHICAL. Maetin Beae, a retired farmer, now residing in Aledo, was born in Northumberland county, Catawissa township, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1808, and moved with his father at an early date, to Pickaway county, Ohio, where he was raised and educated at a common school, and resided till his marriage with Miss Catherine Dodson, September 8, In the same month they were married they emigrated to Cov1831. ington, Fountain county, Indiana, and after a residence of four years there they came to Mercer county in 1836, arriving May 10th and Jacob Bear, settling near Eliza creek, in what is now Eliza township. In his brother, then a single man, accompanied and settled near him. 1835 Mr. Bear first came out to look at some land, and traveled
much all over northern and central Illinois, and bought a claim Thomas Morgan. In 1836 he went to Galena and entered the tract, with some other pieces to which he had obtained the choice number. "When Mr. Bear came out here in 1835, somewhere about the head of the Edwards river, night overtook him, and the darkness was not relieved by moon or stars. No house could be seen, so without anything to eat, he slipped the reins over his horse's head and sat down in the tall grass to hold his horse while he was grazing. He fell asleep, and in the morning when he awoke found that his horse had gotten away from him. After finding his horse he journeyed on and the following night reached Major Lloyd's at Camp creek a little below Mniersburg. That was the only house around. Mr. Bear felt at home here. The major was bragging about the fat of the land, which the pretty ii-om
good housewife illustrated with a very fat coon for supper, the first Mr. Bear had ever tasted. In early times Mr. Bear used to go to Spoon river
and to KnoxviUe to get his plows sharpened and When Mr. Bear first came here he found the following persons living in the neighborhood Isaac Dawson, Esq., John Drury, Daniel Noble, D. F. Noble, Aaron Mannon, Elisha Essley, John Shaunce, Isaac Drury, "William Fisher, Jesse L. Adams, all from Indiana; David Shaunce, from Carolina; Abijah "Wilson, from Connecticut; John Shaunce and Thomas Morgan, from Ohio; to get his milling done,
general smitliing done.
:
HISTOEY GF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COtTNTIES.
288
Martin Fisher (father of William Fisher), Jacob Bear and John Pratt, Thomas Miller came about 1837; William all from Indiana, in 1836. Retherford, in 1840 James Larue, about 1842 J. J. Huston arrived about 1847; Edwin Bishop, in 1850; William Irvin, about 1849. A. B. Chilas, still residing in the township, settled here June, 1838, at which time there were residing in the northern part of the township, John Glancey, William and John Fisher, Valentine Boruff (and his In the northern sons, Felty and John), Miles Boyd, and Martin Bear. fell from Strauss, who a tree was Daniel while gathtownship part of the partly devoured hogs and was by before hickory-nuts, found. ering John Shaunce lived near Boruff's. Mr. Chilas was a blacksmith, and worked at his trade there was a smith in New Boston h^ sharpened plows and shod horses for twenty miles around. ;
;
;
;
Francis Lambert was bom in the southern part of Ireland, in 1816, and moved to America with his father's family in 1840, landing first at St. Johns, New Brunswick, where he resided for two years, and then went to New York, in which city he resided for ten years. Being of a roving disposition, he next went to Pennsylvania, where he staid one then went to Tazewell county, Illinois, where after a short stay he started back to New York, but changed his mind when arriving at St. Louis, and started north for Galena, at which place he resided ten months. He then came to Rock Island, and from there to Buffalo, Iowa, and from there to Eliza, settling on section 10, where he made a farm and now resides. He was man-ied in Iowa in 1844 to Miss Nancy Moore, who was a native of Ohio. Mr. Lambert was educated in this country, and has followed farming as an occupation. He began life poor, but by industry and close attention to business has attained an easier position in life. In politics Mr. Lambert is a democrat. Geoege Mooee, of New Boston township, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, October 5, 1807. He moved with his parents while young, from that state to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1814, where he year
;
was educated
at a
common
school and afterward worked at the
penter and wheelwright trades until his marriage,
cai"-
when he moved
to
near where D. F. Noble now lives. Since his residence in the county he has followed farming. In April, 1862, Mr. Moore crossed the plains to Oregon, and was five- months
Mercer county,
settling in Eliza,
making the journey, first at
part,
Yam
in
company with other parties. and went from there
Hill county, Oregon,
where they stayed
until
They stopped to the southern
February 20, then went back
to
Yam
Hill county, where they stayed until October 7, and then started for home. Leaving Port Louis, Oregon, on board a steamer they went by
way
of San Francisco
and the Isthmus of Darien
to
New
York, then
289"
ELIZA TOWNSHIP.
up the Hudson to Buffalo, and from thence to Chicago, reaching home December 8, 1853. George Moore's great-grandfather was bom on December 19, 1YS2. His gi'andmother was born February 24, 1766. Mrs. George Moore, wife of the subject of this sketch, was born in Thej» have seven children, one of whom, Ohio September 27, 1813. soldier, at St. Louis, January 14, 1862. He was a Leslie G., died a cavalry. Sarah Jane, Helen L., Araminta E., member of the 2d Iowa Ella Clarissa is deceased. In religion Cara, Kobert C, are living. and in politics a republican. Mr. Moore is a Universalist, Edwin Bishop was born in New Jersey October 29, 1815, and
moved with
November 18, 1850. They made by canal and steamboat up the Mississippi river, Muscatine, Iowa, where he stayed until December 2,
his parents to this state
the journey through
lauding 1850,
first at
when he
•
settled in
EKza.
He
received a
common
school educa-
and learned the blacksmith trade, which he He was married in Pennhas followed during his residence in Eliza. sylvania August 31, 1837, to Miss Sallie Meeker, who was bom in Mr. Bishop's father was an Crawford county, that state, in 1819. American and his mother Scotch. They left New Jersey in January, Mr. Bishop has from time to time 1816, and moved to Pennsylvania. filled all the various offices in this town, and has served as justice of the peace for twenty-four years, and is at present postmaster* He is a member- of the Methodist Episcopal church. His family of children consists of Delilah, Isaiah, Harrison, Barbara A., Levi A., and Sarah tion in the
former
state,
(deceased).
bom
in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1808, and "Wayne county, Indiana, in 1811, and from Wayne county to Morgan county in 1820, where he received a common school education and was brought up to farming. His father was English and his mother Welch. His grandfather was also English, and was bom in London (Drury Lane, which bears the name of the family), where he was educated for a lawyer. After this he turned Quaker and moved to America, settling in Baltimore, Maryland, where he followed legal writing as a profession. Silas Drury, the subject of the sketch, came from Indiana to Mercer county in the spring of 1834, just after serving as a soldier in the Black Hawk war, which service he entered in 1832. He first settled in Eliza township, and was the first sheriff elected in the county, April 6, 1836, after which he moved to Eock Island county, Illinois, where he now resides.
Silas Deitky
moved with
He
was
his parents to
has, since his residence in that county, held the office of justice of
the peace, assessor, tive years.
and several minor
Mr. Drury
is
a
member
offices, for
twenty-six consecti-''
of the masonic fraternity, and a
;
HISTOEY OF MEECEK
member
.
His business
is
Eock
farming
Y. Meeitt, the county, Indiana, January J.
all
of
also a
;
Island county.
in Eock Island county marriage they had four
of eight,
HENDEESON COUNTIES.
member of tlie Old Settlers' In politics he is a national. and trading along the river. • He was man-ied in 1843 to Miss Malinda Bentley, by which children Silas, Sarah, Oscar, and BjTon. subject of this sketch, was born in Wayne Lodge
of the Illinois City
Association, of
A3ST)
whom
:
5,
1828, and
is
are living except
the third child of a family
Aaron
J.,
who
died a soldier
Kentucky. He was a member of the 36th reg. 111. Vol. Inf. Moses, a merchant, resides in Ajjpanoose county, Iowa. Eliza, wife of A. 0. Keynolds, whose husband is a farmer, also resides in Mary, wife of Samuel Spangler, a farmer, resides in that county. Whitesides county, Illinois, near Port Byron. Sarah Free also lives in Mary M. Kirlin lives in Mercer county, Illinois. John, that county. a farmer, lives in Wayne county, Indiana. J. Y. Meritt's mother's maiden name was Margaret Trindall, and of Scotch-Irish descent was raised in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. His father, E. J. Meritt, was born and raised in Belmont county, Ohio, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812. J. Y. Meritt received a common school education in Indiana, and was there raised to farming. He came to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1848, and for the first few years worked at the carpenters.' trade, which he picked up after coming to the state. He bought the land where he now resides in 1856, and on December 25 of that year was married to Miss Mary Prine, and in 1858 moved upon the place. His residence is marked by a large elm tree, the largest tree in Mercer county. J. Y. Meritt enlisted in the three at Bardstown,
;
years' service in the late
war
in 1862, as a private in
company
K.,
102d 111. Yol. Inf., and was afterward promoted to the captaincy of the company, and participated in all the battles in which his regiment
was engaged.
March
1865.
He was wounded Unlike
the close of the war, after participating
at
Averysborough, North Carolina,
in
many who enlisted at that time, he served until in 1865, when he was mustered out of service
in the
politics Capt. Meritt is
grand review
'at
Washington, D.C.
In
a republican.
D. F. Noble was born in Fayette county, Indiana, Febniary is the son of Daniel and Sarah Noble. His father is Scotch-English, and was born in North Carolina, August 22, 1787 his mother is German, and was born in Pennsylvania, January 20, 1788. His father left North Carolina with his parents at the age of six years, and went to Tennessee, where he remained until he was 9,
1813, and
twenty-one years of age, at which time he moved to Ohio, where he was married in 1810 to Miss Barbara Fruit, soon after which he went
.
ELIZA TOWNSHIP. to Indiana,
291
where he resided until 1836 he then moved to Mercer He was drafted for a soldier in the war of 1812, but ;
county, Illinois.
owing to the termination of the war soon after his His father -was a sojdier in the revolutionary war. On
did not serve,
em'oUment.
this county Daniel JSToble first settled in Eliza township, where heremained until the time of his death in 1880, his wife having They were buried side by side in Eliza eeme^ preceded him in 1875.
coming to
tery,
which place
is
marked by an appropriate monument.
They had
D. F. Noble, the subject of this sketch, is widely and favorably known, having from time to time served in all the various oflfices in this township. Soon after township organization he was elected supervisor of his town, which oflSce he held for several years in succession he also served as justice of the peace, and was postmaster for twenty consecutive years when the salary of the office amounted to one dollar per year. After serving in that office for twenty years he received his twenty years' salary, amounting to $20 and a few cents. During the late war of the rebellion he was appointed enrolling officer for Eliza and Millersburg lived together sixty-five
years.
;
townships.
He
has also served as school director for thirty-six con-
Mr. Noble received a common school education in and moved with his parents to Eliza in 1836, since which he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He was married in Union county, Indiana, January 26, 1836, to Miss Sarah Pratt, who died in 1881 and was buried in Eliza cemetery. Eight children have been born to them, six of whom are living. Miss Avarilla married Elisha L. Essley, to whom four children were born; Essley having secutive years.
Indiana,
died, Mrs. Essley
married Michael Shannahan.
who
Miss Caroline Eeed, ten children,
two of
whom
also died.
The
died in infancy.
Ira
Noble
mamed
result of that marriage
was
Ira lives just a mile north
David Noble married Eliza Hampton, of Eock had five children, one of whom died while young. Miss Barbara E. lives with her father on the home place. J. F. Noble also lives at home. Edward H. was married to Miss C. A. Bean in 1881, and lives with his father and farms the place. William Shields was bom in "Wayne county, Indiana, January 9, 1819. He there received a common school education, and was also raised to farming. His father was a native of "Westmoreland county, Virginia; and his mother, of Kentucky. They moved to Hamilton county, Ohio, where they were married. "William Shields came to Mercer county in the spring of 1840, and first settled in New Boston township, after which he moved to Eliza and settled on section 33, which land was then owned by Abijah "Wilson, whose daughter Lucy of his father's place.
Island county, and they
;:
HISTORY OF MEROEE
292
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
he married April 12, 1849. His father and mother following in the same fall, settled in New Boston township, in sight of their son's resi"William Shields has long been a member of the Methodist dence. Episcopal church, and also a Mason for thirty-two years ; he is a member of New Boston Lodge, No. 59. Out of a family of eight children only three are living: Mariah Willits, Ira, and Jo. The two last named are living with their parents. John Glancet, a farmer and stock raiser, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1800. He moved with his brother from that state to Indiana in 1820, where he received a common school education, and for a while after followed wool carding and cloth dressing. Joseph Glancey, his father, was Irish; and his mother, whose maiden name was Maith Willits, was English and the second Mr. Glancey was the sixth vsdfe, his father having been twice married. child of that family. His father's third wife was Lm-a Chambers. Mrs. John Glancey's father's name was Kobert Moore, Scotch-Irish; his mother's maiden name was Deborah WiUitts, of English descent, and having formerly lived in York county, Pennsylvania, moved from that state to Ohio, and then to Indiana in 1812. Mrs. Glancey's father was married twice, and Mrs. Glancey is the seventh child of the second family.
John Glancey, the
settled in Eliza in 1837,
Glancey's
most
name has been
came to Illinois and where he first settled. Mr. the public for many years. The
subject of the sketch,
and
still
resides
familiar to
striking points in his character are his disposition to help others
animated and kind nature and these have made for him friends everywhere, and he lives to see his bright dreams reahzed at the golden age of eighty-two. Mr. Glancey was elected first supervisor of his township; he was also one of the first county commisin their
life
struggles
;
his generosity
;
his
his earnestness in his neighbors' success
;
sioners.
John Mason was born in Switzerland, December 8, 1812. Casper his father, was born in the same parish in 1T87, as was also his grandfather, Casper, July 11, 1762. Jacob John Mason, son of Casper, was born in the same parish, October 28, 1722. Susana, wife of John Mason, was also born in the same parish. May 3, 1816. They were married January 10, 1834, by which marriage they had efght children Jacob, Henry, Albert, August, Jacob John, and John. Two not named died in infancy. John Mason received a high school educar tion in the parish, which school was controlled by the family. He also served as a soldier in the Zurich war before coming to this country. He left his native country for America June 20, 1847, and arrived at New York city July 21. After his arrival in this country he spent Mason,
ELIZA TOWNSHIP. several years traveling
from place to
293
.place, finally settling in
Berks
county, Pennsylvania, where lie remained six years, from whicli place lie moved to Wayne county, Indiana, wliere he stayed ten months.
He
then came to Illinois, settling
dence of five years he
on the Essley
moved where he now
others of the first settlers,
place.
After a
resides.
Like
Mr. Mason's circumstances in
life
resi-
many were
exceedingly limited, but by industry and economy in his business he has managed to acquire a good farm, with plenty around him.
Thomas Beveelin was born in Wayne county, Indiana, November His father was bom in Hamilton county, Indiana, and his 10, 1843. Virginia. They were married in Indiana, and moved to mother in Thomas Beverhn received a common school educain 1846. this state having come this state, with his parents while young. His tion in occupation
is
that of fanning.
He
enlisted in the three years' service
war in 1862, in company K, 102d 111. Vol. Inf., commanded by Capt. J. Y. Meritt, and after serving for nearly three years was mustered out of the service in 1865, having been engaged in all the battles with liis regiment. On arriving in Illinois Mr. BeverUn's father first settled in Eock Island county and afterward in Eliza, Mercer county, on the place where Henry Brockett now lives, at which place he died August 8, 1878. His family consisted of eight children, of whom only two are now living. Thomas Beverlin was married July 16, 1866, to Miss Mary L. Denison. Four children born to them are all living: Emai-anda, Fannie E., Estel, and Carrie. Mr. Beverlin is a member of the republican party, and also a member of the Masonic in the late
City Lodge, Rock Island county. August Schbadee, a native of Germany, was born in King county, Hanover, December 27, 1830. He was educated at a common school, and afterward learned the wheelwright trade, which he followed until he came with his parents to America. The family first landed in E^ew Orleans, where they remained a short time, and then moved to Mercer county, settling at New Boston, where August followed his trade for a while. After a residence of twelve years at New Boston he moved to Eliza, settling on the old Martin A. Cook farm, which he improved and still resides upon. Mr. Schrader was married in New Boston in 1861. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and also of the masonic lodge of that city. In politics lie is a republican. Jac^b Bear was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, November 29, 1812. Peter Bear, his father, was a German, a native of Hamburg, who on first coming to America settled in Pennsylvania, after which he moved to Pickaway county, Ohio, about the year 1811. Catharine, his mother, was a native of Peimsylvania also. Jacob Bear is the third fraternity, Illinois
.
:
294
HISTORY OF MEECER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
He came to child of a family of eight, six pf whom are stiU living. Mercer county in company with his brother Martin in 1836, and immediately began improving a farm, upon which he broke ten acres the first year. He was married in 1844 to Miss Jemima Carson, of Morgan county, Ohio. His family are Clinton, Carlton, and Eolland. Clinton is at home. Carlton is at present absent from home. Eolland is deceased. Mr. Bear received a common school education in Indiana and was brought up to farming. He is now engaged in farming and stock raising.
John Humphries Leech was born April 8, 1811, in Monroe county, His parents were Chichester and Margaret "West Virginia. Chichester His mother's maiden name was Humphries. Leech. Leech was born in Culpepper, Virginia. His parents were Andrew and Elizabeth Leech. Chichester Leech was of English origin, his
now
grandparents being
among
the
first
early settlers of America.
Losing
mother married one Bums and moved west had two uncles in the revolution, George and
his father very young, his to
Monroe
county.
Valentine Leech,
He
who
entered that service at the age of sixteen and
They went to Georgia and were never after heard of. Margaret Humphries was the daughter of John and Catharine Humphries, whose name before marriage was Diekison. Her pai'ents eighteen.
were from L'eland, but raised in America, near the Cow Pasture river in Virginia. John Humphries was raised in Ireland, near Dublin. His mother was the only daughter of Sir Toby Butler, lord mayor of Dublin. Young Humphries first landed in Pennsylvania, and from thence went to Virginia, where he became acquainted with and married Catharine Diekison, after which he moved to West Virginia. He there laid a warrant on 1,000 acres of land, had the same surveyed and recorded at Richmond. He there made his home, and raised a family of ten childi'en, six boys and four girls, namely John, James, "William, Samuel, Eichard, Eobert, Elizabeth, Isabel, Margaret, and Martha. John was a miller by ti-ade, Eobert a shoemaker; the rest were all farmers. Samuel and Eobert were in the war of 1812. Eobert was present at the suiTender of Hull in Canada. After the war he moved to Calloway county in 1818. Eichard, following in 1820, settled in the same county where, after a short time, they
were followed by and husband, the
accompanied by Isabel Carlton remaining in Virginia, whft-e they died. "William was elected high sheriff of the county where he was raised. Eichard was elected county judge in Missouri, and was also their grandparents,
rest of the family
there elected to the legislature of that state. In 1832 Chichester Leech and a family of nine children, all single but Samuel, started for Madi-
ELIZA TOWNSHIP.
295
son county, Indiana, on wliich journey they lost one of tlie family. On the fouiih morning of their journey they met thirty-five droves of -
hogs being driven from Kentucky to the markets of PhiladelpMa, The journey vs^as an exceedingly hazardous Baltimore, and Eichmond. ,
muddy roads were day of December the party arrived at county, where they went into a log cabin Henry Warner's, Here they found times good; wheat 50 cents per for the winter. bushel; com, 37-J; pork, $3 per hundred; day's wages, 371- cents; When the spring opened up the rail-making, 37^ cents per hundred. party started for Madison county, forty miles distant, which place theyreached in a week's travel. J. H. Leech at this time was twenty-two years old, and he concluded to begin life for himself, and accordingly, apprenticed himself to C. T. Hoover, a cabinet maker of Pendleton. At this place in 1842 malarial fever was prevalent and the family sufiered terribly from its ravages, their father falling a victim to the one,
it
having rained almost incessantly and the
On the in Wayne
almost impassahle.
first
malady in the spring of 1835. The family still stayed at Madison, where they experienced the financial crash of 1837. This caused a reverse in the family affairs,
them.
At
this
Dale, his old employer, the business until 1839, Isaac Williams.
wound up
ending in great financial
difficulty to
time J. H. Leech went into partnership with Samuel
bought his uncle's interest, and they carried on when Leech entered the carpenter trade with
In the
that business,
fall
of that year,
money being
and from that time
till
scarce, they 1842 they were en-
gaged in fixing up their business preparatory to moving farther west, and ia that fall they came to Illinois, first landing in Mercer county near where J. Y. Men-itt no'v^ Kves, on section 31. In the early part of 1839 Mr. Leech was married to Elener R. Sibley, by which marriage they
have had eight children, as follows: James W., Marianna M. (who was a member of the 9th Iowa cavalry),
H., Leander
Corydon, Adolphus M., Sarah E., Virginia C. and
Mary
B.
The Leeches are widely and favorably known throughout Mercer county. They came to Mercer county in an early day, with but little means with which to begin life in the new country, but by energy and honest diligence have attained an enviable position in the community in which they live. The three brothers, William, Andrew, and J. H., live but a few miles apart in Eliza township. William Leech was born in Monroe county, Virginia, in 1821, and came to this state at the age of twenty-one. He was married in Eliza township to Miss Eliza Spirling. Viewing his fine residence now one would hardly suppose that he came to this country vdth but half a dollar in his
296
HISTOET OF MEECEE
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
was the case. Andrew Leech was bom in Virginia, and when he left that state for Indiana was but twelve years After liis arrival in Mercer county he first bought eighty acres old. His wife was bom before he was married to Miss Matilda Spirling. December 25, 1830. From this union they had bom to them Daniel, William, Eliza J., Delphia A., George K., Mary E., Ulysses G., His daughter, Eliza J., married Susan F., and D. A. Leech. George married S. W. Anderson, who died October 22, 1873. Maggie Sloan December 26, 1878. Delphia died June 27, 1867. Mes. Haeiet Noble, widow of Jonathan Noble, formerly a native He spent his youth in that of Indiana, was born in that state in 1821. state where he also received a part of his education, finishing in Illinois He was married in 1861 to after his removal here with his parents.
pocket, yet such in 1819,
:
Miss Harriet Irvin, a native of Pennsylvania. Eight children resulted in this union Peter, Geoi'ge, Cora, Omar, Charles, Jennie, Beecher, and Henry, named in order. Mr. Noble first began business with his father which he continued for some length of time, when he removed Then to Iowa where he purchased 160 acres of land, near Iowa City. returning he was married and soon after bought a farm of 280 acres on sections 17 and 18, upon which Mrs. Noble is now living, and which is supei-intended by the oldest son. Mr. Noble was a hardworking, thorough business man, and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was a member of the masonic fraternity. Iea Noble, son of D. F. Noble, was bom in Mercer county in 1839, and was married in 1860 to Miss Caroline Reed, of the sanie county. She died December 28, 1878, leaving a large family of children, all of whom are residing at home, with their father: Sarah, Eva, Blanch, Clarinda, Gertie, Avarilla, Tom, and Caroline.' The two oldest, Fred and Flora, were twins and died while young. Mr. Noble is a repub:
and a member of the masonic order of New Boston. Mrs. Eliza Maetix, wife of the late sergeant J. Martin, was bom in Franklin county, Ohio, and went from there to Burlington, Iowa, in company with her sister in 1859. Mrs. Martin has been twice married, first to Charles Sabin, after whose death, July 19, 1865, she married a second time to J. Martin, who was well and favorably known, especially among his army associates, whose friendship and esteem he merited. He was chosen first sergeant of his company, 124th Vol. Inf., and lican in politics,
credibly distinguished himself in the battles of Raymond, Jackson, Fort Gibson, Champion Hill, Fort Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, Brownsville, Spanish Fort, Yazoo City, Benton, and was present with his
regiment during the Meridian campaign.
He
served from the com-
297
ELIZA TOWNSHIP.
mencement of the great struggle to its close in 1865. leaving four children to lament his death: Albert and Jenny.
Grant
is
He died J.,
in 1870,
Laura, Grant,
superintending the farm.
L. B. IfoBLE, son of Lewis and Matilda Noble, was born in Eliza township in 1839. His great-grandfather was Irish and his great-
grandmother English. They settled in Virginia in an early day, where our subject's grandparents were bom and raised near Lynchburg, and where his parents were also bom. They moved from that state to Tennessee, then to Ohio and from there to Indiana, in an early day.
Here they resided about twenty years, after which they moved to this state in 1834, and were among the first early settlers of the township. Immediately after arriving here he took a claim and began improving
was raised. L. B. Noble enlisted in He the late war, in the 27th 111. Inf in which he served three years. was woimded at Kenesaw Mountain in 1864. After the close of the war he returned home and continued farming. In 1873 he was a farm upon which our subject
,
married to Miss Irabell Stephens, of
Adams
county, Iowa.
man-iage they had four children: Archer L., Elsie M., Ethel
J., all
whom
are residing at
Don
By
this
L.,
and
home.
John Peatp, son of John and Avarilla Pratt, and brother of Rezin Pratt, was bom in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. His fatlier, a German by descent, and a native of Maryland, moved with his parents to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in a very early day, where he was married to Mrs. Avarilla Boner. Eleven children was the result of this union, all bom in Pennsylvania. His father first moved to Union county, Indiana, in 1830, where they remained until 1838, at which time they moved to Mercer county, Illinois, first settling in Eliza township, on section 29, where he lived until they moved to his son Jonas' house in New Boston township. Here he died, his wife following seven years later. His oldest daughter, Eliza, died in 1839, and was the first death in Eliza township. They are all reposing in the EUza Creek cemetery. Benjamin died in 1868, Lacey, in 1866, and Rezin in 1880. Jonah resides in New Boston township where he settled about the year 1862. Nancy, widow of "Wesley Wicks, resides with her brother Jonah. Avarilla, wife of Elisha Essley, resides in Kansas. Tamar resides in New Boston. Annie, wife of John Dan-
The subject of this sketch was married in 1852 to Miss Nancy Fergason, by which marriage they have had nine children bom to them. Sarah, the oldest, inarried Joel Woodward, a farmer, and they' reside in Adams county, Iowa. Avarilla, wife of Oliver gan, in Kansas.
Essley, also resides in the
same county.
Louis married Miss M. Mol-
HISTOET OF MEECEE
298
inger, of Iowa.
AND IJENDEESON
COUNTIES.
Marj, wife of Henry Taylor, resides in Adams
county,
owaNc; Nancy, wife of John Jones, resides in Adams county, Iowa. Harvey, Malisse, Euth, and Nellie are at home with their parents. Our subject began the busines of fanning in Eliza township, on section
where he lived five years and in 1853 bought a farm in section 86 and soon after eighty acres adjoining it, where he built a handsome His business has residence and is now living in comfort and ease. been farming and stock raising. 30,
PEERYTON TOWNSHIP. In writing a history of the town of Perryton, I have considered it
desirable to embrace in
it
only those facts that at present have
and which would otherwise have also endeavored, as far as possible, to place myself with the people who will occupy our places at the recurrence of our national centennial anniversary, and relate such things as will be of most interest to them, as well as our more immeno be
historical record in existence elsewhere,
lost
with the present generation.
I
diate successors.
Owing
to the fact that the earlier settlers kept no written history or even regular accounts, and also to the fact that many of them have died or moved to distant localities, it has been very diflicult to gather the facts herein recorded, and they must be my excuse for any errors of matter or data herein contained. I would here acknowledge my indebtedness to all those who have
i"ecord or
kindly furnished assistance in this historical record of the town of Per-
and I wonld especially acknowledge my obligations to William Doak, now living among us, and to Abraham Miller, Jr., who since 184Y has resided in Oregon. The physical features of the town that will not change with time, are only those that are aifected by amount of prairie woodland and such features of water courses as would be affected by cultivation and
ryton,
When
the white man came he found the surface by natural causes, or as affected by the annual prairie fires of the Indians. The better and more level land was prairie covered by a coat of mixed natural grasses and plants that grew in
by domestic animals.
in the condition created
stools,
inches;
each independently, to the height of eighteen to twenty-four some like the polar plant, or rosin weed, runnipg up in
alternate years to five or six feet.
meadow, yet there was no sward
The ground seemed covered
like a
as in blue grass, although the matting
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP. of roots below itself as
a
bound the
As
tuft.
very firmly, each plant growing by for hay, it would yield from one to
soil
a pasture
299
and
two tons per acre, and most of the plants were eaten by stock, but when closely pastured were sure to die out, gi^ang place, subsequently,
The broken grounds furnished the same and in many places the coat was so
to the cultivated grasses.
grasses but in
much
less quantity,
fires were not hot enough to destroy certain kinds most protected places, as on the south sides of ravines and creeks, and such as black oak and white hickory. In some few places the more valuable white and burr oaks had established small
light that the
autumn
of timber in the
groves.
As
it
may
in the future
be desirable to know what part of the town
once grew timber, I will in brief specify tracts which
Camp
it
occupied in
on sections 23 and 24 was some sixty acres of very fine white oak, and there were forty acres of good mixed timber in the southeast comer of section 21. The land that lay between the level and Camp creek on the north on sections 30 and 19, and a little on section 29 had large old white oak trees upon it. On the north side of the creek there was timber, white and burr oak, on KE., N.E. 18, on S.E., KW. 18; a little on S.E. of KW. 17, and N.E. of N.E. 16. The broken ground in the southeast comer of the town had some scattering timber, mostly grown since the Indians had left also most of section 24, and that part of sections 12, 13 and 14 that lay between the two large ravines up to the centre of section 12. The N. i of 19, S. i of 18, S. W. IT, and north to section 20 was more or less occupied by scattering young black oaks, or, as commonly called, blacks jacks, and white hickory also a small body of mixed timber on northeast corner of 16 and southeast comer of 9. In the early settlement of Perryton none of the woodland was considered as of any value but that containing white and burr oak, and for that reason was the last entered or bought of the Government. The ravines (or sloughs, as called by early settlers) were covered with a dense growth of grass and weeds, rising often to the height of six to ten feet, and were the hiding places of deer and wolves. Where there was sufficient water to create a channel, it was often not more than one or two feet wide and deep, even a mile fi-om its source on the prairie. The channel being tortuous, and the bottom soil bound by very strong roots, it was only a channel for low water that apparently rarely changed or increased in size, the flood water running over the level bottoms without washing. Where now channels are washed twenty 1845.
In the fork of
creek,
;
;
feet
wide and
six feet deep,
channel without
much
effort.
the writer has stepped across the original
HI8T0BY OF MERCEB AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
300
After the removal of the Indians, and preTious to 1846, they returned to hunt by permission of the Indian agents. The last evidence
Besides their knives and arrow heade, of their visit was in that year. of which numbers are still found, they left no mark save the great trail
bend of the Mississippi to the up and down the river. Ihis trail entered the town on the south side of 31 thence along the divide to Camp their tribes followed in 'cutting off the
west, in their navigations
;
then along the ridge through 20 and 17, and nearly diagonally through the north half of 9, southeast of 4, and northwest of 3. In 1845 there were still five or six distinct, deep creek, crossing at a ford in 19
;
worn paths throughout the entire distance, and were the guiding path to Eock Island and Oquawka, the two points where it left the river. It is said that the army pursued Black Hawk upon this trail, and that Camp creek got its name from having been one of the camping places The pioneers found the country abounding ia deer, of the army. wolves and prairie chickens, with many quails, turkeys, rabbits, and The elk and buffalo had been occasionally the wildcat and badger. abundant at no very distant period, as attested by their horns and skeletons, which were found all about this region even as late as 1845. As was the case everywhei-e in the prairie country, the earliest settlers made their claims adjacent to a body of timber suitable for fencing and building, and believed almost universally that farms could only be made by the few who were early enough to secure a tract, or take from the government land the scattering white oaks and it was for this reason that the best prairie land was the last .selected. Although not strictly belonging to the history of the town of Perryton, the early settlement and history of Sugar Grove is so thoroughly intermixed, that no record of either can well be complete without encroaching somewhat on the domain of the other. The first settlement in tliis vicinity was at Sugar Grove, April 24, 1834. In the month of March, ;
1834, the following
bound
named persons
for the Mississippi river:
consisting of
self,
left Montgomery Abraham Miller,
county, Indiana, Jr.,
and
wife,^and wife's sister; George Miller, Sr.,
family,
Abraham
Miller, Sr., Isaac Miller, Jr., Jacob Miller, John Miller, Elias Moore, Ben. Welch, Dr. John Kester, "William Shuck, Thomas Dauson, James Kester, and William Moore. This company was fitted out with six ox
teams, with breaking plows and other necessary farming utensils. They intended putting in crops and then returning for their famihes. George Miller, Sr., was selected as guide, because of his extensive experience as a pioneer, and he steered his trackless route through the
boundless prairies for days and days, without the aid of a compass, consulting only the stars to guide him to his destination. This
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
301
first landed at Sugar Grove, April 24, 1834, and built a small made of split linn logs, on tbe east side of the grove, on the claim of Abraham Miller, Sr. and under the protection of this rude cabin the entire company were sheltered until they had each broken up and planted a piece of sod corn, interspersed with pumpkins and The wife of Abraham Miller, Jr., did the cooking for the melons.
company cabin
;
,
Jfone of the crops were fenced that season, for as
entire colony.
soon as planted they
itants
back to Indiana, with the exception of that time there were no other inhab-
all started
Abraham Miller and
At
family.
Abraham
within a circuit of ten miles.
family,
Miller, Jr., with his
remained in their cabin at Sugar Grove until the corn had got
when he removed
well out of the ground,
New Boston,
to
where' he
company returned with their families frona Indiana. Of tlie original company of settlers at Sugar Grove, all but the Millers and Elias Moore went back to Indiana remained until
and
fall,
until tlie balance of the
to remain, or settled in
tions
were made
them in the
to this
fall.
the vicinity of
New Boston,
while a few addi-
colony by several families that returned with
After the corn crops were
all gathered, cabins were and preparations were made to settle As the nearest grist mills were on Spooji river, subsistence was procured by pounding the corn in
built for the different families
down
for the winter.
most of the meal for
improvised and riidely-constructed mortars.
George Miller, gi'eatly
In
many
of
Sr., father
indebted for
many
Abraham
whom
I
am
Oregon in 1847.
he was a remarkable man, a noble type of the which our early settlers were made. He was the father
respects
material out of
of twenty-four children, all of
women, and bought and gave dren living, but one, are
now
whom
to
in Oregon.
death was as vigorous as most
moved
from the State
he lived to see grown
each of them a home.
ber 11, 1874, in his ninetieth year, Millers
Miller, Jr., to
of these facts, emigrated to
and
men
He
men and
All of his
chil-
died in Oregon, Septem-
until a short time before his
Nearly all of the Oregon about the same date. They were originally of Tennessee, Crab Orchard, on Doe river. Carter county. at forty-five.
to
They
left there for Indiana in the fall of 1812, when the entire country embraced within the limits of that state was occupied by the Indians, and when pioneer life was one of constant danger. It 1834 they left
Montgomery county, Indiana, for Mercer county, Elinois, which brings them to the time of our history. Of the four elder Millers who onginally settled at Sugar Grove two were democrats in politics and
two whigs
two were pro-slavery and two anti-slavery ; two were Methodists and two old school predestinarian Baptists. The children followed their fathers in both politics and religion. Coming from ;
HISTOEY OF MEEOEE
302
AInTD
HENDEESON COUNTIES.
Tennessee and pioneering in Indiana these early
settlers
were indepen-
dent of most of the aids of civilized society ; their clothing was mostly home-made, from wool and flax a spring pole mortar pounded their ;
axes built houses, fences and implements ; their rifles repleted empty lardersv Those who were the earliest settlers of the ridge south of Camp creek were from Pennsylvania and other eastern
meal
their
;
and being less practiced in the art of pioneering were subject to and experienced more difiiculties in supplies of meat and bread. Mr. Peny says that they were obliged to go to Kickapoo, in Peoria county, for their milling in 1836, and to Henderson for blaeksmithing yet there must have been mills near Henderson, for WiUiani states,
more
privations
;
an experience in going there to miU in the winter of the trip with a wagon and In order to pass two farms before a supply of three yoke of oxen. corn for a grist could be obtained they were obliged td make a wide
Doak
relates
1837-8,
when with two neighbors he made
detour to the east, became lost in the night uj)on the trackless
prairie,
were obliged to break ice and ford streams, and only near morning, wet and frozen, they reached the second place, where they bought and shelled the last of their grist.
Soon after the Millers settled at the Grove they made of a boulder a small grist mill, and bpon it they and their neighbors gi-ound their About 1839 they built a saw mill on Edwards river, and the grain. year after a grist mill, and shortly after this a flour mill was buUt on The following description of the "slough," where Milan now stands. the
first grist
no doubt prove by the Millers They sawed off an
mill ever erected in Mercer county ,wl11
interesting to the readers of this history.
It
was
built
Sugar Grove, and was used for several years. oak log about three feet long, stood it on end and placed coals of fii'e in the center of the top, burning out a hole in the shape of a basin, at
which they dressed out nicely to receive the com. They then took a long pole and fastened the butt in or on the ground, set a forked stick in the ground and laid the pole in it, about the middle, something after They then took another pole the style of an old-fashioned well sweep. and fastened to the top of this, like a rope to the top of a well sweep. In the lower end of this pole was inserted an iron wedge, with the butt down. Then" -a hole was bored through this pole, about eighteen inches above the wedge, and a pm pu tlirough it, which pin was seized with both hands and the pole worked up and down. Afterward the Millers found a stone of suitable grain, which they split open and made two good mill stones, twenty-two inches in diameter, which was an improvement on the first mill. Three of the MUlers were blacksmiths and .
they
made
mill
and
all their
also a
saw
own mill.
mill irons
when
later they built a better grist
t
4
MRS MARTIN BEAR
;
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
,
305
Previous to the settlement of Perryton there was a road laid out by
Warren county, of which Mercer was then a part, from Monmouth toClark's Ferry, now Andalusia, on the Mississippi, which, like all the earher roads, was laid wth reference to fords and ridges, regardless of Probably but
section Hnes.
little
of the original road
is
now
a high-
wav, excepting that from the bluffs of Camp creek to section 9. Although this was the only laid out road, yet the nature of the prairie turf
and the opportunity of selection of route in an open country made Even the most spongy sloughs were covered
the traveling very good.
wagon. were dependent upon labor that brought food^ in abundance but no money, all were equally rich, or rather Fashion in fabric or style was unknown. Those who equally poor. were able to work their own wool and flax into garments were the most independent, and the tow-cloth kersey and jeans of the houseDependent upon each wives' loom sufficed for nearly all their wants. other, a warm heart and a ready hand were of vastly more value in a Every house was a tavern where neighbor than worldly possessions. the traveler found hospitality, and the rude log cabin never was so full with a
soil
firm
enough
to bear a loaded
In a community where
all
as to shut out the belated
No
wanderer.
caste of wealth or birth
who made up a community. young man of this primitive
interfered with the social relations of those Illustration of the plainness
period, coui-ting the his sweetheart
:
A
settlers,
pi'oposed to
and her friend a walk of two miles across the
a neighbor's, and, like all
much
of dress
daughter of one of our earliest
style as possible.
young men in like circumstances, The neighbor described the girls
prairie to affected as
as clad in
and sun-bonnets, each one hanging on the arm of the young man. He was clad in very short tow pants, a white shirt, with a high and stiff collar, and a home-made straw hat, holding an umbrella over his head, his big feet, brown and bare, a very visible means of linsey dresses
support.
With the pioneer farmer.
Knowing
settler
comes the pioneer preacher, usually a
moi'e of his Bible than any other book, he
made
up'
and earnestness what he lacked in education. Preaching in log cabins or groves, where the sch'ool-houses had not yet arisen, he always found an audience in the entire community. Denominational in spirit
preferences,
however strong, never prevented the attendance of all, no To show the plain style of one, a good old man,
matter who preached.
who most
frequently preached in this neighborhood, in illustrating the
he said; "It is like the man who took a coon and says he you may have this coon skin for fifty and the merchant said he did not want it for fifty cents, ah
doctrine of perseverance
skin to the store, ah, cents, ah, 18
HISTORY OF MEEOEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
306
you may have
and the merah then the man says, you may have it for a bit, ah, and the merchant said he did not want it for a bit, ah then the man goes aviay and leaves it on the counter, ah, and the merchant runs after him with the coon skin, ah. So it is with religion when you have got it you can't seU it, nor give The fii'st religious services held in Sugar it away, nor lose it, ah " Grove was by a branch of the old-school Baptist church, of Henderson Grove, extended to Sugar Grove, and held once each month, lasting two days. This denomination was more commonly known by the name of hard-shell Baptists. Shortly afterward a church was regularly constituted at Sugar Grove, called the Edwards river church, in correspondence with the Spoon river association of old-school predestinarian Baptists. ''^ Elder Joseph Jones was pastor of that church, and Abraham Miller, Jr., was ordained to^a deaconshij). There was no church building, and the meetings were generally held at private houses, or in a log school-house, when one had been erected. At a more recent date the Methodists established a class at the house of John Miller, in Sugar Grove. They finally had a camp ground in the Grove, with yearly then, says he,
chant said he did not want
it
it
for twenty-five cents, ah,
for twenty-five cents,
;
;
;
!
One of the original settlers says that there never was a temperance lecture delivered at the Grove from ISSi to 18i6 and says further, that they had no habitual drunkards, idlers, fanatics or unnecesattendance.
;
and no earthly use for temperance lecturers. In regard to postofiices I have not been able to ascertain, with any certainty, what were the earlier mail facilities. Previous to 1845 a post route had been established through this town, with an office at sary, babblers,
Millersburg.
Letter postage cost twenty-five cents, just the price of a
But little correspondence was carried on. In 1847 our people succeeded in getting an ofiice at James Gingles', it being the only ofl^ce until the establishment of a route from Millersburg to Eock Island, when, in 1854, an office was created at Hamlet, at the house of Graliam Lee, and removed in 1857 to its present locality, the bushel of wheat.
business place of Josiah Candor.
Until 1839 there had been no school. In that year Miss Fai-well (afterward married to William Doak) taught a school in a little 10x14 house, built by Jackson Woods, on the northwest of section 26. The fii'St school-house was obtained by moving an old frame tenement house of
J.
Gingles, from near the center of section 27 to the center of section
28, in the year 1849,
and it was not until some years later a schoolhouse was built on the north side of the town. Abraham Miller, Jr., claims to have taught the first school at the Grove, but is not positive.
He
did,
or near
however, teach the Boston.
Kew
first
school ever had in Mercer county, at
PEEE1T0N TOWNSHIP.-
307
Eeeurring to the scarcity of money, which retarded the growth of society and deprived the early settlers of many things, afterward considered necessities, I will explain that
it
took
that
all
was
and
held,
be borrowed, to enter the land which they desired for While the absolute necessaries of living, not obtainable from
all that could
homes.
the farm, could be got
from the few traders by
barter, yet the prices
paid previous to 1840 were not such as to induce the fanner to indulge Wheat at twenty-five cents corn, ten cents pork, in luxurious habits. ;
;
and a half to two cents ; good three year old stears and As near as can be ascertained, the first six to ten dollars. from cows, produce sent to market from our town was shipped by Abel Thompson, in a flat-boat fi-om, New Boston, in the fall of 1840, our respected
dressed, one
feUow-townsman, William Doak, being one of the crew. Without serious difficulty they reached New Orleans in three months, and disposed of the cargo, consisting of wheat, potatoes, beans, sauer-kraut, etc., etc., to such good advantage that William Doak and Paul
cabbage, Sheriff,
in the fall of 1841, built at Keithsburg a flat-boat,
where Keithsburg produce,
made
now
and loading
the"
on the bank
mostly with their own Their sucto St. Louis.
it
a successfiil and profitable trip
cess in this venture so
they repeated
stands,
encouraged them and others, that the next
fall
experiment, only to end disastrously, for being
caught by the very early winter of 1842-3, they, with four other
fla1>
and three steamboats, were frozen up at a point called Quiver In order to Island, fifteen miles above the mouth of the Illinois river. relieve themselves they were obliged to cut a channel through fifteen miles of ice, in very cold weather, and such were the hardships endured, that of the forty stalwart men who began this task, but three were left boats,
to cut the last this
gorge and free the boats.
The
writer and the reader of
chapter can but regret that our indomitable neighbor Doak, one of
men mentioned, should, even in front of St. have been wrecked in a dense fog to lose nearly all for which he had risked and endured so much. Speaking of the departure of the first fiat-boat from New Boston, Mr. Doak relates that it was watched with intense interest by the large crowd that lined the shore, and when the boat cut loose and swung out into the stream, three the tliree iron-hearted Louis, his destination,
rousing cheers were given in honor of the event,
important era in the histoiy of
New
Boston.
which was such an In the fall of 1842,
George and Isaac Miller, of Sugar Grove, built a boat at Keithsburg, and loaded it with produce with destination for New Orleans. Before the time of the introduction of fiat-boats as a the articles
means of
civil-
depended upon their own resources for many of of food which we at this day regard as among the necesities.
ization, the first settlers
.
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND. HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
308
raised by the pioneers of Perryton were mainly com, oats, and the most useful vegetables. Melons were raised in abundance. Flour could be bought from off the boats, at Denison's landing in 1834 But corn was principally used for bread, at fom- dollars per barrel. and for meat they raised a few hogs, killed deer, turkeys, prairie One of the early settlers says that what grochickens, and caught fish. ceries they used were mostly obtained in exchange for deer and coon Coifee was made from parched corn, peas and skins, beesewax, etc. Ked root leaves, swetted under a dutch oven, dried, and when wheat. drawn and sweetened with honey, was called "Grub Hyson, " and was Pork and corn dodgers was the considered a fine substitute for tea.
The crops flax,
principal food.
From the flat-boat to the steamboat the transition was rapid, so that but few were built after the period mentioned here, and the increase in steamboats, keeping pace with the increase of commerce, markets were opened, and by 1845 business had
were able cents
cents
;
;
its
regular channels, and
to sell produce, although at the
low price of
The
New Boston,
when the superior inducements to Eock Island
withdrew the trade
and a
half
trade of Pen-yton was
& Rock
Island railroad,
settlers
wheat, forty
corn, pure white for southern bread, ten to twelve
pork, one and a half to two cents.
almost exclusively with ally
:
until the building of the Chicago
oflered gradu-
Previous to 1845, I can learn of no attempt to organize a church within our limits, nor of public worship
by regular appointment,
excepting that previously mentioned in this record, and pertaining
to
The earliest carpentering was done in building houses and barns for McHard, Gingles aiid Burrall, by Andrew Gingles, a son of Robert Gingles and nephew of James the early settlement of Sugar Grove.
Philip Miller occasionally cut grindstones and gravestones,
Gingles.
add
by his rifle and the rental of a small piece blacksmith shop in town was kept by a man named Jones, on section 25, in 1846-7, and perhaps a little later, but between 1860 and 1860 there was no shop in town of any kind. About the
to
to a living obtained
The
of land.
first
latter date,
a blacksmith shop was started on the northeast corner of
section 11.
George
J. Miller,
son of
Abraham
Miller, Jr., should prop-
erly be entitled to the credit of first birth in this town, but shortly
before his birth, Mr. Miller had moved his family temporarily to New Boston, where he was then teaching school. This was August 31, 1834.
But the
first
birth at Sugar
daughter of George Miller,
Grove was that of Eliza
Sr., in 1835.
Eliza Miller
is
now
Miller,
living at
Linn county, Oregon, with her second husband, Philip V. Morris, and she is the mother of a large family of children. Miller's Station,
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
309
William Moore was the first man mamed he married Miss Mary The first Miller, daughter of Isaac Miller, at Sugar Grove in 1835. ;
named Philip Farlow, son of John and Sarah Farlow died of croup. The earliest settlers on the ridge all planted such trees as they The first grafted fruit brought to could get or raise, mostly seedlings. death was a child about one year old, ;
was peddled out by a Mr. Eobinson, a nurseryman of Fulton was no general planting of good fruit until Mr. The McWhorter established a nursery near Millersburg in 1846. sauce depended upon by early settlers was mainly obtained fi-om the crab-apple and plum thickets, which abounded in the vicinity of timber. These failing, the dish of "those" or "them molasses," was the ever As common as the molasses present and only substitute for sauce. In one instance this dish, was the custom of making it a plural. custom was broken by an uncourteous guest replying to his landlady's question: "Will you have some of these?" by saying, "I will take a few of her." One of our earlier settlers relates an account of the manner then in vogiie of acquiring seedlings. On the occasion of a pubhc parade, or muster day at Millersburg, at a time in the history of that village when it had assumed metropolitan airs, a peddler brought to town a lot of small and half green peaches, which he retailed out at a bit a dozen. The boys eagerly demolished the fruit and threw the seeds on the ground, while a certain economical settler gathered them up for seed. Fearing that he would not obtain enough, our thrifty fanner borrowed a bit for the purpose of investing in peaches, with the view of obtaining the seed. Several years afterward he returned the money thus borrowed. Wild grapes, blackberries and strawberries were used by the settlers for making pies and preserves, and wild hops the town
county, but there
answered the purpose of cultivated ones.
The
town was built in 1835, on the piece of land on the south side of section 33. This was done by piling sod, previously turned by a plow, and making a small ditch on the outside, the dirt li-om which was thrown inside the pile of sod. In 1837 Mr. Burrall, and pei'haps Perry, made more sod fence, and began the making of rails, which afterward constituted the sole fencing material, until the unentered land was stripped of everything which would make a rail or pole. About 1850 the building of board fences commenced. The first eii'ort at hedging was made by planting seed in 1848-9, and I think the oldest hedge is that of James Cringles, which was "set in" about 1852, when the date of hedge fencing first commenced. The Millers invented and manufactured a machine for fence ditching. This was the fii'st machine of the kind ever used in first
broken by
fence in the
Abraham
Miller,
HI8T0EY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
310
Mercer county. It was an improvement made on the original ditching plow, and was done by adding a bar with a flat underground lining or They used three share that cut off the tier of sod from the bottom. or four yoke of oxen, and thus a string of sod fence one hundred rods long was cut in a very short time. A few abortive efforts at draining by a machine cutting an open ditch, was made as early as 1848. Mole ditching began in 1860, and was prosecuted for many years with varying success, but was finally abandoned. The aggregate result of mole ditching has been advantageous. With the exception of a few rods to obtain water, and drain cellars, no tile has yet been laid. With regard to agricultural implements so much has been said and written that will go into history, that I forbear saying much more than that steel plows appeared in the Diamond plow in 1844, followed rapidly by the plow of the present model. Plows antedating the Diamond were but little better in their working than though of unhewn wood, our friable soil never leaving- a mold-board until removed by hand. In 1860 the first reaper was introduced by Levi Cooper, and shortly before the separating thresher ajjpeared. The first plow used for breaking prairie in Mercer county, was the old bar-share with a wooden mold. The Miller's invented a lever power and hung the plow on wheels, which they used at Sugar Grove. It could be set to any depth, and be thrown out at will, and it would run without a holder. This simple invention was almost universally adopted throughout the county for breaking prairie. In this arrangement the driver was also the plowman, thereby saving one hand, besides doing much better work. For ground once broken, the early settlers had what was called the Bull plow, with a short iron mold in front, a few inches high, with the balance of the mold made of wood. Ifext was the Carey plow, an improvement on the Bull plow. For tending com
when up, shovel plows, hoe harrows and one horse harrows were used. The Bull tongue was simply a nari-ow shovel, resembling the pattern after which it was named. The hoe-harrows were a number of small shovels set in a forked stick, in the shape of the letter "A." The one-horse harrows were made in the same way, generally with wooden teeth, and made naarow, so as to run between corn rows. Xext followed the Scott Diamond plow. In early times it was peddled through Mercer county. The Diamond plow was simply a diamond mold the required size ; the lower square was sharpened out and served as the edge or share, and was set up in the required pitch, and served as share and mold-board, all square, cut out of a steel or iron
It was bent hollowing without any twist, and then bolted fast wooden upright, set in a beam like a shovel plow, but the mold
solid.
to a
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP. did not set square like the shovel, but the dirt to the side of the furrow.
was
311
set quartering so as to
throw
This plow would scour completely.
John Black and family settled on section 36, and Xwas actually the first settler within the limits of In March, 1836, a child was bom to Black, township proper.
In the
fall
of 1835
so far as ascertained
the
which died at the age of five years. Perry says in 1836 Ma,]'. had twenty acres broken on the S.W. J of Sec. 28,
Burrall
Edward now the
David Blue, and that William Moore broke some land on up the body of a log house. Philip Miller also In 1837 Ed. Burbmlt a log cabin and lived on the same section. rall, Jr., and Alfred Perry, living on the west side of Sugar Grove, broke prairie for Maj. Burrall on S.W. J, 38, and for Dr. Perry on Linus and A. Wood came upon the northeast of 26 and E. i of 28. A. Perry and E. Burrall did the first b.uilt a log house during the year. farming on the ridge in Perryton, and during this year Dr. Perry came west and in the winter of 1837-8 built a log house near the timber on The crops raised this year were sold to the Geneso the northeast of 28. colony, at the price of one dollar for wheat and seventy-five cents for corn and potatoes. In 1838 Austin Wood moved his family to the Burrall built the first frame house on southhouse built by his son. Dr. Perry died this year. west of 28, for Sheldon Wooden as tenent. There were no markets during this year, and the settlers went all the way to Kickapoo for milling. In 1839 James Gingles and William McHard, with their famiKes, moved to Perryton, buying for $500 the claim of Dr. Perry to the west half of section 28. In this year Louisa Wood was married to Lyman Tenney. During this year the land sale occurred, and those who could raise the money entered a part or all of their claims. John Harris and J. Gingles moved into the township, as did also William Doak with his father and family. In 1840 William McHard and James Gingles divided the Perry claim and each built a one and a half story frame house, about 16 X 24 feet, with two rooms below. These were regarded at the time as not only handsome and commodious but luxurious. Previous to this time there had been but a home market for produce, which was conducted mainly by barter. Drury and Willetts, of New Boston, traded for some wheat allowing twenty-five cents per bushel in store goods. In 1844 Hamlet Cooper stopped at Burrall's with his wife and seven children, a yoke of oxen and cart and cow and a calf Out of money, he was induced to look at the prairie on the north side of Camp creek. It being a very bad season, with the streams high, he camped on the banks of Camp creek, and swimming the creek, he examined the land and detennined to make a claim property of
southwest of 30, and put
•
IIISTOEY OF
312
on section
MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
Waiting two weeks
9.
for the water to fall so that he
could cross the creek, he in the last of June the
first
moved up and made
Camp creek. At that Camp creek the following
settlement on the north side of
time there were living on the south side of
John Black and Mr. Burroughs on section 36 Austin and W. A. Wood on section 26 Daniel Ebner and Wihiam Boak on section 27 William McHard and James Gingles on section 28 Edward Burrall and Eobert Gingles on section 29 Philip Miller a,Tid Jnlm Crnnks on section 30 and Isaiah Lockhard on section 33. In the fall of 1845 Graham Lee and Henry Lee settled on the east side of section 9. Up to this time the settlements had been begun by claims, and but few had been able to enter the whole amount of their claims, Edward Burrall and Philip Miller being the only known excepfamilies, viz
;
:
Wood
;
;
;
;
X^
;
tions.
From
this to 1850, excepting the lands held
by
military
the best lands were taken up and entered, or bought at the land
title,
office,
and by 1855 no lands were held by claims. The dates of settlements subsequent to 1846 will be shown by the records, and therefore are omitted from this history which is only intended to cover ground that records will not reach.
By general consent
the year 1845
is
considered
by the present inhabitants to terminate the years of pioneer settlement. The chmate in the early history of Perryton was subject to very severe changes from one extreme to another, with such suddenness as
to
and thus often causing suffering, and even death, when the settlers were caught unprepared away from home on the boundless prairie. An early settler relates of a phenomenon in 1834, in the fall from the clouds of a heavy body of frost, in veins and in all manner of strange shapes. There would be a solid body of several rods in extent that killed all kinds of vegetation, and leading out of this body, in a zig-zag course, a narrow strip of the frost that left its surprise every one,
mark
like the course of a 'prairie fire. The wind, in the fall season of the year especially, would veer about from the south to the northwest, piercing with the most intense cold, and the fine, dry snow almost blinding and cutting like needles those exposed to its fury. storm of
A
remembered by one of the earliest settlers at the Grove, in which some persons were caught away from home and perished by being frozen. Abraham Miller, Jr., was once caught away from home on the prairie in a stinging nor'wester, and so badly frozen that for a time his Kfe was despafred of He was utterly helpless when found by his neighbors, who had become alarmed for his safety and organized a party of rescue the skin all peeled oflF from his face and hands, and the evil eifects of this freezing followed him to the declining years of a remarkably vigorous manhood. An old settler, describing from memthis
kind
is
;
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
313
humcane which he witMercer county in 1844, says that the whole neighborhood liad scarcely a house left standing for several miles. The main body of the hurricane was not more than three 'to five miles wide it took Mercer in 15 north, and in range 1 or 2, where it did the It came up hurriedly with a dark thunder cloud, greatest damage. accompanied with a fierce dash of rain, with a dense fog or smoke. Two deaths and a large number slightly injured were the results so far One Howard Trego was killed by his as heard in, Mercer county. house falling on him, but his wife and children escaped with only ory some of the disastrous eifects of a fierce
nessed in the north end of
;
'
slight injuries.
Among
our
first
settlers there
was scarcely ever any thought of
A
certain code of honor reigned pay his just debts as soon as able, his neighbors shamed him into paying, and if that failed the case was arbitrated, settled, and all hands went home satisfied and jovial over
going to law with each other. supreme.
the result.
If a neighbor did not
If a
man
inclined to act dishonorable, social ostracism
brought him around to a sense of the magnitude of his offense, and he
was generally made to feel that the community would not receive on an equality any one tainted with the suspicion of dishonorable conduct. In the settlement of personal difficulties, growing out of insults and other indignities offered to
by one
to another, a resort
was generally had
a test of prowess in a fair stand-up and knock-down fight,
respective friends of the
combatants seeing that
fair
the
play was had
one of the warriors cried, "Hold!
enough!" If one of the was not considered able to combat a larger and more muscular opponent, sometimes a friend and sometimes an entire stranger would take his place in the ring. In those days a coward was reckoned among the contemptible things of earth, and if a man exhibited cowardice by drawing a weapon and threatening another, he was lucky to_ escape the indignation of the bystanders with a whole body. Although the standard of honor adopted by our early settlers would hardly be regarded as just the thing at the present day, there was that about it which challenges our admiration in spite of the condemnation put upon it by modern civilization. The first justice of the peace in the Sugar Grove precincts was Abraham Miller, Jr. The first suit at law ever had was instituted by a until
parties
man named B.
Lloyd.
An
excuse for a lawsuit was a sufficient provo-
cation generally for a free "pitch in."
At the time of this first suit was but one copy of the Illinois statutes in Mercer county, and that was in the hands of the county clerk at New Boston, "William L'rurv. and it pnnlrl nnt ha InnriAfl Tlin insfinn hpo'D'firl Hmf> fnv there
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
314
and would not was compelled to ride some twelve miles to Rock Island county, where he borrowed a statute of Daniel Edgington, Esq., which copy was reluctantly loaned with the solemn stipulation that it was to be returned in three days. During the time allowed him our justice pored over this book to ascertain the statutoiy duties enjoined upon his office, and in taking notes for future reference. The notes thus taken from the statutes constituted the edition from which our justice dispensed the law, and were used for a number of years by him, until he was fortunate enough When copying from the borrowed book, to secure a printed edition. one night he went to sleep over his labor and upset the inkstand over the sacred volume, which so terrified him that he licked away with his tongue until he had saved the blotted pages from entire obliterpreparation, but the plaintiff listen to a proposition for
was rampant
for litigation
So the
postponement.
justice
ation.
Recurring once more to the wild animals and game found by the earlier settlers of this region, as bearing
upon the question of
food, I
enumerate such as are suggested to my memory and spoken of by the pioneers. Deer were in great abundance, wild turkeys, prairie chickens, squirrels (the gray and the large fox), pheasants, partridges or quails, and the curlew and plover. There were plenty of wild geese and ducks, pellicans, swans, coons, rabbits, large wolves, and the prairie wolf or cayota. The large wolf and the small frequently crossed and the half breed made a very troublesome animal. "Wildcats or catamounts, a chance panther, mostly in the heavily timbered bottoms, bears, though not plenty, raccoons, badgers, and opossums. There were ground squirrels, owls, hawks, eagles, turkey buzzards, will
parokeets,
of
all
and large snow-white owls.
Of fish
there
was an abundance
fresh-water varieties, such as the catfish, pike, pickerel, bass,
perch, drum, buffalo, red-horse, sucker, dog-fish, flying fish, sunfish, and
salmon. in the
Abraham
Edwards
he has killed with the gig and that he built
Miller, Jr., says that
river pike weighing fifty pounds,
a fish-trap in the same river by which he secured barrels and barrels of some of which he took to Knox\'ille for sale. One method
fish,
adopted by the
settlers
for trapping deer
was by what was
called
fire-hunting, in a canoe.
Of
the domestic animals raised
by
the
matter to give anything like a pedigree.
and grades,
first settlers, it is
They were of
a
difficult
various kinds
happened to have on hand when backwoods homes. At that early date but very little attention had been paid to blooded stock, and hogs and cattle were selected more on account of their qualities for such' as the old pioneers
they landed and settled
down
in their
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP. picking their Miller, Sr.,
own
living in the
315
woods and on the
prairies.
George
brought some fine brood mares with him to Sugar Grove,
from Montgomery county, Indiana, in the fall of 1834. They were originally the foal of a Goliah dam, by a McKinney roan ^ire, crossed
by a Smiling Call horse, then by a cross from a Roanoke sire, and This stock then next crossed with the Copper Bottom and the Flag. proportioned, docile, well well and of fine spirit, and suited lai'ge, was settlers. One Joseph Tichnor, a young man from Ohio, early the for brought the first Berkshire hogs to Mercer county, and made quite a George speculation out of them in the Sugar Grove settlements. MiUer, Sr., brought from Indiana with him a lot of hogs that were a they cross between the large China and the large white Shaker hog were long, large, heavy-boned, and thought to be as easily fattened as Abraham Miller killed one of this breed in the early tiie China. history of the Sugar Grove settlement that weighed over five hundred pounds, and thinks he could have been made to weigh seven hundred. Later, a few pigs were introduced of the Byefield and Bedford stock. The Berkshire was regarded as a failui-e. The stock of cattle were a mixed breed, between the old scrub and the Durham, Patton, etc. They made fine, large work oxen, good milkers, and excellent beef. The sheep were of the commonest stock, and no more were kept than ;
answered the purpose of making the necessary clothing. flocks of
The
little
sheep were highly esteemed by the pioneers, because of their
and they were carefully protected from the depredations of the wolves, as they seemed to have a strong hankering after mutton. This appetite resulted in the destruction of usefulness in furnishing clothing,
the entire race of the large wolves,
by the
wi-iter,
whose serious
and almost
loss in sheep
all
of the prairie wolves,
compelled him to resort to
an extensive use of strychnine, used in bait to accomplish their destruction.
become so thoroughly extinguished annoyance to owners 'of sheep.
After 1845 the wolves had
as to occasion
no more
losses or
Deer were quite plentiful
in the early history of Perryton, so
much
Of meat required for the table. doubt written which would no much could be
so as to furnish a large portion of the
the deer
and their habits,
prove an interesting part of this record, but I will desist with the sim-
between two buck deer, vsdtnessed by a pioneer near where the town of Millersburg now stands. When first noticed, they were plunging and pushing at each other, with horns interlocked and in a manner peculiar to these animals. Their horns could be heard ratthng against each other quite distinctly for a distance of three hundred ple relation a fight
yards. species,
They were both large bucks, one of them a monster of his and the strueele between them a fierce one. After watching
316
IIISTOEY OF IIEECEE
AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
with deep interest for about one hour, our informant closed in to a
dis-
tance of about forty yards and awaited an opportunity to get a good
From
the extraordinary size of the larger buck he was was the same one that had acquired the designation of "The Town Buck" from the hunters in the settlement, because of his great size, and because of frequent visits to the township, and successful efforts in always escaping. To capture such a prize would have been regarded as a great honor among the hunters, so our relator was watchful and wary. The bucks kept continually lunging at each other Finally the smaller one so that it was impossible to get a safe shot. broke away and ran off pursued by the lai'ger. Knowing their habits, pursuit was given and the " Town Buck " soon feU a victim to the
square shot.
satisfied that
it
The fame of this affair spread for a great buck was one of the largest ever seen by hunters who
rapacity of the hunter. distance, as the
had gi'own gray in pioneer life. The tribes of Indians roaming about Mercer county in its first settlement were the Sacs and Foxes. The Fox tribe, about the time of
Hawk war, formed a union with the Sacs, and became a tribe known as the Fox and Sac. They were large, strong, active, brave and warlike, and used all of the weapons of Indian warfare with
the Black
skill. This tribe was formerly headed by the famous wanior Black Hawk. After the war known as the Black Hawk war, he was degraded from his chieftainship because of his counsel in favor of
great
Abraham Miller relates that he saw Black Hawk, with his who always accompanied him after his downfall, strike evening camp on tlie bank of the Mississippi, at the mouth of
peace.
twelve braves, their
Sturgeon Bay, near New Boston. They were on a, last visit to the grave of Black Hawk's daughter, who was buried there in a gi-ove of black oaks. For their evening meal they boiled a pole-cat which they did not even trouble themselves to take the hair
mered
to the surface of the stew.
Hawk
When
off,
but the hau* sim-
suflBciently cooked, Black
gave to each a share of the savory meal the first received the all were served. Black Hawk then wore about his neck a long string of silver medals, which had been presented to ;
head, and so on until
him by the government, and by English fur companies. Occasionally some few Miamis and Potawottomies wandered through the county, but not to remain. The headquarters of the Winnebagos for the winter season was on the banks of the Mississippi, in Mercer county, a short distance above New Boston. They could there winter their ponies better than elsewhere, in consequence of the tall grass that grew along the bays. Sugar Grove was a great camping-ground for the Indians at one time, especially on the south side along Edwards river.
—
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
The Indian name of first settled
for
this
was " Big Turtle
317
When
river. "
the Millei-'s
Grove, the Indians had a large encampment there
at the
wigwam made
making sugar, with quite a large
of poles and
covered with bark.
The eai'ly history of Perryton, thus hastily and briefly written at moments of leisure, and under many adverse circumstances pertaining to lack of data and conflict of facts, will, I hope, possess the certain interest always attaching to the record of that which has passed away, never to return.
a period of pioneer
It is the reflection rather of
life
that long ago ceased to exist, the
mirror of an irrevocable past, the grim
romance of the adventurous
of the early settler.
were hving and
moved
life
None
of us
who
in the scenes of pioneer settlement ever, in
contemplated the possibility of such changes as
brightest anticipation,
have been brought by the advancing tide of civilization.
Never
in
fondest di-eams did the pioneer picture the transition that has actually
taken place.
The
fields
have been made to bloom and yield most which make nations prosperous, thus con-
bountifully of the products
Many of those who
tributing to their happiness. fruits
what
are
of the labors of the early pioneers have but it
cost in hardships
when they read of the
and privations
to
While the
enjoying the conception of
open up the wilderness, and
encountered, the adventures endured, to
trials
accomplish this result, they can only realize
romance.
now
little
rising generation are
it
in the light of a pleasant
amassing wealth in a
life
of
comparative luxury, we, the earlier settlers yet living, experience a lively sense of gratitude in
niaterially to the
the thought that our
hai;ids
contributed so
building up of the present condition of prosperity and
happiness of those
who
now occupying
are
the beautiful
homes and
we append
a few notes
magnificent farms to be found in Perryton.
[To the foregoing, contributed relative to the organizations
by
Mr.. Lee,
of the township.
Ed.]
HAMLET. The
one mile south of the north line and was laid 'out on the land of Josiah atid Capt. D. M. Candor, in 1868, and was christened Hamlet, in honor of Hamlet Cooper, now deceased, one of the very village of Hamlet, located
three miles west of the east line of the township,
first
of the pioneers to locate in this section of the co\intry.
The prog-
its proximity to Reynolds, one of those quiet country villages where the farmers in the community go for their mail and spend a
ress of the village
has been slow, owing to
the nearest railroad town, but it is
short time in social converse. that of Josiah
The
first
store erected in the place
and Cant. D. M. Candor, who dealt in
areneral
was
merchan-
:
HISTOKY OF MEEOEE
318
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
The latter of the Candor brothers has at this writing withdrawn dise. from the firm the former yet continues in the business. Lloyd Girton opened the second store. The first blacksmith shop was opened here by Thomas Lewis. The business houses of the village are one harness ;
by Josiah Candor, one drug wagon and blacksmith shop, by A. T. Hooples and D. M. Dumbell and son. The vOlage has a good local The postoflSce now trade, and has a population of about 125 persons. kept at Hamlet was first established in this neighborhood in 1854. The office was first kept by Graham Lee, who held it till 1869, when it was moved to Hamlet, and Josiah Condor appointed postmaster. He has shop, one store of general merchandise, store,
by Dr.
Criswell, one
since continued to hold the office without cessation.
The Presbyterian church of Hamlet was organized in 1870. Premembers of this faith held then membership in the societies of the surrounding country, the greater part at Millersburg. The first members that constituted the church were thirty-two in number. The society was organized by Thomas M. vious to the organization here the
Wilson, "W.
S.
Dool, and T. E. Johnson.
Previous to the organization
they had preaching in the school-house one mile west of the but not regularly. Those present at the organization were
village, :
F. A.
moderator; William S. Dool, C. B. Bristol, Daniel Kelly, T. E. Johnson, and William W. Morehead. The elders were Thomas Candor and J. M. Gilmore. Of the thirty-two members who constiSherer,
:
tuted the organization in the beginning, fifteen were dismissed from
the
society at
Edgington Mills, Eock Island county thirteen fi'om the the remaining four were not members of any ;
Millersburg society;
particular society here at that time.
The
first
elders appointed were
Cornelius Swartwout, J. S. Gilmore, and
John Montgomery. The present elders are William H. Wheaton, D. M. Candor, and John Montgomery. The present membership is eighty-five. The society has a very neat frame church, 36x60, erected at a cost of |3,000. Since its organization it has supported and kept in operation a live Sunday school. The ministers who have labored here are T. M. Wilson and H. W. Fisk, since the organization; the former from 1870 to 1872; the latter from 1873, and is at this time pastor of this charge. The membership of this society represents most of the first famihes in :
community. This is the only church organization in the village. There is another Presbyterian society in the township, south of Camp creek, known as the Perryton Presbyterian church society. This this
society was organized in 1871. The first meeting preliminary to the organization was held February 18 of the same year. It is connected
PEKRYTON TOWNSHIP.
319
At the above meeting a committee was with the society at Hamlet. appointed, consisting of J. Harris, William Doak, and Cruser Gray, purpose of erecting a church-house.
for. the
This committee located
the church at Gingles' Corner, in conformity with the will of the
The church
bers.
is
mem-
a neat, frame edifice, erected at a cost of $2, 100.
was dedicated in 1872, out of debt. The society at its organization numbered thirty communicants but from various causes, over which the cliurch has no control, it now numbers only twelve active members. Previous to Its pastors are the same as those of the Hamlet society. effecting the organization, the people of this faith held their meetings at the school-house near by, but like the members of the society at Hamlet, were members of the societies of the same faith at other The fii'st members who constituted the society were Samuel places. and Frank McHard, Mrs. Jane Martha McHard, Martha Blue, Sarah Doak, Mary J. and J. Harris, Mary Guffy, Maiy A. Bristow, and The society supports a very good Sunday William McHard, Sr. It
;
'
school.
The only Baptist church in the township was located where the Methodist Episcopal church
Almost from the
in 1869.
first
now
stands.
It
m 1871,
settlement of the township the Baptist
people were represented, but built
no church-house
;
they held their
meetings in private houses and school-houses, and held their ship principally at
near
was organized
Edgington, in Eock Island county.
only church building in the township
Their
memberfirst and
was a frame, erected in 1869, two
and a half miles east of Hamlet, where
it
held
its
meetings
till
1879,
moved its building to Keynolds, Rock Island county, where the members of the society now hold their membership. The first minister of the society in Perryton township was John Titteringwhen
the society
ton.
The
$3,000;
cost of the
30X38.
size,
church as erected in Perryton township was It
always supported a live Sunday school
iji
connection with the church.
The Methodist Episcopal church, the
first
settlers.
private houses,
and
They held
like the Presbyterian,
came with
their meetings in the pioneer days at
later at the school-house
till
1869,
their present
church-house two miles east of Hamlet.
and ia
30x44.
when they
built
It cost $2,100,
At the time it was erected the society numbered now numbers twelve. It has at various times lost many valuable members by removals, but the greatest loss was caused by the organization of a like society at Reynolds. The building committee were H. Ketzel, S. Honeycut and Holiday. The size is
thirty-six
communicants,
present pastor
is
Rev.
J.
Small; class leader, Albion Nichols
;
trustees,
HISTORY OF MEROEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
320
H. Ketzel, George Hauck, and Thomas Vannatta. Among its members have been and are many influential and prosperous citizens of Perryton.
Among
the organizations of Perryton township, none are more deserving of mention than the Library Association of Hamlet. It was established in 1879, with a view of furnishing reading matter at a small
The first officers Edward HoUister. Mr. were Lee still holds the office of president, W. C. Vandalsem is present The first directors were D. M. Candor, H. W. Fisk, active secretary. The present directors are: P. W. Dumbell, and P. W. Dumbell. Librarian, Dr. M. Criswell. H. W. Fisk, Ehsha Lee, D. M. Candor. admission fee of one dollar to become a The association requires an each member pays an annual member of the society, and after that
who wished to invest President, Graham Lee
cost to those :
;
in the enterprise.
Secretary,
:
and has the use of any book in the libraiy without The income, up to the present time, has been about further charge. The $205, much of which has been raised by entertainments. library now contains 213 volumes, all of which have been selected with great care. It requires three of the directors to place a volume on its fee of fifty cents,
shelves.
The
association is in a prosperous condition.
The Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company was organized Josiah Canat Hamlet in 1878, under the insurance laws of Illinois. dor and Graham Lee were the principal leaders in effecting the organization. The first officers of the company were Graham Lee, president, and Josiah Candor, treasurer. The subscribed capital was The present board of directors is: Graham Lee (presi$62,046.65. dent), H. Ketzel (secretary), W. Wilmerton, J. I. Everett, G. D. Miller, David Mayhew, E. S. Montgomery, William Wait, J. B. McConnell, and G. Peate. The number of policies now out is 146, with an aggregate capital of $304,720. The company, during its organization has not met with a single loss, hence their insurance during the time has cost them nothing. This has proved the best system of insurance to the farmer of Hamlet and vicinity ever adopted by them. Township organization was effected in 1855. The first town-meeting was held in 1855, at Gingles' comers. Graham Lee was appointed :
.
D. Trego made clerk. In 1856 Wm. McHard was S. D. Trego clerk of the meeting. At this meeting township organization was adopted and officers elected. The moderator, and
S.
made moderator, and following
is
a
list
of
all
the officers elected to the present.
The justices of the peace of Perryton township, so far as we were able to make up the list from the county records, are as follows: Edward Burrall, elected April 30, 1838, and resigned April 6, 1839;
JACOB BEAR
PEERYTON TOWNSHIP. "William Moore, elected June, 1842 Burrall, 1847
;
C. G. Taylor,
1849
;
;
323
Joseph G. Gilmore, 1847 Edward G. Gilmore, 1858 'Lee liolister,, ;
;
J.
J. G. Gilmore,, J. G. Gilmore, 1862 Lee Holister, 1862 Holister, 1874 Gilmore, Lee J. G. 1874; 1870; Holister, 1870; Lee Gilmore, 1881. G. J. 1877 Gingles, John
1858
;
;
;
-^
;
Clerk.
Supervisor.
1856 1857 1858 1889 1860 1861 1862 1863
Gilmore G. Gilmore
S.
D
Trego
S
D
Treero
S
D
Trego
L.
W
J. C. J.
L
William Doak William Doak
H. J. Walter Theodore Guft'y
Thomas Love
J
G D
Frank McHard. John Gingles John Gingles
Crabs William Doak
1869 1870
WilUam Doak William Doak William Doak
1873 1874
G
WiUiam McHard William McHard William McHard William McHard William McHard Aaron Thompson Aaron Thompson William McHard H.
L. V. Willitts
1865 1867
W. Hanes Hanes
M
C. C.
G
H
Gailv
Collector.
Assessor.
J.
J.
G.
Gilmore
William Clark William Clark William Clark William Clark G. D Crabs
Walter
Josiah Candor
William McHard.
Meigs Wait
G D
John Ball
J.
Lee Holister
C Mclntire
David Blue Theodore Guft'y
C B Halstead
D. Blue D. Blue D. Blue
L
Girton
A
J
McDonald
R
Crabs Ball
Wattefs
D. Walter J Walter
D. Miller Miller
G D
D
1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882
M
Candor
William Doak William Doak
G D
L
M
Miller
G.D. Miller
G D
Miller
Girton Criswell
T. Hartman G. r. Hartman
J. .
.
.
J
Kendall Gilmore
G
A. Kendall
A
Kendall
George Harness. L. H. Cooper. J G Gilmore
—
The census report of 1880 gives the population of Perryton townThe taxable property of 1881 was valued at $367,134 the real estate at $281,248; and personal property at $85,886. In 1881 there was collected taxes for general state purposes and schools, $2,091.60; county tax, $987.61; town, $191.61; road and bridge tax, $396.66; bond tax, $987.61; district school tax, $2,250.28; dog tax, ship 987.
;
$134.
_
Perryton township
and
located along the north line of the county,
is
bounded on the north by Eocli Island county, on the east by by Mercer, and west by Duncan. It is divided into two sections by Camp creek, which enters the township on the south half of section 24, and flows west across and out of the township on section 19. The country for some distance on either side of this creek is very broken but both north and south Perryton is a fine farming country. In the neighborhood of Hamlet, the country cannot, for farming purposes, be excelled by any locality in the county. It is peopled by a well-to-do class of farmers, who pride themselves in having good improvements, and many of them have their farms so is
Pre-emption, south
;
19
:
HISTORY OF MEROEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
324
by
beautified
fine buildings,
groves and lawns, as to attract the
atten-
The farm of Graham Lee is the most beautiful farm in the township, and justly merits the title, "The Evergreen Home." There are a number of farms both north and south of Camp creek that need to be mentioned, but the owners names of most of them will be found in the biographical department of the township. The stock of the township in every particular will compare wiih that tion of lovers of the beautiful.
of every other section of the county.
BIOGBAPHICAL. Meigs Wait is a native of Switzerland county, Indiana, born in His parents were Henry and Sophia (Wells) Wait, the former native of Grand Isle county, Vermont, and served as a soldier in the a of 1812 at the battle of Plattsburg, and died February 9, 1882, at war years. His father, Gardiner Wait, grandfather eighty-nine the age of Wales, and came to America at an early native of a of Meigs, was Vermont, and served in the county, Grand Isle settled in and date Continental army as a soldier, and died about the year 1788. Henry Wait, by this marriage with Sophia Wells, raised a family of eight children: William, Sarah, Euth, Ehoda, Harriet, Jacob, Lucretia, Lavina (deceased). Meigs Wait was married in Switzerland countj', 1826.
Indiana,
in
to
1856,
Caroline Robinson,
of Indiana,
Thomas and Mary Eobinson, and emigrated
to
daughter of
Eifingham county,
Mr. Wait has by this marFrank G. and Katie, whose mother died in 1862. In 1863 Mr. Wait was married a second time, to Miss Edith Clark, of Pennsylvania, born in 1842, and daughter of William and Mary Clark, both of Pennsylvania. They came to Mercer county in 1853, and located near New Boston, where they remained only a few months, when they moved to Perry ton township. There they both died, the former in 1882, aged seventy-seven years; the later in 1875, aged Illinois, in
1864, where they both died.
riage two children
sixty-six years,
was a
:
both members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
local preacher.
By
this
marriage Mr. Wait
He
has seven children
Harry, Ernest, Daisy, Bertie, Marion, Guy, and Mark. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has a beautiful and well improved farm of 400 acres, located at the north line of Mercer county, one mile west of Eeynolds.
He
on his farm thoroughcattle, and feeds cattle for the market. His hogs are of the best breeds. He does the largest business in buying and shipping stock, especially cattle, of any man in Perryton township. The Wait family came here as early settlers. They are all well-to-do and highly bred
respected citizens.
raises
PEEKYTON TOWNSHIP.
325
Lee Holistee is a native of Connecticut, born in LitcMeld county Horace and Sarah (Lee) Holister, both natives of ConHis mother died in Connecticut in 1830, aged thirty-nine necticut. His father came to Macoupin county, Illinois, in 1864, where years. He was by vocation a farmer. he died in 1866, aged seventy-five years. He and wife were members of the Congregational church. Mr. Lee Holister was reared in Connecticut where he remained tiU he was He then came to Illinois and located in Peoria twenty-fom- years old. county where he remained till 1856, when he came to Mercer county and located where he now resides. He was married in 1847 to Esther Barker, of Greene county, New York, daughter of Charles and Armina They came to Peoria county, (Smith) Barker, both of New York. the former is now Illinois, in 1846, where they are yet residing; Mr. Holister has by seventy-eight years old, the latter seventy-seven. Minnie, Edward, Clara, and Alice. He this marriage four children and wife and three children are members of the Presbyterian church at Hamlet. He has a well improved farm of eighty acres, one-fourth of a mile west of the village of Hamlet, and keeps a good gi-ade of farm in 1822, son of
:
stock.
He
has held the
office
of justice for the past eighteen years.
Geoege D. Ceabs is a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, born December 11, 1824, and is a son of Philip and Sarah (Duffield) Crabs, both of Pennsylvania his father of Westmoreland county, and mother of Cumberland county. They emigrated to Ohio with their parents, where they were married. The latter, Philip Crab's wife, died in Ohio in 1836, at the age of fifty-five years the former came to Eock Island county in 1858, and died there in 1878, at the age of seventy-five years. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, was wounded by the enemy in an engagement near Lake Erie at another time by one of the guards who accidentally hit him while shooting at a pig a negro was trying to force across his beat. By trade he was a cai-penter and joiner. His father was Abraham, bora in 1767, and died February, 1836; his mother, Thankful Crabs, was bom in August, 1775, and died in September, 1814. G. D. Crabs received a fair educational training in his boyhood. He was reared to the trade of cai-penter and joiner, which he followed for a livelihood till 1859 when he located in Mercer county where he now resides, and engaged in farming. He emigrated with his family in 1844, from Ohio to Eock Island county, where he resided till he located in Perryton township. He was mamed July, 1850, to Sarah B. Hazlitt, of New York, who was born in 1827, and is the daughter of Alexander and Sarah (McKay) Hazlitt, both of New Jersey. They emigrated to Illinois in 1838, and located in Eock Island county in 1839, where the father died in 1849, at the age of eighty-two tlie ;
;
;
;
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COTJNTIES.
326
mother
in 1842, at the age of fifty-seven.
Both were members of
the
Mr. and Mrs. Crabs have a family of seven children: Armenia, Ida, Elda, Sarah J., Emerson, Amy T., and Fay. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He has a well improved farm of 120 acres, located one mile west of the village of Presbyterian church.
Hamlet. His stock, consisting of Norman and Morgan horses and short horn cattle, is of the best grades. "William Beain, the subject of this life sketch, is a native of England, born in 1807, son of John and Sarah Brain, who were born and Our sijaject's father was reared in their native country and there died. William Brain came to America in 1832, stopped for a a boatman. time in Connecticut, then went to New York where he remained till In 1843 he returned to 1834, when he returned to his native home. New York, remained five years, came to Illinois and located where he now resides. By trade he is both wagonmaker and carpenter. He has been married twice,
first
to Elizabeth Sproson, of England, in
by whom he has three children Sarah A., Anna, and Elizabeth. He was man-ied again in 1862 Tlie mother of these died in 1861. to Mrs. Mary Hal stead, formerly Miss Mary Cooper, and daughter of Thomas and Ann Cooper. She is a native of England. Mr. Brain has a fine farm of 240 acres, well improved and well stocked. J. G. Gilmoee's parents, Robert and Elizabeth Gilmore, came to Illinois with the pioneers and located in "Warren county, eight miles northeast of Monmouth. The former was born in Chester county, the latter in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Jeiferson county, Ohio, with their parents, where they were married. He was a tanner by trade, but followed farming exclusively in Illinois. In 1820 he was a member of the Ohio legislature, and at one time was colonel of the state militia, and held the ofiice of captain in the war of 1812. He and wife were members of the Presbyterian church. J. G. was born in 1819, in Jeiferson county, Ohio, and came to Illinois with his parents when two years old. His early educational training was 1832,
:
only such as the
common
could furnish.
He was
Warren county
to Mercer,
tion of two years.
schools of the pioneer districts of Bhnois
reared on the farm.
where he has since
In 1839 he moved from resided, with the excep-
In 1840 he moved to Iowa, where he remained one
when he moved
and stayed one year and returned was married in December, 1843, to Alletta A. Brady, native of Ohio, born in 1822, daughter of Jolm and Elizabeth Brady. By this marriage he has nine children: Elenor (deceased), Mary, Elizabeth, Lydia, Ann E., Eobert B., Arabella, Ephraim G, and Albert N. (deceased). He held the ofiice of justice
year,
in 1842 to
to Missouri,
Mercer county.
He
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP. for
nineteen years without
for
another term.
He
cessation,
also
tilled
327
and was
re-elected in
18S1
the office of supervisor for two
two years, and assessor in 1880. He and members of the Presbyterian church at Hamlet. He has a farm of eighty-one acres, well improved and fairly stocked. David Bopes is a native of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, born Both were in 1825, son of George and Sarah (Bauchard) Bopes. They were married in Pennsylvania and natives of Pennsylvania. came to lUinois in 1836 and located in Rock Island county, near Edgington, when there were but few white settlers in that part of the The former died in 1838, at a comparatively early age his country. wife afterward moved to Mercer county, where she died in 1843. She was a zealous christian and member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a man respected for his integrity and other good quaHties. David Bopes came with his parents to Kock Island county
years, the office of collector
wife are
;
where he resided
till
1858,
when he
located where he
now
resides.
His early educational training was that of the pioneer schools of his neighborhood.
He
tion of his father.
has always been engaged in farming, the voca-
In 1854 he married Miss Sarah E. Titterington, a
Ross county, Ohio, born in 1836, daughter of James and former a native of England, and came to America when he was ten years old the latter born in Ross county, Ohio, and now a resident of Rock Island county, near Edgington. The former died in 1876, at the age of sixty-nine years. They located in Rock Island county in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. David Bopes have six children living. He crossed the plains to California in 1849, and returned in 1851. Mr. Bopes has a farm of 480 acres of as fine land as can be found in Mercer county. It is well improved with substantial buildings, and beautified by groves which he himself planted, He deals in cattle, feeding them for the market, and has his farm well stocked with good grades. He is a successful farmer. Among the soldier citizens of Perryton township is C. B. Halstead. He was bom in New York in 1843, and son of Lewis M. and Mary J. (Cooper) Halstead. His father was a native of jSTew York, and his mother of England. He first emigrated to Michigan in 1838, where he married and returned to JSTew York. In 1851 he came to Mercer native of
E. (Beal) Titterington, the
;
county and located where his son C. B. 1854, at the age of forty-two.
dragoons. to
The date of
He
now
resides.
Here he died
served three years in the
his discharge is 1836.
C. B.
IT.
in S.
Halstead came
Mercer county with his father
education was limited to the
company H,
61st
111.
when eight years old. His early common school. In 1861 he enlisted in
Vol. Inf., and served two years and five months.
:;
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
328
He was after
in the battles of Pea Kidge, Prairie Grove, and Yicksburg, which he was discharged on account of a wound received in the
battle of
He
Pea Eidge.
ISTeely,
Stark county, daughter of Joseph and
They came
home
then returned
married in 1870 to Elnora A. to Stark
to the farm.
bom
of Illinois,
Happy
county with
He
was
in 1851, in
Neely, both of Pennsyl-
early settlers and moved Mercer county. The father is now living in Hamlet, this township the mother died in 1879, at the age of 66. Mr. Halstead has four children: Dallas B.., Riley E., L. Benjamin. He is a member of the masonic lodge at Edgington, Illinois. He has a farm of 120 acres, and keeps a good gi-ade of farm stock. Among the farmers and stock raisers of Perryton township is Michael Vettee, located on the north line of the township. He is of German birth, born in Hesse Darmstadt in 1830, and is a son of Peter and Mary Vetter. They lived out their lives in their native country; The former died in 1862, aged sixty-four years the later in 1852, aged fifty-three years. They were members of the Presbyterian church by vocation they were farmers. Michael came to America and first located vania.
its
to
;
;
in
New
Jersey; then
moved
county, where he remained
to
New
York; then
when he came
to
Eock
Island
Mercer county, where he has a fine farm of 292 acres fairly improved and well stocked with good grades of cattle, sheep, hogs, and horses. He was married in 1856 to Elizabeth Vetter, of Germany, daughter of Lewis and Mary Vetter, both of Germany. The former died in Germany in 1840, at the age of forty-two the latter came to America in 1855 and located in Eock Island county, now lives in Duncan township, and is in her seventy-seventh year. By this marriage Michael has eight children Catharine, Barbara, Mary, Elizabeth, Lewis, Michael, John, and Willie. He and wife are members of the German Presbyterian church. Feedeeick Haetman is a native of Germany, born in 1838, and is a son of Daniel and Barbary Hartman, both of Germany. They came to America in 1810 lived one year in Muscatine then moved to till
1867,
to
;
;
;
Eock Island county, where they lived for thirty years, when they moved to Perryton township, where their son Frederick now lives. They were farmers, and members of the German Presbyterian church. The father died in 1866, aged seventy-eight years; the mother in 1848. Frederick came to Mercer county in 1867, where he now resides. He was reared to the business of farming. His literary education was wholly German and taught him in his mother tongue. Buftalo Prairie,
He was
married in 1861 to Barbary Schweobel, of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, daughter of George and Margaret Schweobel, both of Germany. They emigrated to Eock Island county in 1849, and now live
;
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
S29
They are both memwith their daughter, Mrs. Frederick Hartman. Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman German the of bers have six children Margaret, George, Thomas, John, Frederick, and Edward. He has a fine stock farm of 240 acres, well improved and :
He and
well stocked.
wife, like their parents, are
members
of the
German Presbyterian church.
Hamlet Coopee ton township. little
else
He
(deceased) was one of the pioneer settlers of Perry-
located here in 1844.
here than wild
At
that time there
grass and wild animals.
was but
He emigrated New York, and
from England, his native country, about 1832, to then to Michigan, where he resided six years, and then came to
Perryton township, where he died in 1847, at the age of forty-one
Mary A. Clark, of England. They Thomas, William H., Charlotte A., John H., Lester H., Philip, Enoch, and Robert (deceased). The last named enlisted in company A, 9th HI. cavalry he was mustered into the service in 1861 and served one year, when he died at Keokuk, Iowa. "William H. and Lester H. enlisted in 1862, in company C, 102d HI. Vol. Inf., and served till the close of the war. They were at the battle of Peach Tree creek, with Sherman on his march to the sea. Both were with the company all the time during their term of service. They passed through Richmond, to Washington, then to Chicago, where they were mustered out. William H. now resides in Kansas Lester H. on the farm, three-fourths of a mile west of the village of Hamlet. Lester H. received only a moderate educational training for several years he followed breaking prairie, when he took to the farm, but at present is engaged in keeping fine horses. He was married in 1876 to Mary J. Nichols, native of Illinois, daughter of Ephraim H. and Diana ISTichols, both of Ohio. They came to Illinois in 1854 and located in Hancock county, they aftei-ward came to Mercer county, but returned to Hancock county, where both are living. David H. Coopee was born in 1832, in the State of New York, and is a son of Levi and Lucy Cooper. He emigrated with his parents from New York when five years old, and came with his father in 1846 to Mercer county, where he has since resided. His early educational training was such as the pioneer schools of the west could furnish. He years.
In 1829 he was married to
raised a family of eight children:
;
;
was reared to the business of farming, which he has since followed. He was married in 1855 to Sarah A. Brain, daughter of William and Betsey Brain. He has by this marriage seven children Clara, Lucy, Lewis (deceased), Willie J., Fanny E., Ella, and Levi. His wife is :
a
member of
the
of his father. is
a republican.
Wesleyan Methodist church. He resides on the farm keeps a good grade of farm stock. In politics he
He
HISTOKY OF MEEOER AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
330
RosEBEEKY is a native of New Jersey, bom in 1827, son of Nancy (Young) Eoseberry, natives of New Jersey. The mother died in 1829 the father came to Perryton township, Mercer county, where he died in 1864, at the age of sixty-three years. He was a farmer and trader. H. N. came with his father to Mercer county in 1849, and located where he now resides. He was married H.
IST.
Elijah and
;
in 1859, to to.
Ann
who came Her parents were James and
Killon, a native of England, born in 1842,
America with her
god-fathei', in 1849.
and Mary Killon, of whom the former died in 1869, the latter about 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Eoseberry have seven children: Anna, Mary, Eebecca, Catharine, Hilda H. Stanton (the youngest not named). He has a fine farm of 190 acres located along the north line of the county in Perryton township. It is well improved and well stocked ,
with good grades.
lie and wife are
members of
the Methodist Epis-
Since he settled in Mercer county he has seen the sea
copal church.
waving wild grass transformed into beautiful farms, ornamented trees, and fine spacious barns and dwelhngs. E. G. Wait, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Indiana, born in 1857, son of Meigs and Caroline Wait. He was reared on the Except one year, farm, and received a common school education. which he spent in a store, he has followed the business of farming. He was married in 1881 to Lizzie Asquitt, of Illinois, bom in 1860, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Webster) Asquitt, both of EngUsh birth, and emigrated to America about 1850. They are now residents of
tall,
with the maple and elm
Eock Island county, Illinois. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a retired farmer. F. G. Wait has a well improved farm of eighty acres, located two and a half miles of Eeynolds,
east of
He
Hamlet.
A. Kendall 1836, son of
is
keeps a good grade of stock.
a native of Chautauqua county,
New
York, born
Hazzard and Mary (Smith) Kendall, both of
They emigrated
to Pennsylvania, then to
New
in
Connecticut.
York, then to Kane
county, Illinois, then to Kendall county, Illinois, where the fonner
now
lives, his
wife having died in 1838 in
twenty-one years.
New York
Ebenezer Kendall, father of
at the age of
Hazzard Kendall,
was a native of Scotland. The family, consisting of four brothers, came to America and settled, one in each of the following states (then colonies) Massachusetts, New Jersey, Yermont, and Connecticut. Levi Smith, maternal grandfather of A. Kendall, was a native of Genesee county. New York, and moved to Mercer county in 1840, locating at Millersburg. A. Kendall was married in 1S63 to Lucretia Wait, of Switzerland county, Indiana, born in 1S63,. and daughter of Hemy and Sophia (Wells) Wait, both of Vermont. They came with their :
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
331
where they were married, then to Switzerland where their daughter was born they then moved to Eock Island county, where the father died in 18S2, at the age of eighty -nine. He had served as a soldier in the war of 1812. A. Kendall has four He has a farm of 212^ Lettie, Ida, Viola, and Meigs W. childi-en parents to Xenia, Ohio,
count)',
;
:
acres of fine
grades of
farming land, fairly improved and
cattle,
weU
stocked with good
sheep and hogs.
SwAETWouT is a native of Saratoga county, New York, Thomas and Elizabeth Swartwout, both of New York state. His father died in 1839 at the age of fifty-six, and his mother in 1814. They were Baptist people. The advent of the family into America, consisting of three brothers, was during the colonial All of them settled in New York. The Swartwout family is of times. German descent. Cornelius received a common school education, such as could be obtained in the then almost pioneer schools of his boyhood CoKNELius
born in 1809, son of
days.
lowed.
He was taught the vocation He came to Illinois with
of farming which he has always
and located 1860, when he came
his family in 1855
fol-
in
Eock Island county, where he remained until to Mercer county, where he now resides, three-fourths of a mile east of Hamlet, on his farm of 240 acres. He was married in 1839 to Lucinda Piatt, a native of New York and daughter of Epenitis and Eve Piatt, both of New York and now living in their native state. They have six children: James, Elizabeth, Sarah, John, William, and Henry. The eldest enlisted in the army in 1862, in company B, 126th HI. Yol., and died in 1864. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Graham Lee, the subject of this sketch, was born January 22, 1821, and is the son of Elisha and Almyra (Scoville) Lee. His father is number 18,194 of the sixth generation of the family, Graham is number 18,249. Elisha Lee was born August 27, 1794. This history is recorded in the chronological history of the Strong family, volume II.
The Lees
John Lee, born in 1621, a native of America in 1834, in the ship Francis, imder the care of William Westwood. He located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he remained a short time when he moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where he married and became one of the permanent men of the settlement. Graham Lee was born on the same farm as was his father, and in the same house, where he was reared to the age of twelve, when his father moved to town and engaged in the mercantile business. Here Graham received a fair education, and but for indisposition of his eyes would have begun a collegiate course. But trace their ancestry to
Ipswich, England,
who came
to
notwithstanding his failure to enter college, a long life of continuous reading and careful observation has made him a well-posted man as to
HISTOKY OF MEECEE
332 practical
AND HENDEE80N
COTOfTIES.
knowledge concerning business and national needs.
age of nineteen he went to
New York
At
the
to superintend the dairy farm of
where he remained till he arrived at the age of twenty-one. In 1842 he went on a whaling voyage on the Pacific Coast with a view to improve his health, and spent two years on the coast of Alaska. In
his father
18i5 he, in company with his brother Heniy, went to Ohio, purchased a flock of sheep, which they drove to Mercer county, Illinois, the same They laid a claim on section year, to what is now Peri-yton township. He has made one of the most 9, which is now owned by him. beautiful farms in
Mercer county.
In 1853 he was married to Mary A.
Candor, born 1834, and a native of Union county, Pennsylvania.
She
came with her parents, Thomas and Margaret (Montgomery) Candor, to They had nine children, two of Mercer county, Illinois, in 1837. whom are living: Elisha, born in 1856, and Fanny, born September, 1865. Elisha was married December 18, 1881, to Lena Bopes, daughter He carries on the business of the farm for his father. of David Bopes. Mr. Lee was elected vice-president of the state board of agriculture in At the organization of the 1864, which position he held till 1870. institute for the feeble-minded of Elinois, he was appointed a member of the board, and with the exception of two years has held the position His wife, Mary A., of president of the board since its organization. He was married a second time, .to Anna S. died January 30, 1874. Fisher, a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, bom March 1, 1847. They have one child, Gi-aham, born February 24, 1880. Mr. Lee was raised a Congregationalist, but is
now
a
member
of the Presbyterian
church at Hamlet.
Among
many
Mercer county whose first was muscle and will power is the subject of our sketch, Johathan Gaunt. He is a native of Lancashire county, England, and a son of James and Ann Gaunt. His father was a manuHis facturer of cotton, and died in 1845, at the age of fifty-six years. mother came to America with Jonathan in 1851, and settled in Rock Island county, where she lived for ten years, when she moved to Mercer county, where she died in 1879, at the age of eighty years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, her husband of th,e the
successful farmers of
capital to begin business with
Episcopal church.
Jonathan partly learned the trade of his father. mother till he arrived at the age of twenty, when he went to work for himself. He was married in 1862 to Emily Damp, a native of New York, born in 1841, daughter of Michael and Eliza Damp. They have five children Fernando, Cicero, Lorenzo, Eliza, and Albert. He has a fine stock farm of 520 acres, well improved and well stocked
He
lived with his
:
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
He with the best grades. horses of sales In 1881 his John Montgomeey famDies to locate in
is
makes a specialty of amounted to $1,912.
333 raising horses to
sell.
a descendant of one of the earliest pioneer
this
part of the
stSte.
Among
the pioneer
preachers of northwestern Elinqis is Eev. John Montgomery, his uncle. John Montgomery, our subject, is a native of Rock Island county, born
His parents were Daniel and Margaret S. Montgomery, both They emigrated from their native of Montour county, Pennsylvania.
in 1838.
state to
Edgington,
Rock Island county,
They were of
in 1836.
that
class of Pennsylvania people who carried their morals with them. Both were devoted members of the Presbyterian church, and did much to establish a high degree of morality in the community where they
The
resided.
mother
is
when he was fifty years old. The Rock Island county, and is in her John Montgomery received a fair common school
father died in 1849,
now
living in Milan,
seventy-tliird year.
education, in addition to
some time. followed.
He He was
which he attended school
at
Dixon,
Illinois, for
was reared on the farm, which business he has always married September, 1868, to Sarah
of Ohio, and daughter of "William
J.
Morris, native
and Sarah Morris, both of Ohio, and
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. By this marriage he has two children living: Maud M., bom January 4, 1870, and Fanny L., September 6, 1871. His wife, Sarah J., died in 1874. He marriecT] again in 1876, Elizabeth Swartwout, born in 1842, a native of New Yorkl and a daughter of Cornelius and Lucinda Swartwout. By this second marriage he has three children Lucinda, bom March 6, 1877 James S., May 17, 1878 and William H., May 30, 1880. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Plamlet. He first came to Perryton township in 1868, then returned to his native county and remained till 1882, when he again came to Perryton township, and located on the old David Blue farm, where he owns 360 acres. He makes a specialty of fat cattle, in addition to which he does a good business in buying and shipping stock. He enlisted March, 1865, in company K, 68th HI. Vol., and served one year. The present practicing physician and druggist of Hamlet is Dr. M. Ceiswell, a native of Pennsylvania was born in 1847, and is a son of Mathew and Sarah M. (Whitehill) Criswell, both of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Rock Island coimty, Illinois, in 1855, where they ;
:
;
;
remained in 1864,
1878, when they came to Mercer county, where she died aged fiftyone years. The father and his son Mathew now till
reside in the village of
school education.
Hamlet.
Dr. Criswell received a good
common
In the study of medicine he graduated at JeflPerson
medical college, Philadelphia, with the class of 1876.
The same year
j
HISTOEY OF MEECEK AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
334
he located in Pre-emption township, where he remained till 181'7, when he came to Hamlet. He was married in 1879 to Anna C. Huyett, o native of
Illinois,
Eock Island
county, daughter of Dr. Joseph and They located in Milan, Eock
Harriette L. Huyett, of Pennsylvania.
Island county, about 1850, where he has since been engaged in the practice of medicine.
Edith.
The
Dr. Ci-iswell has by this marriage one
child,
He
has a paying practice. subject of this- sketch Josiah Candoe
county, Pennsylvania, born in 1830, and
is
is
a native of Columbia
the son of
Thomas and
Margaret (Montgomery) Candor. He came to Mercer county with his pai'ents. He was reai-ed and educated on his father's farm in Ohio Grove township. In 1862 he went to Oregon and California, returned in 1854 and engaged in the mercantile business in Edgington, Eock Island county, where he remained till 1867, when he, in company with his brother, Capt. D. M. Candor, opened a store of general merchandise in Hamlet, in which business he continues. He has held the office of
postmaster in Hamlet since 1868.
He was
married in 1857
She was bom in 1838 and is a daughter of Woodbum and Olive (Sleeper) Mchols, both of Maine, who came to Mercer county in 1859 and located in Perryton township. The mother now lives with her son Albion, one mile south of Hamlet. Mr. and Mrs. Candor have six children: Mary C, May, Eobei-t A., Edvsdn H., Vessie O., and Herbert J. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 175 acres well improved, and adjoining Hamlet, on which he keeps a good grade of stock. He and his brother formerly dealt in stock buying and shipping. Previous to the building of the town of Eeynolds, in Eock Island county, they carried on a trade in coal at Hamlet. He has been the school treasurer of the township for the past six years. Capt. Daniel M. Candoe was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, in 1836, and came with his parents, Thomas and Mai-garet (Montgomery) Candor, to Mercer county when he was one year old. His early education was such as he could get in the pioneer schools of his neighborhood, with a two years' course in the academy at Macomb, Illinois. He remained on the farm vnth his parents till of age. He went to Pike's Peak in 1859, stayed two years, returned in 1860, and enlisted in 1861, in company A, 30th 111. Vol., and served a few days to
Mary
E. Nichols, a native of Searsport, Maine.
over four years.
He
first
enlisted for three years, or during the war,
and afterward veteranized at Vicksburg. He was in the following engagements: Belmont, Fort Hem-y, Fort Donelson, the skirmishes around Shiloh, Brittin's Lane, Port Gibson, Eayinond, Jackson, Mississippi, Champion Hills, siege of Vicksburg, Kennesaw Mountain, sieges
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
335
of Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Ealeigh, Bentonville, and GoldsHe borough, and then went to Washington by way of Richmond.
was commissioned captain of his company October 27, 1864, which commission he held till the company was mustered out of the service. Following the siege of Vicksburg he was promoted to the office of orderly sergeant
from the
office
of commissary sergeant.
At
the battle
His parents located in of Atlanta he received a wound in the head. Mercer county, and continued they came to when township Grove Ohio His mother died in 1856. till 1871, at the age of there reside to
His father, Thomas Candor, was married a second Boardman, and died in 1874-, aged seventy-five years. Capt. Candor's parents, Margaret and Thomas, were both natives of Capt. Candor was married in 1868 to Emma J. Girton, Pennsylvania. a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1842, and daughter of Baltis and Anna E. Girton, both of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. They came to Mr. and Mrs. Candor have Hhnois in 1872, and now live in Hamlet. three children: Graham L., bom in 1868, Thomas G., 1870, and Edna, in 1879. He has a well improved farm of 176 acres, adjoining Hamlet. He keeps a good grade of all kinds of stock. He and his brother Josiah were partners in the mei'cantile business in Hamlet from 1867 to 1881. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church at seventy-five years. time, to
Hamlet.
Mary
L.
-
Mercer county as their birth place and home W. C. Vandalsem. He was born in 1850. His parents were John and Hannah M. Vandalsem, both of Ohio, and came to Mercer county with the early settlers with their parents. They were married here. His mother's family located as early as 1832 in "Warren county, and afterward came to Mercer county and settled near Pope creek. W. C.'s parents emigrated to Kansas in 1879, where they yet remain. His father is now fifty-nine years old, his mother fifty-seven years. They are both members of the Presbyterian church. His father served in the army in company B, 83d 111. Vol., and was out three years, lacking one month. He was in the second battle fought at Fort Donelson, after which his company was detailed to fight bushwhackers and guerillas. W. C. was educated in the common school and reared on the farm. He was married in 1876 to Deborah Dunn, native of Illinois, born in 1862, and daughter of John G. and Lydia (Winans) Dunn, the former of Ohio, the latter of Kentucky. Her father died in 1857, at the age of thirty-five, her mother in 1864, aged about forty-four years, a devoted christian and member of the Methodist Episcopal church. W. C. has by this marriage thi'ee children Glenn, Charley, and Bessie. His wife's people came to Mercer
Of those who look
is
to
the subject of this sketch,
:
HISTOEX OF MEEOEE AKD HENDERSON COUN'HES.
336
county in 1851, where they lived till their deaths. Mr. Vandalsem owns a fine farm of 128 acres, on which he keeps a high grade of stock.
GrEOEGE
Geay
is
a native of Switzerland county, Indiana, bora
in
and is a son of Eobert and Maiy Gray, both of Indiana. His father came to Illinois in 1867, then went to Iowa, and now resides in Barton county, Missouri. His mother died in Indiana. George came first to Eock Island county, Illinois, and lived with his uncle for some His educational training was such as he could get in the time. common school. He began life for himself with nature's capital, energy and muscle. He now has a farm of 120 acres, located two 1851,
miles southeast of Hamlet, in Pen-yton township.
He
keeps a good
In 1879 he came to Mercer county and located. The same year he was married to Arabella Yandalsem, daughter of John and Hannah M. Vandalsem. They have one child, Grace. Of those whom we may term old resident settlers of PeiTyton town-
grade of stock.
•
ship is Mr. J.
M. D0NN.
He
located here as early as 1851.
He
was
born in the state of Kentucky in 1824; His parents were James and Sarah Dunn, both of whom were natives of the "com cracker state." His father died in his native state in 1823, his mother emigrated with her family in 1831, to Clermont county, Ohio, where she died in 1852, She was a member of the Weslejan at the age of sixty-two years. Methodist chm'ch. J. M. received only a meager education, such as the pioneer schools could give. He was reared a fanner, which business he has always followed. He returned to Ohio in 1855, where he was married to Elizabeth Huntington, born in 1826, and daughter of Abner and Rebecca Huntington, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. The former died in 187Y at the good old age of seventyseven years, the latter in 1876, aged seventy-one both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Dunn ha^ by this marriage seven children James A., John H., Benjamin F., George "W., Emma C, Thomas H., Sarah (deceased), and Rebecca (deceased). He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has a fai'm of 200 acres located one mile southeast of Hamlet, fairly improved. W. "W. Beadfoed, the subject of this life sketch is a native of Swit;
:
zerland county, Indiana, born in 1830.
Mary A. Bradford of seventy years
;
;
His parents were
Eli and
the former of Canada, died March, 1876, at the age
the latter of Pennsylvania, died in 1872, at the age of
sixty-two years and ten months.
They were pioneer
settlers of Indi-
ana, having located in Switzerland county while the Indians were yet
plenty.
They were people of high moral integrity and members of the W. W. came to Mercer county in 1855, and located
Baptist church.
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
337
Hamlet, where A. Kindall now resides. He returned to Indiana the following year and was married, and again came to Illinois where he' lived tiU 1869, when he went to Henry county, and there east of
His till 1877, when he came to Mercer where he yet resides. was Miss Maria P. Stephens, a native of Indiana and daughter of Keuben and Mary Stephens, both of whom are natives of New York. They were early settlers of Switzerland county, Indiana. Her mother Her father still died in 1881 at the advanced age of eighty-two years. remained wife
lives in
Switzerland county, and
is
now
ninety-three years old.
They
were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and well resBy occupation they were farmers. pected by all with whom they dealt. Mr. and Mrs. Bradford have by this marriage eight children Pen-y (deceased),
and William F. church.
He
Eddy
(deceased), Elijah (deceased), Ida,
He and
wife are
:
Bruce,-
Guy
S.,
members of the Free Methodist
has a well improved stock farm of 320 acres.
Ajlfeed H. Smith
is
a native of Pennsylvania,
bom
in 1828, son of
His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and served in Capt. Brady's United States volunteers in the war of 1812. He died in 1828. His mother was a native of Philadelphia, bom in 1804, and died in Mercer county in 1874. Pier parents were, one from Switzerland, the other from Holland. She came to Mercer county in 1849. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. Alfred H. came to Mercer county with his mother. He was reared on the farm in which business he has continued. He was married in 1855 to Margaret Catchcart, a native of Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Mary (Brown) Catchcart, who came to Eock Island in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have ten childi-en Emma, Charles, Arthur, Adella, Dora, Eetta, Harvey, Frederick, Charles, and Ulmer. He has a well improved farm of 240 acres and good grades of stock. He and wife are members of the Baptist church. His wife's father is a native of Pennsylvania, her mother of Donegal county, Ireland. Among the early settlers of Perryton township who have passed from this seething and ever-changing world of mingled bliss and joy to that more quiet home above is James Goeman. He located in Perryton township in 1842, where he resided till his death, which occurred in 1877 in the seventy-seventh year of his age. He was boin in Ireland in 1800 and came to America in 1837, locating in Pennsylvania, where he remained till 1842, when he emigrated to Ilhnois. By trade he was a Hnen weaver but farmed in America. He was married in Ireland to Sarah McAdam, daughter of Samuel and Sarah McAdam. James Gorman had by this marriage eight children John (deceased), William, and James were born in Ireland Andrew, Sarah, and Samuel Charles and Margarette A. (Sungrain) Smith.
:
:
;
HISTORY OF MEECER AND IfENDEESOX COUNtlES.
338
(deceased), were born in the "Quaker state;" Elizabeth and Xancy were born in Perryton township. James and "William enlisted in the army, the former in company C, the latter in company G, 102d both went out in 1862 and returned at the close of the war in 111. Vol. ;
1868. early
James Gorman was a member of the Presbyterian church from His widow is a member of the same church. life till his death.
She now lives on the old homestead in the south half of Perryton township where they located in 1842. Sarah and Andrew remain at home to comfort her in her old age. She is now seventy-seven years old:
Levi Coopeb was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1810. His parents were Thomas and Ann (Hashley) Cooper, both of England. His father was born in Staffordshire, September 3, 1774, and died at Hamlet, October 10, 1857. His mother was born October 1, 1787, and died October 20, 1838. They were married in their native country and emigrated to America in 1832, and located in Canada, where they remained five years, when they moved to Lewis county, New York. In 1840 they emigrated to Michigan, and came to Illinois in 1846 and located ^n Perryton township, Mercer county, where they spent their Thomas Cooper was a tailor by trade. He and wife declining years. members were of the Methodist Episcopal church, both in England and America. Levi Cooper came to America with his father, and made the same removals. He was by trade a brick and tile maker, which business he followed in England, and in America one year, after which he engaged in the business of well-digging, till he located on the farm. This last business he pursued till he retired from active life. He now owns a farm of 320 acres second to none in location and quality in Perryton township. He was married in 1839 to Lucy Sproston, of England, who was born in 1807, and was the daughter of John and Sarah Sproston. They came to America in 1832, located in Canada, and emigrated to Perryton township, Mercer county, in 1866. Her father died at Hamlet, April 21, 1864, aged eighty-five years, her mother in England, about 1808. By this maniage Mr. Cooper has four children: David H. Sarah, Betsy E. and Hiram L. His wife, Lucy Sproston, died in 1876. He is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church his wife was a member of the same. Since the death of his wife he has left his farm and now lives with his son-in-law, C. Taylor. His two sons live on his farm. Mr. Cooper is a man who is well respected by all who know him. H. W. FisK, the subject of this sketch, a native of Orange county, New York, was born in 1833, and is the son of Jonathan and Susan ,
,
;
(Williams) Fisk, both of Massachusetts.
His father was a mechanic
{HaaJ
^
-^^^^'^t.^x-^^ t^-^^!^^
PEERYTON TOWNSHIP.
341
and died in 1853 at the age of sixty-three ; his mother died in 1841 at the age of fiftj'-one both were members of the Presbyterian cliurch. ;
His father was one of the ruling elders in the society of which he was The Fisk family is of Saxon descent. They came to a member. America soon ailer the Mayflower brought the pilgrims to the rocky coast of Massachusetts. in the class
of 1859._
which he followed
till
W.
H.
He
Fisk graduated at Waveland, Indiana,
then took up the profession of teaching,
1864,
when he was
licensed to preach,
by the
In 1866 he was ordained a minister of the He was appointed home missionary, gospel by the same presbytery. in which position he labored till 1870, when he was called to the BueIn lah charge in Kock Island county where he remained two years.
Vincennes presbytery.
Hamlet charge, where he has since labored, Hamlet and at the Perryton churcli four miles south.
1872 he was called to the preaching both at
He was married in 1862 to Miss Mary Stevenson, a native of Pennsylvania, who was bom in 1834, and is a daughter of John and Susan C. Her father was a native of Ireland and her (Myres) Stevenson. mother of Pennsylvania. Her mother died in 1857 at the age of fortyseven. Her father is now living and is in his seventy-second year. Rev. Fisk Both were devoted members of the Presbyterian church. has by this marriage three children
:
Charles E., Susan, and
Emma.
Michael Daiip, deceased, and subject of this sketch, was bom in 1814, in New York, and was a son of Philip and Susan Damp, both of Germany. He came to Illinois about 1852, and first located at Milan, where he engaged in the milling business. In 1854 he went to Moline, where he run a mill, and paid the farmers of Rock Island county the first cash for wheat received in that section. Previous to his locating there they received their pay in goods. In 1858 he sold his mill at Moline and moved to Pope creek, where he again engaged in running a mill for about four years, when he quit the milling business and came to Perryton township and engaged in farming. This he followed till his death, which occurred in 1865. He was married to Eliza Kemp, of New York, who was. born in 1818, and was a daughter of Michael and Sarah
Kemp.
Her
parents were reared, educated, married, raised a
from their native state. The Kemp America from Germany, and located in New York in the early settlement of the state. By this marriage he had eight children: Edward C, Emily, Amos (deceased), Julia (deceased), Melonia (deceased), Cliarlotta (deceased), and Cicero R. Of the three living children two are at home. Emily, how Mrs. Gaunt, lives in the east part of Perryton township. Edward C. was married in 1875 to Eliza
family and died without emigrating
family
came
Johnson, 20
to
who
died in 1879, leaving three children: Arthur, Elmer,
:
"§42
HISTOEY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
bom in 1860, and was married in DecemA. Howard, of Dlinois, bom in 1858, and daughter Mr. Damp left his family in good circumof John and Mary Howard. His widow now resides about two miles soulJi of Hamlet. stances. Few, if any farms in Perryton are better improved. James Gingles, deceased, is justly entitled to the honor of being He came at the same time tone of the pioneers of Perryton township. as did the McHards, in 1838, and settled south of Camp creek. He was a native of Pennsylvania, bom in the year 1801, in Columbia county, where he was reared and educated to the business of farming. He remained in his native state till 1838, the time of his emigration to Perryton township. He resided here till ,liis death, which occurred when he was in his seventy-second year. He was married in 1822 to Elizabeth Lackard, of Pennsylvania, bom in 1805, and daughter of Robert and Jane Lackard, both of Pennsylvania. James Gingles, by this marriage, raised a family of eight children Martha, Jane, Eliznbeth, "Washington, Margaret, Harriet (deceased), John, and dinda, all of whom are married except Washington, and he remains at home with his mother, caring for her in her old age. She stiU resides on the old homestead, where they located when they first came to Perryton township. To use the language of a friend of the family: "Mr. Gingles was energetic and industrious. Plis character for sobriety, honesty, and integrity, was above reproach. Coming to this country when it was in its infancy, he endured everj' privation and hardship incident to a new country in its early settlement these he bore with manly fortitude and Christian resignation. His well matured opinions and advice were sought for and readily givtn to the more recent settler. In times when money was scarce he often lent a helping hand to those who were in need or distress, thus fulfilling the Christian maxim of doing good while we have time. His door was ever open to the wayfarer and traveler. No one in need was turned away without being recipients of his hospitality. During the last hours of his earthly existence he had the sweetest solace and consolation of human existence by being surrounded by the children of his love, whom he had nurtured in the way of religion and tmth, thus depriving death of more than half its terror, and illustrating the truth of that beautiful stanza and Isaac F.
Cicero R. was
ber, 1881, to Julia
:
;
" Jesus
As
can
soft as
make a dying bed downy pillows are."
His preference in religion was that of the Presbyterian teaching. He and his wife so impressed their earnestness and faith in Christianity upon tlieir children, that they are all following in the footsteps of their parents.
:
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
Of
the citizen soldiers
county claims as her
now
residents of
own by birth and
343
Mercer county,
education,
is
whom
J. B. Felton.
the
He
was bom in Millersburg township, in 1842, and is a son of David and Lucinda Felton. He has lived in Mercer county all l^s life except ten He received most of his education' in the schools of Mercer years. county.
In 1866 he was married to Charlotte A. Howe, daughter of
She was bom in 184Y in Mercer county. They have Jenney F. and Clara E. He enlisted in the army in He 1862, in Company G, 102d 111. Vol., and served tiU June, 1865. was in the battle at Kesacca, where he was wounded. He was in the During hospital at Nashville from May, 1863, till November, 1864. the remainder of his term of service he was in numerous skirmishes. He has not yet recovered from his wound and draws a pension. He has a nicely improved farm of eighty acres. RoBEET DooL, ^ native of Ohio, was born in 1850, and is the son of Henry and Mary Dool, Ireland, who came to Ohio, where they remained for some time, when they came to Mercer county and located iu Perryton township in 1853, where they resided tiU 1881, when they moved to Aledo to live a retired life and enjoy their declining years. Both are members of the Presbyterian church. Robert was reared on the farm and educated in the district school. He was married ia 1873 to Therssa Hayes, daughter of Henderson and Olive
L. B.
Howe.
two children
:
Hayes, both of Pennsylvania, but afterward of Ohio, settling in that
His father is now living Mr. Dool has two children Gertnide B. and Henry C. H. His wife's parents were members ot the Presbyterian church, as ai"e he and wife, and hold their membership at Millersburg. He has a fine farm of 234 acres, well improved, and keeps a good class of farm stock, and feeds cattle for the market. Geoege Waltee, the subject of this sketch, was a native of Pennsylvania and was born in 1812. He was a son of Henry and Elizabeth Walter, both of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Columbia county, Pennsylvania, where they died. George was maiTJed in his native state in 1836, where he remained till he emigi-ated to Illinois and located in Perryton township in 1859, where he died in 1872 on his farm, at the age of sixty-one. His widow now resides on the old place. She is a member of the Presbyterian church. They had ten children: Charles C, Henry J., David M., state in 1848.
His mother died in 1862.
and a resident of Belmont county, Ohio.
George D., Sarah E. (deceased), Mary E. (deceased), Martha E., William A., Hannah J., and Samuel W. (deceased). The homestead farm consists of a quarter section, which is undivided between the heirs.
Henry
J.
was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, in 1841,
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
344
and came
to Illinois with
liis
He
the old homestead.
parents and
now
enlisted in the
lives with his
army
in 1861
mother on
and served
till
November, 1862, when he was wounded at Brittin's Lane, and discharged from tlif service. He belonged to company C, 30th 111. Vol. Inf. He was in the battles, of Belmont (Missouri), Fort Henry, and Fort Donelson, the siege of Corinth and Brittin's Lane. "William A. was born in 1852 and resides on the old homestead with his mother. David M. enlisted in 1862 in company H, 84th HI. Yol. Inf., and was ti-ansferred to the marine brigade, served three years, and now George D. enlisted in company H, lives in Ringgold county, Iowa. 84th 111. Vol. Inf and was transferred to the 21st 111. Vol. Inf. He ,
now
lives in Burlington, Iowa.
Warner Corns, a native of Ohio, born 1821, is the son of Henry and Mary Corns, the former of Pennsylvania, the latter of Virginia. They emigrated to Ohio where they were married, g,nd afterward came to Illinois in 1842, located in Rock Island county, where they remaiaed one year. They came to Mercer county in 1843, and located where their son "Warner
and
now
The mother
three. is
now
The father died in 1880, aged eightyon the old homestead with her son Warner,
resides.
lives
in her eighty-seventh year.
Warner came
to Illinois with
whom
he has always lived. He and his father together laid a claim on the farm where he now resides, and both improved the same. He enlisted in 1862 in company D, 33d El. Vol. Inf, and served three years. He was iu the second battle of Fort Donelson and at Rosacea. The remainder of his term of service the company was detailed to fight bush-whackers and guerillas. He was married in 1854 to Amelia Gingles, daughter of Robert and Cathai'ine Gingles. They came to Mercer county in 1839 and located in Perryton township. The former died in 1875, at the age of seventy-six years; the latter in 1880, aged seventy-nine years. Mr. Corns has four children Mary C. (now the widow of James Huifman), Ellen M. and Thirza C. (twins). Ellen married Charles Fencedemancher and Thirza married Charles Snow, and Amanda is at home with her parents. Mr. 0. has a farm of 120 acres and keeps a good grade of parents with
his
:
stock.
Among
the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Perryton town-
He was born in 1824 and is a native of Kentucky, and son of William and Elizabeth Miller, of Kentucky. His father died in his native state in 1832, at the age of thirty-two years. In 1833 his mother emigrated to Crawford county, Ohio (now ship
is
G. D. Miller.
Wyandot
county), where G. D. was reared on the farm, receiving such educational instruction as the pioneer schools could furnish. His
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
345
mother died in 1870, at the age of sixty-five, on the old homestead in Ohio. His great-grandparents on his father's side came to America Mr. from across the sea one from Germany, the other from Ireland. :
came and located in Perry ton township in 1852 where he now Previous to his locating here he herded and fed cattle in the resides. In 1852 neighborhood of DeWitt county, this state, for several years. he returned to Ohio where he was married to Sophia Brady, born in 1827, and daughter of Samuel and Sarah Brady, the former of whom died in Ohio in 1842, at the age of fifty-six years, and the latter in Mr. Miller has ten children: 1870, at the age of seventy years. Helen S., Minor D., Dow (deceased), Olive L., Calista, Sue, Emma, He has a fine stock farm of 700 Iva M. (deceased), Clay, and Lonie. He feeds acres located in the southeast quarter of Perryton township. He raises shorthorns, draft horses, and and ships cattle and hogs. He is a member of the masonic the best grades of hogs and sheep. Miller
lodge at Aledo.
Among
was Austin Wood, (W. A. Wood) aind his family. He located in Perryton township as early as 1837, having come to Peoria county in 1836. W. A. Wood was born.,in 1820, in the state of New York. His parents, Austin and Louisa Wood, were natives of Connecticut. His father died in 1864, at the age of seventy-seven years his mother in 1874, aged seventy-three years. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and highly respected by those who knew them. W. A. was reared on the farm. His eai-ly education was received at the common school. He has pursued the business of his father all his Hfe. He owns a fine stock farm of 290 acres, fairly improved and well stocked. He was mamed in 1843 to Harriet S. Smith, of New York, daughter of Jesse Smith, who came to Mercer county in 1840. Mr. Wood has eight children: Saphrona, Walter, liouis, Burdick, Emerson, Charles, Bell, and Lena. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He lives in the south the early settlers of Perryton township
the father of our subject
.
;
and a half miles southeast of Hamlet. The veteran pioneer, William Doak, of Mercer county, was bom in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1816, and was brought up on a fann. His education was received in the pioneer log cabin schoolhouse, with its slab seats and desks. In the fall of 1837 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, first settling in Greene township, where he remained till the fall of 1839, when he removed to Perryton, where he permanently located on section 27, and actively engaged in farming and stock-raising, following the business successfully till the spring of half of Perryton township, four
1882,
when he gave up
active labor
and removed
to Aledo,
with a view
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
346
of spending his declining years in quiet rest.
He was
married
May
Sarah P., daughter of Dr. M. Farwell. She is a native of Hampshire, and came with her parents to Mercer county in 1842
19, 1846, to
New and
settled in
children:
Pre-emption township. They are the parents of three J., now Mrs. William McHard, "William E., now a
Nancy
resident of Keithsburg township,
and Alvah J., who now lives on the For many of the incidents
old homestead farm in Perryton township.
related of the early settlement of Perryton township reference
had
to the
Perryton township history.
He and wife
may be mem-
are pioneer
bers of the Presbyterian church as well as pioneer settlers.
His
son,
Alvah A., ,was born in Perrytori township in 1854. He was reared on the farm. His educational training was that of the district school and He was married in 1880 to a few terms in the academy at Aledo. Agnes Wallace, a native of Ohio, born in 1857, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary Wallace, both of Ohio, and came to Mercer county about 1860. A. J. Doak carries on the business of his father's farm. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. T. GuFFY is a native of Pennsylvania, and was bom in 1829. He is the son of Alexander and Catharine Guffy, both of Pennsylvania. His father went to California in 1848, where he died in 1857, at the age of fifty-six years. His mother now Hves in Pennsylvania and is in her seventy-ninth year. Both were members of the Lutheran church, but his mother is at the present a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Guffy was reared a mechanic, and came to Mercer county in 1855, where he engaged in farming, in which pursuit he is still occupied. He was married in 1857 to Margaret Gingles, daughter of James and Elizabeth Gingles. Mr. Guffy has by this marriage one child, Harriet C, who was married in 1881 to John C. Lanon, a native of Pennsylvania, and son of Daniel and Sarah Lanon. He came to Mercer county from Micliigan. Mr. Guffy has a weU-improved farm of sixty acres. His son-in-law lives with him and carries on the farm. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
The McHard family located that time there
were but few
Where William McHard
in Perryton township in 1839. settlers in this
At
part of the countiy.
located at the above-named date
is
now
the
finest part of
Perryton township. In 1839 the surrounding country was a wild wilderness, over which the deer and wolves gamboled the coo of the prairie chicken and the quack of the vnld duck made the music in the balmy spring morning air. Among the names of the
pioneers of Perryton township belongs the name of Willijuvi McHaed. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1810, son of Joseph and
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP. Sarah (Adams)
McHard,
whom
tlie
347
former of Ireland, the latter of Scotland,
William was brought up a married in his native state in 1832, and came wagonmaker. and later, located in PeiTyton township, where years seven to Illinois farming, which pursuit he followed till his death, which in he engaged
both of
died in Pennsylvania.
He was
iccurred.in 1870, at the age of sixty-three years. 1867, at the age of fifty-six years.
moral integrity and
William McHard,
His wife died in
They were both persons of high
members of the Presbyterian
Jr.,
was born
church. His son, and reared on the farm,
in 1842,
receiving such educational instruction as the schools of his neighbor-
hood could give. He was married in 1873 to Miss Nancy J. Doak, a native of Perryton township, born in 1845, and a daughter of William and Sarah P. Doak. By this marriage he has two children: MaryE., and Sarah.
He
has a fine stock farm of 330 acres, located in the south
half of the township, a part of
which belonged to the old homestead of
He keeps a good grade of stock, and makes a specialty of cattle. He and wife are members of the Presbjiierian church.
his father.
feeding
Samuel McHard, son of William McHard, was born in 1833,
is
a
and came to Perryton township with his father when six years old. He was reared on the farm and inured to all the privations of pioneer life. In 1862 he enlisted in the army, in company G, 102d 111. Vol., served two years and nine months, one year of which time he held the ofiice of corporal. He was in the foUowing engagements Kesacca, Burnt Hickory, Marietta, Peach Tree creek, Atlanta, Savannah, and Kaleigh, and numerous skirmishes. He was married in 1866 to Mary Eichmond, native of Ohio, and daughter of Joseph and Susan Eichmond. They came to Mercer county in 1853, and were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Samuel McHard has by this marriage six children: Franklin E., Susan L., Gertrude and Grace (twins). May, and William S. He and vidfe are members of the Perryton Presbyterian church. He has a farm of 200 acres, well improved and well stocked. He resides on the old homenative of Pennsylvania,
,
:
stead
where his father settled in 1839.
EDUCATION. CONTKIBUTED BY MiSS AMANDA FeAZIEK.
The subject of education progress of all enlightened
is
so interwoven with the
communities that a
full
growth and any
history of
people at the present day
would be incomplete which omitted some public schools and other institutions of learning. It
mention of their a matter of regret that many of the records of the earlier schools of Mercer county have been lost by the carelessness or recklessness of a
IS
HISTOEY OF MPJECEE AUD HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
348
former county superintendent, as
we
are thus compelled to depend
upon tradition, or the memories of the older settlers, for material from which to compile a sketch of our first school teachers and schoolhouses.
Mercer county were men of sterling worth, and enterprising, and when planting their homes, on these wild prairies more than fifty years ago were not unmindful of the needs of their children and we find that as soon as three or four cabins were erected in any given locality, some provision was at once made to furnish the young people with some sort of school privileges. Sometimes it was a small log cabin which furnished teacher and scholar shelter, and sometimes a small room or addition to one of the prau'ie cabins was all the room obtainable for school purposes. It is no disparagement to the people of those early days to say that in some instances the teachers were of an order quite in keeping with the school-room, cheap and unsatisfactory. There were no professional teachers among the early pioneers but now and then a young settler, or the older son in some family, would undertake for small pay to "keep" school during the winter, while some pioneer's daughter would fill the same oflice for the summer to half a dozen or half a score of pupils. We have in mind the case of one young lady, a settler's daughter, who taught one summer for fifty cents per week and boarded around among the patrons. There were but four families in the district, and but eight pupils enrolled. The education of the young lady spoken of was not at all complete, but then the requirements of that school were limited as to qualifications and advancement. The first school taught in Mercer county was held in a small log cabin erected on the claim of Erastus Dennison, about two miles east of the town of New Boston, near the present home of Mr. C. Rader. The teacher was Abram Miller, and the time the summer of 1833. Mrs. Ephraim GUmore, now of Aledo, was one of the pupils in this pioneer school for a few weeks. Mr. Miller was a prominent character in the early settlement of the county, having been one of the principal actors in the organization of the county and the first county clerk. Abe, as he was familiarly called, had a strong dislike for the restraints of close-fitting gai-ments, and it was no uncommon thing to see him marching to and from school in warm weather barefoot, with loose shirt and flowing pantaloons. This first school was attended by an
The
original settlers of
intelligent
;
;
average of about ten scholars, the total enrollment for the season reaching only about a dozen. The next year (1834), as near as we can learn, the first regular school-house was erected in New Boston township,
near the
blufl',
about three miles east of the present vUlage of
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP.
3i9
#
Abram
Boston, on the farm of William "Willits.
New
Miller or
Joshua Willits taught here in the winter of 1834-5. About the year 1835-6 George W. Julian, since a distinguished politician and member
from Indiana, wielded the birch in
of congress first
this,
Mercer county's
regular school-house.
The
now
territory
constituting the county of Mercer
was
stricken
from Warren and organized into a separate county in 1836, and
off
was effected we find that John Long was by the county commissioners' court to the commissioner. While the county thus early in its
soon after the organization appointed, April 13, 1835,
of school
oifice
history
provided herself with the proper
organization of a indifferent
more
progress in the
instruction for
official
machinery
perfect school system, yet
we
for the
find but very
modes of
character of teachers or the
a number of years.
appears that the school commissioner was also agent of the
It
school lands,
and the most of the reports from several of the earlier and disposal of the school
school commissioners pertained to the care
and little or nothing relating to teachers or schools. For nearly fifteen years after the appointment of Mr. Long, the school commissioner did not assume the duties of examiner of teachlands,
During these years the school board, consisting of the school
ers.
were the board of examiners. These were not always elected on account of their educational
trustees of the various precincts,
school trustees
quahfications, but rather for their sturdy business qualities,
and
for the
having them properly distributed over the precinct. As a matter of course the examination day, under such circumstances, was an event in the career of the board which exhibited its dignified and ludicrous character, according to the particulai- qualificafurther purpose of
tions of the
An
members of the given board.
incident connected with
a gentleman
now
one of these examinations
is
related
living in the eastern portion of the county.
by
Some home
thirty-five years ago, this gentleman, then- a young man, just Irom a medical college, was requested to be present on a certain day to
hear the examination of a small class of teachers, and to assist in the
He attended punctually at the time and place appointed, and found three candidates for certificates, one young lady and two young gentlemen. The three tmstees, the regular school board, were exercises.
also present,
but not in a well organized condition for the duties before
them. After some preliminary conversations of a general character with the candidates, the board retired to organize for the contest, and after a short caucus among themselves, they deputised one of their number
350
HISTOEY OF MEECEE JlSD HENDEESON COUNTIES.
young doctor to join the caucus, which he readily conThe young gentleman found the board to be composed sented to do. of three sturdy and intelligent farmers, good, honest, capable men for
to request the
all
ordinary transactions, but honestly confessing their inability to
per-
form the duties required of them as examiners. They could "read, write, and cipher," but then the law required the teacher to pass examination in geography and grammar, and these last branches of study were At the request of the board the young doctor conas Choctaw to them. sented to conduct the examination, the board to hear the class and Hastily arranging a set of questions decide upon their qualifications. he began the examination, which was oral, except a few examples in The board listened carefully to all the exercises, written arithmetic. and when it was finished they again retired for consultation. After a short secret session the young doctor was again summoned in counsel, when one of the board acting as spokesman, said "See here, we want you to go right straight through with this here thing. They all show a nice hand writin', and spell well enough and read and cipher fustrate, but then that gography and grammar is all Injun to us. You .see we dont't pretend to know anything about it, so you jist give us your honest opinion about the whole thing, and if you say they pass muster, why we will give them all their papers and let thein «bang away." To return to the main narrative, John Long served as school commissioner until December 6, 1835, when William I. Nevius was appointed as his successor. Mr. Nevius was reappointed in 1837, and again in 1838 and 1839, serving until June 6, 1840, when Ephraim Gilmore received the appointment. In -1841 the ofiice became elective, and Ephraim Gilmore, was again selected to fiU the position at an election held in August, 1841, and was re-elected annually for five years, his last election occurring on August 3, 1845.. The next to fill the ofiice was Thomas Candor, who was chosen at the annual election on August 3, 1846. Mr. Candor served but one year when Benjamin D. Ellett was chosen his successor, August 6, 1847. From 1847 to 1865 the election for school commissioner was held bi-ennially, thereby giving the office a more permanent character. Mr. Ellett was succeeded by Tyler McWhorter, who was elected November 6, 1849, and again on November 4, 1851. Mr. McWhorter was the first school commissioner who undertook the examination of teachers in this county, and to his administration, extending over a period of four years, is due the first real advancement in the character of teachers, as regards qualifications and modes of instruction. He was careful and pains-taking in all his ofiicial acts and was especially watchful and :
thorough in his inquiries as to the fitness of candidates for
certificates.
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP. The
scarcity of well-qualified- teachers at that
certificates, in
some
instances,
351 time forced him to grant
where the candidate got the benefit of a
"reasonable doubt" as to their entire fitness for the high ofiice of teacher, but
many
able educators were placed in charge of schools dur-
Among
we
will mention the names of and Harvey S. Senter. After Mr. McWhorter comes John Eamsey, who was elected November 8, 1853, followed by Norman P. Brown, who was elected Mr. Brovra was a practical and competent on November 6, 1855. can learn, neither he nor Mr. Kamsey sucfar as we so but teacher, character the of the schools of the county beyond advancing in ceeded Mr. McWhorter at the time of his retirement from attained by point the successor in 1853. The of N. P. Brown was J. E. Harroun, office the November elected The law had now clothed the was 185T. who 6, commissioner with the full powers of superintendent and given him The personal visitation of schools gave to authority to visit schools. the new superintendent great advantages over his predecessors, as it enabled him to witness the every day work of the teacher in the school-
ing his term of
ofiice.
these
Simeon Smith, David Felton, Kesin Eale
room.
It is
not unfrequently the case that a candidate for teacher will
pass with a high grade after a
most thorough examination, and yet
prove unable to impart instruction, or imfit to govern in the schoolroom.
These
faults or failures the visiting
and remedy, provided the visitations were
superintendent could detect
made
in the right spirit and
conducted with proper care for the good of the people. history constrains us to
The
truth of
say that the gi-eatest good possible under the
new order of things was not attained during the administration of several of the successors of Mr. Harroun. Too little practical instruction was imparted by the superintendent in these visitations, too much time was spent in the exhibitions of the proficiency of certain advanced classes, and in the making of fine speeches by the visiting ofiicial. The visitations, instead of securing the good to teachers and people as designed by the law makers, degenerated in some instances into the veriest routine, measured, we fear, more by the per diem allowed than by the benefits which should have accrued. Mr. Harroun filled the office for two years, and, by constant visitaand courteous treatment of the teachers of the county, inspired them, not. only with the desire to.excel in their calling, but witlT that esprit de corps which should ever prevail among professional educators tions
in our
common
schools.
was during Mr. Harroun's administi'ation that teacher's institutes were organized, and the central or county institute was first attempted. He was also the first to attempt the introduction of any form of school It
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON OOUimES.
352
apparatus in the
common
schools of
ow
county, and although not
always successful in convincing the patrons of their
utility,
he was
and there a goodly number of these helps to impulse to their use by explaining to teacher and an study, giving the manner in which they should be school-room, pupil, in the enabled to scatter here
employed.
Mr. Harroun was succeeded by Eev. James S. Poage, a prominent and deservedly popular Presbyterian minister, who was elected November 8, 1859, and who served for two years. Mr. Poage was a highly educated gentleman, a fluent speaker and a most exemplary gentleman, but he was not a practical teacher, and while he made a creditable superintendent he did not succeed in advancing the character of the schools to that extent for which his learning and high character gave promise at the time he was elected.
Amos
T.
Waterman was
elected
November
5,
1861, as the
suc-
Mr. Waterman had formerly been engaged in teaching, but was at the time of his service a young practicing attorney of more than ordinary biilHancy. His administration of the office was creditable to himself and serviceable His examinations were to the educational interests of the people. cessor of Mr. Poage, and served for two years.
conducted with more than ordinary care, thus securing a better grade of teachers, and giving a
new impetus toward
a higher excellence
in
teaching.
Washington L. Campbell, the successor of Mr. Waterman, was elected
November
6,
1863, and served for one term of two years, and
was followed by Sylvenus B. Atwater, who was chosen
at the election
November 7, 1865, being one of the first of a long line of county officials who have claimed the suffrages of the people of Mercer on
held
account of their services in the late war.
Mr. Atwater was a
practical
teacher of fair reputation before he entered the military service, and
returning a few months before the election from his three years' service in the 27th reg. 111. Vol. Inf after participating in all the battles, marches and victories in which that gallant regiment was engaged, he was promptly elected as county superintendent of schools for the tei-m of four years, the term of the office having just been extended froi| two to four years. To Mr. Atwater the people of Mercer county owe a debt of gratitude for his heroic, but then most unpopular treatment of all school matters. He introduced a strict and searching system of examination of teachers, and insisted so strongly that his standard of fitness should be met that a large number of half-qualified teachers were either driven from the schools, or induced to re-enter school as ,
students themselves for the purpose of impro^•ing their education, and
.
PERRYTON TOWNSHIP. their places
was
were
filled
353
by a higher and better grade of
the first to attempt the task of
teachers.
He
expurging from the school-room
and introducing in, their books so graded as to meet the wants of the
the antiquated text-books of the grandfathers, stead a uniform system of several pupils, thus classes
enabling the teacher to separate his pupils into
by grades of proficiency
district schools,
;
in fact, establishing grades in
many
going so far in this direction that in several instances
where the patrons refused to buy or .order the purchase of new books, Although partially he furnished them out of his own private funds. in his eiforts to secure a uniformity of text-books,
successful
much
there
be done in this direction after his four years' struggle He labored assiduously to was ended by the expiration of his office. secure a black-board in every school-house, going so far as to carry his
remained
to
brush and slating into the remoter districts and painting the desired
own hands where
the directors could not, or would While Mr. Atwater won the hearty iU will of some would-be teachers and their friends by refusing certificates to persons who had taught under other superintendents, and
board with his get
not,
it
done themselves.
refusing like favors to
new
candidates
who
failed to pass his examinar
was engendered among the people in some localities on account of the increased expenses caused by his unceasing efforts to secm*e new books and apparatus, and advancement of wages consequent upon the weeding out of poor and cheap teachers, yet impartial history will compel the admission that Mr. Atwater did more to advance the educational interest, and to place the common schools upon a higher plane of excellence than any person who had preceded him in that office. The successor of Mr. Atwater was Frederick Livingston, a graduate of Lombard college, of Galesburg, Illinois, and a teacher of some years' experience, who was elected November 2, 1869, and served for four years. His acknowledged learning, with a fair experience as a tion,
and while
much
discontent
and courteous address, gave promise that in his election the would be greatly benefited but his four years' was a great disappointment to his friends and a misfortune to
teacher,
schools of the county service
himself.
;
Lacking in administrative
ability,
which he granted certificates to any and county with a
new crop of
teachers,
qualified for the duties of the
all
many
lost his hold upon and the freedom with
he soon
the affections of the older teachers of the county,
applicants soon flooded the
of
whom
were in no wise
school-room, thereby greatly imparing
the standard of the schools generally throughout the county. his administration office
were
many
During
of the books and vouchers belonging to the
lost or destroyed,
including
all
the records of the school
—
HISTORY OF MEEOER JOSD HENDERSON COUNTIES.
354
and nearly all books and papers pertaining to county school His bondsmen made good such loss of the pubKc funds as was proven to have been lost or misused while in his charge. Mr. Livingston was the first and only defaulter in this office in the history of the Mr. Livingston was the possessor of many quahties and county. graces calculated to win the confidence of the people and endear him to. his iiiends, and we do not pen this sketch without a regret that one so liberally educated, so courteous and kind, and withal so well quali-
lands,
funds.
fied for a useful
should exhibit that lack of balance which caused
life,
the unfortunate miscarriage in his
official acts.
[The following sketch of Miss Frazier's career as a teacher and county superintendent, is furnished us by a gentleman who is interested in education, and who has been long familar with her work. Ed. J During the administration of Mr. Livingston, our legislature en-
women
acted a law iriaking first
eligible for all school offices,
and
at the
election held after the passage of this law, to-wit, in November,
1873, Miss
Amanda
eleven ladies
E.
who were
Frazier,
of Mercer county, was one of the
elected to the position of county superintendent
Miss Frazier was re-elected in November, 18T7, her second term of office, was unanimously appointed by the board of supervisors in December, 1881, to ffil the of schools in Illinois.
and
at the expiration of
by reason of the recent amendment to the statand certain other county She is thereoffices, from 1881 to 1882, and quadrenially thereafter. fore filling the ninth year of her incumbency of that office, a fact which speaks in no uncertain terms of the confidence and trust which vacancj' then existing
utes changing the time of election for this
the people of the county continue to repose in her capacity and
official
integrity.
Miss Frazier has long been identified with the schools and school
work of Mercer county, and deserves no small measure of
praise for
the earnest and well directed efibrts she has expended to elevate the
standard of public instruction in the county.
Entering upon her career
Monand while yet a mere girl, she developed a remarkable capacity for the government of pupils and for imparting insti'uction, and so complete was her success as teacher thus early in life, that during all the after years she gave to teaching she never was under the necessity of applying for a position, inasmuch as applications for her services came to her unsought. After teaching a few terms Miss Frazier concluded to more fully quality herself for the- profession which she had determined to follow, and with this view spent two years at the State Normal University at Bloomington, Illinois, and another as a teacher, in 1862, after completing the academic course in
mouth
college,
PEEEYTON TOWNSHIP. year at
Lombard University, c-^t^
III
431
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP. to the times,
and their waitings
home was
at different places ere a
McPherrens now ? The father sleeps beneath, found. Benjamin Decker is dead, but his wife,, lie. all must where the sod Ohio Grove. James is near Reynolds, Sarah farm in owns a Fannie, John Walker is dead, and his wife died in Iowa, Susanna is in Iowa, George, son of George, owns over 400 Viola. near Boyer, is Mrs. Ohio Grove. in acres of land In the same year, 1835, it is thought George Smith, Richard Rice, James Moore, and William Moore made their advent. John Moore-
Where
are the
head, a native of Pennsylvania, but at that time resident of county, Ohio, also settled in the
He
Muskingum
McPherren neighborhood
in 1835.
new him till one of whom was
died in August, 1836, the first instance of mortality in this
settlement.
He had
1862 or 1863. buried in
on
section 2.
His
vsdfe
In their family were seven children,
The writing (May 12,
Warren
living at this
lived
survived
were pioneers here. But two are 1882): Mrs. Ashford Hardy and Mrs. Both are venerable ladies, examples of women of busy county.
six
,
George Smith. from the beginning to the present of this township's history. There may have been one or two others who came in this year,
lives
but
if
so they are unfortunately
unknown
to the writer.
The year 1836 witnessed several additions to the little group of Ohio Grove. Ashford Hardy, born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1802, moved to Warren county, Illinois, in 1835, and in the following year bought the N. W. J of Sec. 1, T. 13, Mercer county. He married Sophia Moorehead in an early day. He also early purchased a quarter section in what is now Mercer township. He lived on his first purchase till his death, July 18, 1871. His children were: George, Sarah, Elizabeth, Noah, and Delilah. James McBride, having heard of the exceeding rich land and the immense quantities of it in Illinois, left Muskingum county, Ohio, early in April, 1836, embarking at Wheeling. He was attracted to Eock Island by reports of the soil, etc., but upon arriving found prices so high, and having a friend, George Jay, at Keithsburg, he determined to land there, which he did. Mr. McBride camped on the N. W. i Sec. 4, T. 13, on May 10. He bought two quarters, the IST. W. I Sec. 4, and the N. E. i Sec. 5, T. 13 N"., R. 3 W. of the 4th P. M. A small log square had been throvm together by some squatter. Here Mr. McBride brought his family by ox teams furnished by George McPherren and others of the few already here. In his family were wife and five children: John H., Almeda, James C, Elvira J., and Sarah E. Mr. McBride improved his farai,. besides his milling enter.
prise to 25
be hereafter
mentioned.
He
died
November
14,
1847.
HISTOKY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COXMnES.
432
Samuel Cabeen, with wife and six children, Thomas B., J. W., S. P., R. J., E. B., and Sarah C, emigrated in 1836 overland, transporting themselres and goods in a wagon drawn by a four-horse team. The On this a S. W. i Sec. 6, was laid claim to and afterward bought. very low loft was provided for a bedcabin 18x22 was erected.
A
The roof of clapboards, floor of puncheon, "boys." chimney with back wall and jambs of dirt two doors. Also a sixlight window, a rare expenditure, glass lights being unfashionable in Mr. Cabeen and George McPherren each had purchased those days. This house of at Jack's mill, in Henderson county. sash of six lights a Mr. Cabeen's frequently gave shelter to fifteen or twenty persons, who
room
for the
;
also partook of the cookery of the hostess.
The furniture
of this house,
was meager. Two continental bed-spreads down stairs, a bureau brought from the "East," stools in place of chairs, until the following year, when they were displaced by half a dozen split-bottom chairs, too,
company when present, thus The log cabin served for gave place to a hewn log house 18x18,
the luxury of that day, furnished for
necessitating the use of the stools again.
four or five years,
when
it
almost two stories high. This subsequently received a frame addition, which stands to-day, a relic of the past. Samuel Cabeen died May 1, 1856, his wife surviving ,
him
are spoken of elsewhere. his residence being
till
December
6,
1874.
The
children
Richard B. owns part of the homestead,
somewhat of a contrast
to the first cabin.
Joshua "W. and Samuel P. improved large farms, becoming prominent in the county's welfare.
William DiHey, now hale and hearty at the date of this writing, a wool carder by trade, shipped his carding machine from Ohio in 1836 to Oquawka, Elinois, by river, and in May of that year came, a young man, to blend his future with that of Mercer county. He remained for some time in the McPherren neighborhood, "boarding and working around." In that summer he raised a cabin on a piece of land in what became Green township, and there brought his machine. He maiTied in 1837. He followed wool carding in Green township till 1848, when he sold and settled in what became Ohio Grove township. Here he has improved his farm in sections 1 and 2. John Wall and wife, a sister of the elder McPheiTen, were also very early settlers, living in a cabin on Pope creek. Both died in the neighborhood.
Another sturdy pioneer of 1836 was John H. Brown, who emiwith the Cabeens, bringing wife, Mary (McPherren) and six children: Alexander, George, John, Sarah J., James M., William. He bought no land for about eighteen months, living the first yeai-
gi-ated
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP. near
New
433
Boston, then near McClure's bridge, then entered eighty
He was a poor man, but by his wonbecame the possessor of about a thousand acres. A derful energy small piece pf the land now owned by William Brown was broken in
acres in
Ohio Grove in 1838. finally
1836, on which stood a small log cabin. year, 1836, the nearest
hog
to our house
Says William Brown in that
was twenty-three miles
dis-
pprk was not a common dish for the first year's table. Alexander Brown kept a bachelor's hall for several years. He was Like his father, he has amassed a large the great ox driver of his day. tant, so. that
farm.
'A pioneers
no moss." So thought the nucleus of Ohio Grove. They had come to stay, and stay-
rolling stone gathers
who
settled
"In union there is strength." All put their hands to the wheel of industry, all aided one another. In trouble sympathy was universal ; in pleasure all participated. ing attracted others.
The year 1837 brought new neighbors and good citizens. In the of J836 Thomas Candor and his brother, Kobert Candor, made the trip from Pennsylvania to Eock Island, then into Mercer county on horse back. Thomas laid claim to the N. W. J of Sec. 6, T. 13 K, E. 3 W., also the S. W. J of Sec. Y, and cut his name in a large oak standing near what are known as Caador Springs. He then left orders with William Sheriif, of Keithsburg, for the building of a cabin on his farm. The Candors then sold their horses and returned by water to Pennsylvania. Eobert died in his native state. In the following year Thomas sold his tannery in Pennsylvania and mov^d his family of wife and five children, John M., Eobert, Josiah, Mary H., and Daniel M., with goods, by one big wagon and a spring wagon with two teams. A part of his goods he shipped by river. East of the Illinois river he bought some stock which was driven thcou^. Arrived in Mercer fall
.
county, after a efcort stay in Keithsburg, the family rendezvoused in
by Thomas Candor the preceding yeM-. N. W. of T. 13, and it still stands a relic of bygone times. Could it speak it could tell of many pleasant -family circles, friendly hospitalities, merry parties, sacred meetings, as well as burdens and dii^ppointments, and Mrs. pain and death, followed by tears of bereavement and loss. Candor succumbed to the toils of frontier life, dying September 30, 1841,, aged. forty-two yjears. Thomas Candor, after a busy life devoted the log cabin ordered built
The cabin was 18x18,
two-story, the first built in the
to.thegood of others as well as himself, died March 13, 1871. The owned by Eobert Candor, wears a. far different aspect
old homestead,
&om
that of forty years ago. In 1832 William I. Nevius emigrated to
Warren
county, Illinois,
AND HENDERSON
HISTOEY OF MEECEK
434
COUNTIES.
He brought a wife and young children, ten barrels of flour. Flour was a scarce about goods with also some many applications to buy were made but and article on the way, landed on the the party was Iowa side of reason For some refused. via the rivers from Ohio.
the river, near where low, being told they
appeared.
Keokuk
would
by reason of the rapid& being so by a special craft. No
be transferred
shalcraft
Finally leaving the family in the wilderness alone, Mr.
Nevius secured passage in a haul the family and -goods Finding no
rior river craft,
skiff to
and
started in search of
Monmouth, where
some one
to
his brothers-in-law
would be conveyed over the he gave word to a man, owner of an infethat he would push on to Monmouth if necessary to
resided, expecting that river.
is,
by
his return all
settlers
This man delivered the word to Mrs. Nevius, who had taken shelter in a shanty with her four sick children. Imagine yourself, good woman of this decade, in such circumstances The only cabin within miles. All weird and wild without, and lonely and desolate within, the shadow of night falling as a cloak over all. The real or fancied noise of the approach of wild and savage beasts, or more savage men The voice at the door calling for admittance and lodging, but sternly and resolutely refused by the heroine within. Anxious to cross the river Mrs. Nevius secured transportation of her goods. She first sent the flour over by the craftsman, who, going home for the night, refused to convey more that day. Next day another load of goods was taken across with the oldest child, small indeed then, to stay with the goods, and a similar postponement of the balance of the work. The mother could see her goods and her child across the water, and must the child remain alone through night in such a place ? So said the craftsman. Finally the woman prevailed and the family united on this side the river. In time Mr. Nevius returned with ox teams and all were taken to Monmouth. Settlement was first made near Atchison's church, on Cedar creek, in Wan-en county. In 1835 removal near New Boston was had in time to vote for the organization of Mercer county. In 1837 Mr. Nevius secured the W. i of N. E. J, and the E. i of N. .W. i of Sec. 16, T. 3, and permanently located it. This he improved. He also bo-jght land north of where Sunbeam is now. Here M;r. Nevius became identified with all the interests of Ohio Grove township. He was very handy with tools. Did general repairing for self and neighbors, whether carpentry, blacksmithing, or other repairing. He was a harness and shoemaker also. Mr. Nevius hauled the first apple "trees of Mercer county from Hennepin, Bureau county, Illinois, with an ox team. He divided with the Cabeens and McPherrens. This get conveyances.
!
!
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
435
was in 1837. Mr. Nevius' house was the first on the prairie. Mrs. Nevius still lives, the heroine of many a pioneer's struggle and a faithful helper in woman's work in Mercer county. Immigration continued steadily year by year. In 1838 William C. Brownlee came from New York, settling near Viola, Mercer county, and in the following year located in Ohio Grove township, buying 240 Here he still lives, one of the few acres on North Henderson creek. The Bumets must have arrived survivors of those early pioneers. about this time or little later they owned land in the southern part of In this year also came John Stephens, wife and six the township. children Edward, now of Keithsburg Peter, in Ohio Grove Hannah, then Mrs. James Trusler, now of Iowa James "W". (died about Mr. 1840); William J., of Iowa; Catharine (Mrs. James Walters). Stephens purchased the Vernon interest in the mill also 160 acres of land. He sold and in 1846 settled on the prairie, where his death His wife survived him, but is now dead. 1839 seems to occurred. have been a blank year. 1840, more fortunate, brought William T. -^ Patterson. He had purchased a few simple goods, as linen shirtbosoms, jewelry, etc., which he sold as he traveled to such as would He worked buy, or would pay his lodging and board with his wares. awhile for.Capt. Bain in the distillery. The captain failing, he Before doing this he dug a cellar for received nothing for his work. Henry Kimel. Thus "he worked around." He soon purchased eighty acres of land, for which he largely paid by building a sod fence. He farmed four or five years where Norwood is. It was not till 1847 that he bought and located permanently in Ohio Grove township, where he became owner of the E. ^ of Sec. 24. In 1842 Joseph Eobinson came from Quincy, Illinois, and is yet a resident. In 1843 Hammond Webster settled the S. E. J of Sec. 28. He died in 1845. In this year (1843) James Calhoun emigrated fi:om Ohio. He brought his wife and nine children: David, William, John K., James H., Joseph G, Samuel C, Elizabeth, Franklin, and Alexander T. The family came via the river to Oquawka. Mr. Calhoun died July 15, 1847. James Emery and sons, James and Robert, must have come about this time. In 1845 came Nathaniel Partridge, a carpenter, and probably Levi Butterfield. James Graham had settled in Warren county in 1842, Wt in 1845 he located on N. W. i of Sec. 35, T. 13, Mercer cbuntw, This place he improved, and here he was -identified ;
;
:
;
;
;
with township affairs
till
his death,
November
25, 1879.
W. J of Sec. 19, first " squatting on it," and then pre-empting and finally buying it. He had lived the two years previous in Warren county. Mr. Seaton improved In 1848 John Seaton laid claim to the N.
:;
HI8T0EY OF MEECEE
436
AJSTD
HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
farm building, the present residence, in 1861. He died July 21, 1881. The farm is now the property of George Seaton. 1849 brought The latter came to Mercer "William Pepper and Samuel Lafferty. Ohio till 1846, when he settled in county in 1842, but returned to finally Ohio Grove township, Suez, and North Henderson, then in old and feeble; he, too, looks Mercer county, Illinois. He is now howled about the place. back to the time when he shot deer, and wolves In 1850, Thomas, Francis^ and John McClellan made their advent. Thomas and John bought the Butterfield place, which afterward became the property of John alone. Jesse Mounts and family, John Smith and family, and others were early settlers all cannot be found. Settlement became more rapid. The adveint of another ceased to be a Some began to feel crowded and moved away. Several novelty. went to Oregon some to California. In 1831 James Eobb, Jacob and Bamet Unanget became residents. Bamet Unangst moved his family of wife and eight children from New Jersey, a distance of 1,100 or 1,200 miles, over the country, one team doing the work. They arrived his
;
;
after a
them.
They settled the N. E. J of Sec. 13, by Jacob Unangst, who had preceded
journey of fifty-two days.
entered for them a
little
before
A shanty, 12x16, rough fencing lumber,
occupied January sisted of poles
bedsteads of for table,
2,
1852.
The frame-work of
sunk in the grotind in shed
home make,
and soon a
style.
one
story,
which Was
this residence con-
The
furniture was
blocks of saw-logs for stools, dry-goods box
table
made
of rough boards.
Thus, even in
The country at that time was thinly settled, thfere being but one house between Ohio Grove township and Keithsburg. It must have been about this time that John Cameron 1851, did emigrants live and eadure.
where he improved a farm. He His daughter, Mrs. Mary Seaton, now occupies the place. James Cameron is in DeKalb county John died about 1865 Sarah became Mrs. Samuel Criswell Peter is in Mercer county. In this year also came William R. McCreight. He purchased a tarm of six acres of William M. Hayes. William M. Hayes became a resident here prior to this time, but the exact date cannot now be given. A biography of him may be found in the appropriate place. In 1852 came Thomas S. Robb and others. In 1853 Samuel M. Creighton, Joseph Lafferty, Col. Jonathan Duncan, the Kelloggs and Torbets arrived. Others, as the Findleys, Gilniores, Mclntires, McCutchans, Sprowls, Garrets, ShruUs, Chandlers, Shoemakers, Dittos, Nolandfi, Gustin, M. M. Cross, the Browns, Milligans, and a few others, may be considered as ha\dng become tolerably old settlers. It is impossible to find every one. Space will not admit of extended settled in the southwest of section 19,
died about 1858.
;
;
OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP.
437
Could those of to-day see those of fifty years notices of later settlers. ago at their work the fact of progress would be more evident to them by far than these lines can show. The ox-teams, slow but sure, were
The people of
the stand-bys.
or Criswell's mills,
mills,
this section did their milling at Jack's
or sometimes hauled their grain above
Moline or to Eockwell's mills. George McPherren and James McBride made the trip, twenty-one miles above Moline, to Cox's mills. Their Each furnished a horse. Arrived at load was thirty bushels of grain. river, McPherren proposed to take the ferry. McBride, a jolly young fellow of high Hfe, jocosely replied, " No let's ford the stream and save our money for whisky." McPherren then proposed that James should ride the oif horse, to which the latter assented, and with which he immediately complied. In the bed of the stream lay the
Eock
;
rocks, covered
with their slippery film, which McPherren feared, but Arrived in deep water the "off" horse slipped,
which McBride dared.
lost his balanqp, his foot
over the tongue of the wagon, horse and rider
required lively work for a few moments to and horse, both of whom were in a dangerous position. The day was cold and freezing, and gladly would James McBride have warmed by a big fire place, with a bowl of bread and milk, instead of traveling in a robe of ice. After that he preferred the ferry. The distance was not often considered in a journey. George McPherren and Ephraim Johnson had, made the trip to Oquawka. They were on
down
in the water.
It
right rider
The winter storm began. The earth The air was fall of the downy snow. Intense cold obtained. The party reached Bald bluff. Still the team pushed on as oxen did push, and hour after hour was their return
with their ox-team.
was soon mantled in her nightly gown.
Home
traveled.
surely could not be far, when, to their surprise
disappointment and danger, they found themselves again at Bald
By this the
and
bluff.
time McPherren's feet had somewhat frozen.
bosom of his
shirt,
Johnson .opened on each breast, warm the frozen members.
and McPherren, placing one
gradually abstracted heat suificient to
foot
Again the route homeward was resumed. They arrived after much suffering. These incidents but illustrate the journeys and experiences of
many The
old
others.
elder
home
George McPherren and William Dilley
in Ohio.
They
returned
by way of the
visited their
lakes to Chicago,
from which place they walked a distance of 180 miles home. In six days the feat was accomplished. Similar trips have been made to Galena to the land I.
sales.
"Occasionally a farmer hauled his wheat to Chicago," says "William Nevius, "bringing back a load of salt and other articles needed by
HI8T0EY OF MERCEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
438 the families.
Tliey plodded on and on day after day through the
prairie grass, fording creeks,
pieces
by
some having
their clothes so badly cut to
the grass that they were compelled to change their VMimen-
own crowd, not human save one of their Some of the present might
tiondbles 'hind-side before to appear decent in their
caring for the outside world, as the face of a
own crowd was seldom
seen on' the way."
say the expenses of those trips must have equaled the profits, but not
home for the journey. It was that or was only here and there a house (or one here and none there). But little chance offered for expenditure of money. Their wheat was sold for forty-five or fifty cents per bushel, then all returned as happy as lords. Long trips to mill soon became unnecessary. In the fall and winter of 1836 James McBride and Joseph Yernon built & saw-mill on Pope creek. This did the sawing for many years, but not the grinding. Yernon sold his share to John Stephens, who in turn sold it to Yanscook. The site finally became the property of Henry Kimel, who erected a good flouring-mill. This has given place to a far more extensive building and apparatus, now owned by James Kimel, although not on the same site as the old mill. The trades were represented by the elder George McPherren as cooper. His work was scattered far and near, and many pieces so.
Food was
carried from
starve, for there
still remain in use to testify to the workjnanship. William Ifevius was carpenter, shoemaker, and blacksmith. His work, too, was made to last and not for repairs. The works of these two men live after them. Since the war George Werts has been the village blacksmith. William Mackey kept the first store in 1836. John Stephens became the merchant in 1839. Since that day C. S. Richey and James Feather have sold goods, while the present firm is McCreight & Co. The first postmaster at Sunbeam was Samuel M. Dihel. Mary J. Williams, afterward Mrs. George McPherren, kept the postofiice foB many years. Moses Mclntyre has been postmaster of Duck Greek since its estab-
lishment.
The first secular school kept in the township was taught in a bam belonging to Capt. Eichard Eice. The teacher to whom this honor is
due was Miss Euth Conner.
The time was
1839, hence
it
is evi-
dent the early pioneers understood the necessity of education even for frontier
life.
It i§ said
Miss Conner used to punish the children by
putting them in the mangers of the stable
treatment than whipping. S.
W. J
ported.
fii'st
when
they desired other
school-house was built on the
This was built by subscription and so supwas not long before Thomas Candor and Samuel Cabeen
of Sec. 4, in 1841. It
The
.
:
.
.
OHIO GKOVE TOWNSHIP. erected a log school edifice
on the
J of
S. "W.
439
As
Sec. 7.
As
tion increased other schools were established.
the popula-
circumstances im-
proved the log building with its slab benches, etc., gave place to frame To-day nine good edifices give shelter to the bodies of buildings.
minds are instructed by as many able enumeration of 1881 showed 4-1:7 persons under twentyThe teachers. nine districts there are some partial disBesides the age. one years of Paine, now the widow of Nathaniel Brownlee, was the EmUy tricts. school. the Candor S. Hogan was a very early teacher. at fii'st teacher children, while their
many
Perhaps no
man
has taught so long as E. Forsyth,
He
a teacher for over twenty years. before
coming
who has been
also taught for
twenty years
to Illinois.
ELECTIONS.
was held at the house of George McPherren, in For several years afterward voting was donfe at The following is a list of the princiWilliam I. Nevius' residence. pal officers .of the township since its organization The
the
fall
first
election
of 1836.
si Super visoK.
1855 1856 1857 1858 18.19
1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882
Clerk.
Ashford Hardv
Robb Samuel Miller..: Samuel Miller
WiUiam M.Hayes
E.Forsyth E. Forsyth
T. S.
WUUam M.Hayes
William M. Hayes E. Foisyth William M. Hayes William M.Hayes E Forsyth William M. Hayes E. Forsyth William M. Hayes E. Forsyth William M. Hayes E Forsvth William M. Hayes William M.Hayes...... E Forsyth William M. Hayes E Forsvth Horace N. Chandler Horace N. Chandler. Robert Candor. E Forsvth Horace N. Chandler T.S.Robb E Forsvth Horace N. Chandler J Sldwell T.S.Robb J W. Sidwell Horace N. Chandler E.Forsyth Horace N. Chandler E.Forsyth Horace N. Chandler. E. Forsyth Horace N. Chandler E. Forsyth Horace N. Chandler. E. Fotsyth Horace N. Chandler.
COLLECTOE.
A.SSESSOR.
JohnW.Dihel J. W. Cabeen Horace Williams J. P. Gilmore J P Gilmore J. P. Gilmore J. B. Gilmore William I. Nevius.... J.
Horace Williams A. P. Brown. A. P. Brown.
John H. McBride. John H. McBride. J. B.
Gilmore
N.Markee
William
I.
J. S. McCreight. J. S. McCreight. S. D. Paxton. S. D. Paxton.
Nevius
£. Forsyth
.... E Forsyth Alexander Pollock
.
.
. .
.
.
W
Forsvth
T E
E. Gourley Forsyth M. M. Cross J W. Dilley J
."
.
W
Dilley
. .
J. W. Dilley J. S. Hamilton J. S. Hamilton
. .
D.J. B.Ross
. .
T.S.Robb
E
N.H.Guthrie
Joseph Cams. Joseph Cams. Joseph Cams. Jeseph Cams. Joseph Cams. Josrph Cams. J. S. Hamilton. J. S. McCreight. J. S. McCrilght. J. S. McCrtlght. J. S. McCreight. J. S. McCreight.
The justices of the peace have been T. S. Eobb, Levi Buttei-field, John "W". Dihel, Andrew Cams, C. S. Kichey, E. Forsyth, James Graham, H. M. Chandler, William S. McCormick. The present are E. Forsyth, ar d William S. McCormick.
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
440
The population of Ohio Grove township, according of 1880,
is
:
Male, 662
;
female, 494
;
total, 1,056.
to the census
Assessed valuar
$442,275 ; real estate, $337,085 ; personal, Equalized by state board Eeal estate, $335,691 personal, The taxes for 1881 were State, $2,284.23 total, $430,574.
tion of property, 1881,
$95,190.
$94,883
:
;
;
:
county, $1,078.26; town, $260.13; road and bridge, $798.37; road,
$647.93; bond, $2,004.01; coupon, $231.55; district school, $1,956.89; It must be remembared that dog, $157.00. district road, $245.42 ;
below real valuation of property. has no railroad, she has aided the county in Ohio Grove Although In 1870 the township voted convenience. valuable such a securing since a branch of the American Central, the toward building $7,000 issued at ten per cent, Quincy. Eonds were Burlington & Chicago, the bonds were refunded at payments. About 1880 in three payable paid. At present one-third the debt was per cent. In 1881 eight sufficient meet the supervisor Eobb to there is in the hands of writing early liquidation of the whole payment. This indicates the second
tax valuation
is far
debt.
"Away back
in bygone times,
Buried mid the rubbish of forgotten thingsj"
many
incidents which cannot be recorded. Some are not forgotIn those days, as to-day, there was marriage and giving in marriage. No bell sounded the hour, no wedding march pealed from a
are
ten.
hundred pipes
;
but nature was
full
of music everywhere with cupid as
chorister.
Benjamin Decker was born in Muskingum county, Ohio. There he was raised to the toil of a farm and scenes rustic as himself. Fannie McPherren also grew to blooming and blushing womanhood under similar circumstances. • That sprite, ever casting glances from one to another, sought to do his wiley work as usual. When the removal was talked of the maid wondered how it would be with Benjamiu. Benjamin decided to accompany, instead of follow, his betrothed hence we find him assisting in building the first permanent house in Ohio Grove. He made his home with the McPherrens. Spring of 1837 came, with its verdure and flowers and music from a thousand throats. As cooed the doves, so wooed Benjamin and Fannie. No nuptial knot had yet been tied in Ohio Grove. Such was actually to take place June 15, 1837, about 11 a.m., at the residence of the bride's father, George McPherren. Invitations were extended and answered by Ashford Hardy and wife, James Moorehead and wife Matilda, James McBride and wife Polly, Eichard Eice and wife Jane, Eliza Moorehead, afterward wife of William Dilley, John'H. ;
;
OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP.
441
McBride and his sister Almeda (John isn't married yet), Thomas B. Cabeen, George and Sarah McPherren, and perhaps a few other's. Eev. John Porter, of the United Presbyterian church, was present. The bride was dressed in white. No orange blossoms decked her The groom was clad in brown. Kev. Porter hair she needed none. pronounced the service that made these two hearts beat in unison, and The the chords of whose lives vibrated harmony for so many years. service over, some of the guests retired to their homes, while others remained to partake of the wedding dinner prepared by the bride's own labor. The pati'on had prepared a long, narrow table made of The table was spread with the best the country would afford. slabs. White bread and butter, pork, pickles from New York, furnished by a neighbor, fish caught in Pope creek, dried apples and peaches brought from Ohio, dried apple pie and dried peach pie, home-made maple The style syrup and coffee no cakes and custards were indulged in. was simple, the couple were happy, and the guests retired to their homes to reflect and talk of the wedding, the "match" and the prosThe paternal roof gave shelter till the following fall, when pects. housekeeping was begun at Bridger's comer. The log cabin ^od in the brush, was very small, meagerly famished with home-made furniture. The nearest neighbors were Indians, who numbered from three to five hundred'. -For two years this brave couple lived in such a In four years wilderness, when they erected a log cabin of their own. more they removed to their parent's home to keep house for hiih. Mr. Decker became an independent farmer. Death ended his career March 20, 1875. His faithful bride and wife survives him. She is the mother of ten children. James lived to manhood, then died Mary, Ester, Lucinda, Silas, Sarah A., Eva M., "William L., George ;
;
(dead).
new
Spring seems to have been a favorable time for beginning a
It was an April evening of 1840, when William C. Brownlee dropped into esquire ISTevius' house and inquired for the squire. The squire was away, but would be back at dusk so, also, would this young man. short journey was made by the youtig man. When he returned the squire was at supper. The young mdii was accompanied by a young lady. Miss Mary A. Brownlee, a very distant relative. Conversation of a lively style was indulged in. As the squire finished his meal, young Brownlee produced a suspicious looking document, which soon explained itself. Ceremony was actulife
;
appropriately so, too.
;
A
ally called for.
smoke-house.
The
tered the service.
The company was then gathered squire, It
with
was
all
dark.
the dignity of his
The
in
the squire's
office,
admiiiis-
squire suggested the couple
;;
HISTORY OF MEECEE
442
AJSTD
HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
The good wife of the squire then performed till the morning. her part of the ceremony, and the twain were safely couched for the Thus occurred the smoke-house services, which have ever been night. of merriment to old and young. reminiscence a remain
RELIGIOUS.
"The first public worship I. Nevius in his notes: Grove was enjoyed in the cabin of the elder George McPherren, and conducted by Eev. John Wallace, an Associate Keformed PresbyThe McPherrens were Methodists, but his door was open to terian. In 1837 Rev. John Montgomery, a missionall religious teachers. ary of the Old School Presbyterian denomination, visited the settlement, and held public worship at Mr. McPherren's for some time, then at the house of William I. Nevius, and little later at Thomas Candor's. The congregation in 1837 numbered about twenty persons. There were the McPherrens, George Smith and family, Ashford Hardy and family, Richard Rice and family, in 1836 William Moore and family, Rev. Walthe Candors, Cabeens, McBrides, and Neviuses, in 1837. Says William
in Ohio
;
lace preached
till
as late as 1841."
According to the researches of Elijah Forsyth, an Associate Reformed (now U. P.) congregation was organized in 1842, consisting of Jane Rice, Elenor. Moorehefad, Phebe Smith, Sophia Hardy, WilKam Moore, William McMichael, Ella McMichael, Josiah Moor, Samuel Moor, of Ohio Grove George Jay and Agnes Jay, of Keithsburg John, Elizabeth, Ann, Jane and Elenor Collins, of Twin grove. Services were held in the groves, at school-houses or in the bam of Wm. I. Nevius. For some time immediately previous to 1852, J. C. Porter ministered to this congregation one-fourth of the time. D. C. Cochran and Revs. Fulton, Morrow and Finley also labored here. May 5, 1852, the congregation was reorganized. Robert MiUer and William M. Hayes were elected ruling elders; Rev. J. C. Porter oiRciating. William M. Hayes, Robert M. Miller and George Smith, trustees. At a meeting of the session, William M. Hayes was elected clerk, which oflSce he held till 1869. At that time the membership was fortyfive. In 1853 sixteen joined by certificate and two on examination. From 1853 to 1859, Rev. M. Bigger labored as stated supply. In 1854 twenty-two joined on certificate and fourteen on examination in 1855, thirty-seven by certificate afed eight on examination. In 1853 to 1855 a house of worship was erected at Sunbeam, 40 X 60 and twenty feet from floor to ceiling. This was largely the result of the liberality, untiring energy and perseverance of William M. Hayes, an honored member. In 1860 Rev. J. H. ISTash became pastor. In 1877 Rev. ;
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
443
The church numbered at one time D. F. Mustard began his labors. The ruling elders Its present membership is about 100. 163 persons. have been, besides those named, J. II. McCreight, Elijah Forsyth, Samuel Wright, John Torbit, M. M. Cross, Alex Pollock, David David Milligan, N. Keasoner, J. P. Finley,, and R. H. Gruilinger. Milligan, Elijah Forsyth and J. P. Finley are now in the congregation of Sunbeam. ian church.
In 1848-9, Thomas Candor built the Candor PresbyterRev. Montgomery remained its minister till his death.
is further noticed in the history of Abington township. The first Methodist services were held at McBride's by Rev. Burr. The school-house was next used as a church. In 1844 a great revival People came thirty was conducted in George McPherren's barn. The McPherrens, McBrides, Browns, Mooremiles, camping out. Horace Williams was heads and others were members of the church. George Williams also occupied the class-leader, and able in his duty. position early. An effort was made to build a church, but failed. Finally George McPherren proposed to advance the money and build His offer was accepted and the church, 35x45, built the church.
This church
about 1860, at a cost of $1,400, without
much
of the labor reckoned.
The house was dedicated by Elder Frank Smith, for years a laborer in the neighborhood. Other early preachers were William Hanly, Elder Cullis and others. Other early class-leaders were Peter Stephens and
Abraham
Crabtree.
Just after the dedication the church enjoyed a
great revival, receiving about sixty additions.
The present board of
stewards consists of George McPherren, Peter Stephens, liams,
George Wil-
Rev. Ayers
Solomon Guthrie, William Frankleberry.
is
in
charge.
CEMETERIES. Three spots are especially dear to the early settlers of Ohio Grove. the toils and hardships were over the pioneer was at rest. There was no "Cavendish Duke of Devonshire" with his five thousand ten-
When
But family and neighbors equally and respected to burial. The. plat knovra as McClure's Cemetery, formerly 'McJPherren's, was donated for the purpose by the elder George McPherren. How sad and tearful were they who Allowed the remains of" John Moorehead, deceased August This was the first 8, 1836, to the dedication of that sacred spot. funeral service in Ohio Grove. The first death of a pioneer; the beginning of that funeral march that has so oft been resumed in subsequent years. The yard is dotted with graves. Here lie Ashford Hardy, George McPherren, George W. Stephens, John M. Walker, ants to follow a son to the grave.
royal followed their lovpd
.
:
;
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
444
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
Thomas Moorehead, Dorcas Moorehead, Bamet Unangst and
Wm.
Smith,
Mrs.
Wm.
the Browns,
Dilley;
wife,
Benjamin The_ Candor grave-
Calhouns,
Decker, Bentleys, McKees, Guthries and others. _jard was dedicated by the burial of Mrs. Thomas Candor. The gromid was set apart for a cemetery by Thomas Candor. He now rests
Here too lie Samuel, and Joshua W., and near his loved companion. Samuel P. Cabeen, and others of the families of that name. Judge Wm. G. Hayes, so long an honor to himself and his people, found a
Wm. I. Nevius, Henry Kimel, Capt. James BurJohn Seaton and wife, Wm. R.. McCreight, James H. McCreight, James McBride, Dennis Conner and wife Mary, Dr. A. B. Campbell, John Cameron the Websters, Williamses, Dittos, Joneses and others. The United Presbyterian cemetery was so called from the donor of the ground, William Miller, a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church. Its sod covers the bodies of Robert and Samuel Thomas B. Miller, Nancy Miller, T. E. Home and Wm. G. Paxton. More of company A, 30th 111. Vols., to whose memory is inscribed: resting place here. net,
^^
;
"
Death has been here, and borne away, A brother from our side, Just in the memory of his day
A Here too
brave young soldier died."
rest J. P. Paxton,
James
H. Eyan, Dorcas, wife of M. M.
Many
a gi-ave
is
unmarked by
L. Paxton, Catharine Paxton,
Ci'oss,
James G. Walker and
mai-ble, therefore
ye
Wm.
others.
visitors
Tread liglitly, this is hallowed ground Tread reverently here Beneath this sod in silence sleeps the brave old pioneer Who never quailed in darkest hour. Whose heart ne'er felt a fear. Tread lightly then, and now bestow a tribute of a tear. Forever in the fiercest and the thickest of the fight The dusk and swarthy foeman felt the terror of his might. ;
Bidding good-bye to the honored dead, we introduce the reader to tlie living, whose brief sketches following will grow of more importance as the years shall finish their probation.
BLOGEAPHICAL. Samuel P. CabeHn cer county, and
among
(deceased),
those :men
was among the old settlers of Merwho have developed its resources
and propagated within its boundaries came when the country was new when ;
were required as
qualities of the
progi-essive institutions.
patience, industry
man whose
life
He
and energy
should eventually be
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
445
marked a "success." That Mr. Cabeen was successful many yet live Mr. Cabeen was bor^ in Muskingum county, Ohio, JanHe came to Mercer county, Illinois, with his parents, uary 18, 1820. Samuel and Elizabeth ("Wright) Cabeen. He was a young man fitted He purchased land from time to for his future by former ti-aining. time till he owned about 600 acres, the most of which he improved. In politics Mr. Cabeen was always strongly democratic, yet he never His religion was of the Universalist doctrine. He- was craved office. Mr. Cabeen died a good citizen, a kind father and a faithful husband. February 16, 1880, and is buried at the Candor graveyard. Mr. Cabeen was first married to Caitherine Spencer, who died, leaving one child, Sarah He was next married August 17, 1854, to Catharine J. Thomas, E. Mrs. Cabeen was daughter of Solomon and Matilda (Gabrel) Thomas. bom in Muskingum county, Ohio, February 13, 1827. Three children have been bom to them: Emma J., now Mrs. JeiTcd Irwin Arthur, and Samuel G. Joshua "W. Cabeen (deceased), son of Samuel and Elizabeth Cabeen, was bom in Muskingum county,. Ohio, January 4, 1818, and emigrated west with his people. He was married February 8, 1872, to Rebecca N. Frick, daughter of Frederick and I^aney (Wilson) Frick, who havefigured prominently in Abington township and in county affairs. Both were natives of Danville, Columbia (now Montour) county, Pennsylvania. They are fully noticed elsewhere. Mrs. Cabeen was bom in Pennsylvania Janua-ry 2, 1883, and came west with her parents. Mr. Cabeen settled where Mrs. Cabeen now lives. He secured a fine farm, and in 1873 erected a good, substantial dwelling. He died June 1, 1878, leaving wife and two children (Fred E. and Joshua D.) to mourn his loss. He is buried at Candor graveyard. Samuel Cabeen (deceased), another of Mercer county's very early settlers. He was bom in county Antrim, Ireland, 1788. He emigrated to Philadelphia in 1808. His people were farmers and weavers. He was a general workman. He clerked in Bristol, Pennsylvania, for his brother. He was married to Elizabeth P. Wright, a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. In that year (1816) Mr. and Mrs. Cabeen moved to Muskingum county, Ohio. In 1836 he emigrated to Mercer county, HUnois. His subsequent history is in the general history of Ohio Grove township. He died May 1, 1856, leaving his wife to survive him till December 6, 1874. He was a democrat, and loved to argue politics. He was county school commissioner several years was justice of the peace in Ohio. He served in the war of 1812, in Gen. Izzard's division. Six children were born in Ohio Thomas B., J. W., S. P., R. J., R. B., and Sarah C. Sarah C. died, aged fourteen
to testify.
;
;
:
HISTOEY OF MEECEE JLND HENBEESON COUNTIES.
446
Richard B. Cabeen was bom May 31, 1826, in Muskingum His educational advantages were limited. His life has been one of farm toil. When twenty-four years of age he visited CaHfomia two years and four months. He returned to the farm. He was married December 29, 1853, to Miss Jaiie G. Pinkerton, daughter of Joseph and Violet Pinkerton, of Green township. Mrs. Cabeen was years.
county, Ohio.
born in Trumbull county, Ohio, October 22, 1835. They settled on In 1878 he built the present handsome dwelling. their present farm. Children number nine Joshua, Ella V., Alice J., Margaret P., Scott, :
Sarah E., and Richard F. is
Mr. Cabeen
is
democratic in poUtics.
He
a successful farmer.
Thomas Candoe (deceased) was a type of the men who braved so He was plain, that this western wild might grow to usefulness.
much
honest, and progressive, looking not only to the rescue of the soil from its
wild
state,
but also the upbuilding of the minds and souls of the
rising generation,
He was
who now
follow his teachings, both precept and
Union county, Pennsylvania, February 29, 1796. His father was a Scotchman, and his mother Irish. Farming was their occupation. Thomas was meagerly educated. In his youth he learned the tanning trade, which he afterward followed for some time. He was married to Margaret Montgomery, daughter of John Montgomery, whose brother was proprietor of Danville, Pennsylvania. Her brother. Rev. John Montgomery, was the first preacher in Mercer county, and Hopkins Boone, an old settler here, was a brother-in-law. The fall of 1836 Thomas and Robert Candor (brothers) made the trip from Pennsylvania to Mercer county on horseback. Having secured a land claim for the N. W. J Sec. 6, also S. W. J Sec. 7, he, in company with his brother Robert, sold their horses and returned to Pennsylvania by river. He sold his tannery, and in the fall of 1837 moved westward overland, bringing family of wife and five children John M., Robert, Josiah, Mary H., and Daniel M., and leaving one (Elizabeth) buried in Pennsylvania. Having arrived in Mercer county, after a short stay in Keithsburg the family moved into the little log Iiouse on their farm formerly entered. The house was partly built by William Sheriff, by order of Mr. Candor. Ere few years had passed Mrs. Candor died (September 30, 1841), leaving a family and friends to mourn their loss. Her burial was a dedication of the Candor gi-aveyard. Mr. Candor was next married to Mary L. Boardman, who died May 27, 1874. Mr. Candor died March 13, 1871, and was buried near his partner. From the laying out of Aledo he lived in town. He was a man foremost in good works, yet a quiet, careful, non-speculative man. He never had a lawsuit with any man. He was an elder in the Presbyexample.
born
iii
:
^^^ '^J'
''-'s^^s^^ I
SAMUEL (
b
P.
ECEAS
^
CAB E EN E D
^
OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. terian church,
and foremost in building the Candor church.
were whig and republican.
politics
449
Of
at Princeton College, and, in the third
John
his family,
IST.
His
graduated
year of his theological course at
Princeton Theological Seminary, died in the twenty-fourth year of his age.
He
buried at Danville, Pennsylvania.
is
Graham
Josiah,
Mary
(the
Eobert Candor fii'st wife of Columbia county, Pennsylvania. He married was bom May 4, 1828, in Eebecca J., daughter of John and Anna (McGaughey) Linn. Her Both father was a native of Ohio, and her mother of Pennsylvania. He died came to Mercer county in 1839 and settled near Yiola. August 27, 1851. He was in the war of 1812. Mrs. Candor was born After marriage Mr. Candor in Trumbull county, Ohio, April 2, 1829. farmed in Rock Island county fourteen years, and was there justice of He sold and moved to Mercer county. Li 1872 he built a the'peace. Both belong to the Presbyterian fine residence, 32x56, two-story. They have six children: John M., church, in which he is an elder. Thomas H., Ward L., Sarah (now Mrs. A. W. Hill), Maggie (now Mrs. W. S. Ross), and Mary L. Geoege McPheeeen (deceased) was born in County Down, Ireland, February 1, 1781. He emigrated when eighteen years of age on account of the military commotion of those times. He settled in New Jersey, near the western line. There he learned the cooper trade, which he followed most of his life. He was married to Susannah "Walker, by whom he became the father of ten children Mary, James, Susannah, Easter, Daniel, Nancy, Fannie, Sarah, George, Jr., and Andrew. He. enlisted in the war of 1812, and while in the campaign viewed different parts of the country. He determined to locate in Ohio, and moved to Muskingum county about 1814. There he Lee), Daniel M.,
and Robert.
:
followed his trade for about twenty-one years,
farming interest, but self
In Ohio, June
She
him.
moved
lies in
is 8,
also
overseeing his
believed never to have plowed a fun-ow him-
4824, he buried his wife
:
a severe stroke to
Mr. McPherren westward in 1835, starting September 21st, and
the cemetery at Rich Hill church.
his family
settled in Mercer county, Illinois, in that part that afterward became Ohio Grove township. He died June 23, 1848, and was buried in the McClure graveyard. He forms a prominent figure in the history of
hence we dismiss him here by saying that in politics he was a strong whig, in religion a Methodist, at his trade a good workman, and at heart a true man. His namesake and ninth child, George McPherren, was bom in Muskingum county, Ohio, August 22, 1820,
the township
;
hence was a pioneer youth of Mercer county, and chronicling the events that 26
go
to
make
still
lives to aid in
the history of Mercer county.
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
460
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
been synchronous with the pulse His hand has done its share toward making the of the country. county what it is, but will soon leave his children to carry on the work he has so well impelled thus far. Mr. McPherren has 460 acres of He was first land, well improved, and has given farms to his sons. married October 1, 1844, to Harriet O. "Williams, who died February 11, 1870, leaving seven children Oliver, Nancy J., Henry, Sophia, Emma,
His
life
since
Ms
fifteenth year has
:
Hannah, and Anna. He was next man-ied April 5, 1871, to Mary J. WilHams, a sister to his former wife. She was the first postmistress of Sunbeam, and held the position many years, thus supporting her She died March 31, 1882. Both she and her sister, invalid parents. together with Mr. McPherren, have been for many years members of the Methodist church, uniting with that church about 1844. George H., son of George and Harriet McPherren, was bom in Mercer county, His life has been spent in Mercer county, Illinois, June 19, 1853. mostly on the farm. He received a common school education. In 1877 he became a resident of Aledo. In 1882 he engaged in the meat May 1st of same year he associated himself with Samuel business. Brown, but has since sold to his partner. Mr. McPherren also has a farm of 160 acres of land, which he oversees. He was married December 24, 1871, to Miss Eliza A., daughter of Samuel Price. She was born in Pennsylvania, September 9, 1851. Her mother is now Mrs. E. J. Moore, but whose maiden name was Emily Klinefelter. Mr. McPherren has four children living: Emily O., William H., Maggie M., Frank and Freddie E. (twins), Freddie E. having died at the age of seventeen months.
James McBeide (deceased) was one of the earliest and most honored His ancestry was Scotch, Irish, Welch and German. He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was there raised. The war of 1812 found him a member of the light horse company. He was engaged at 'Fort Meigs. There was a ditch before the fort, and into this bombs were rolled for the purpose of blowing up the fort. Mr. McBride accidently fell into the ditch, and a bomb was precipitated on him. Fortunately the captain rescued of Mercer county's pioneers. '
him just
previous to the explosion, but he suffered afterward from the
He returned to Pennsylvania and married Mary Houseman, then sixteen years of age, also a native of Pennsylvania and of Dutch descent. In 1816 they settled in Muskingum county, Ohio, ten miles accident.
His chief business was flat-boating, and he made He was captain for some time. In 1836 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, coming from Wheeling, Yirginia, He to Rock Island, via Ohio and Mississippi rivers, on flat-boats. east of Zanesville.
six trips to
New Orleans.
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP. arrived in
451
May 10th, and camped on He bought two claims, $175
Mercer county
Sec. 4, T. 13
]Sr.,
E.
3.
the N.
W. J
of
being the price His family con-
paid for half a section with a little log house on it. sisted of wife and five children: JohnH., Almeda, James
and Sarah E.
him
till
March
He 17,
C, Elvira J., November 14, 1847, leaving his wife to survive 1879. Both were members of the Methodist church. died
he confined himself to milling and farming. His life was quiet and unostentatious, loved by those who knew him, little education, but with a wondei-ful memory, carefiil and successful in business, Of his children, James C. is in Colorado, but democratic in politics. John H., born April 8, 1821, has spent his has his home in Aledo. He owns the old homelife on the farm, mostly in Mercer county. stead of 486 acres, on which he erected a handsome residence, and is a He is democratic and a single man. Elvira J. was thrifty farmer. born September 20, 1828. She was married June 27, 1850, to Dr. A. B. Campbell, a native of Ohio and a graduate of Columbia Medical College, where his brother was professor of surgery. He settled in Keithsburg, In
Illinois
He practiced fifteen years, and and two children Maud, and Jake H., who live with her brother, John H. John H. Beown (deceased) was one of the most sturdy pioneers of Mercer county. He was born in Seneca county. New York, January He is said to have aided in the battle of Niagara in the war 3, 1797. being the second doctor of that place. died June 4, 1860, leaving wife
:
of 1812, assisting in guarding the bridge over Niagai-a river.
received a recompense for these services.
The Browns
tionary soldier, receiving a land warrant for his services.
were early
settlers of
Ohio.
John H. was
He
His father was a revoluraised on the farm, but for
some time was a brick moulder with his brothers. In 1815 he was Mary McPherren. In 1836 he moved to Mercer county, Illinois, where he became well known before his death, which occurred August 11, 1871. He was warm in the advocacy of his political docmarried to
trine,
always ready to talk whig and,
later,
republican principles.
He
Mercer county a poor man, but before his death he owned at one time a thousand acres of land. His wife Mary (McPherren) was bom in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and lives with her daughter, Mrs. McCaw. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were long members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Brown is now connected with the Christain church. Alexander, In their family are thirteen children George, John, Sarah J., James M., William, Daniel, all born in
came
to
:
Muskingum
county, Ohio; and, born in Mercer county, Illinois, viz: Hugh, Benjamin L., Josoas F., Francis M., Mary, Johannah. "William Brown was bom in Muskingum county, Ohio, May 6, 1832. He has
IIISTOEY OF
452
MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
on the farm, having risen from poverty in a log cabin to He was married June 29, a farmer and owner of 265 acres of land. 185-1:, to Drusilla Libby, daughter of Eev. Thomas Libby, of Maine. She was born in Maine, June 3, 1832, and came to Mercer county, Pier parents died here, and are buried in Suez Illinois, about 1843. township. Her father was a Baptist minister. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brown settled on forty acres in section 1, Ohio Grove township. This Mr. Brown sold, then bought 200 acres in Suez township, which he also sold, and bought his present farm. They have had ten children, nine of whom are living Warren, George, Hiram L. (dead), Alva C, William F., Joseph F. S., Marion W., Josiah F., Freddie M., and Thomas J. Alexander Brown, one of the wealthiest farmers of Ohio Grove township and the oldest son of John H. and Mary Brown, was bom in Muskingum county, Ohio, June 23, 1821. When a youth of fifteen he came to Mercer county. His labor was such as general farm work, but especially in driving ox-team, hauling saw logs in an early day, etc. That hard toil has proven a success is evident from the fact that he now owns 591 acres of Mercer county land, well improved. In 1847 he visited his native place, and later Indiana, returning in 1849. For many years he kept bachelor's hall, not maiTying till 1855, when Lucinda Saunders became his wife. She is a daughter of George Saunders, of Knox county, Illinois, and a native of Ohio. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brown lived in a hewn log cabin on the eighty acres on which his present house stands. They have ten children, spent
liis life
:
living.
William I. Nevius (deceased) was so identified with the history of Mercer county and is so often mentioned in connection with its history that it is necessary to give but few facts in a special sketch. His father, John W., and his mother, Mary (Eoland) Nevius, were natives of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and were there married. Tliey made their homes in Mercer county, Illinois, in 1837, living with their son William I. till the following year. In 1838 Mr. Nevius bought property in Millersburg,
April 14, 1847.
He
October 12, 1854.
was
where he buried his then
Both
made
his
wife, her death occurring
home with
his son
rest in Millersburg cemetery.
for several years probate judge.
till
his death,
Mr. Nevius
His daughter, Mrs. Eliza Brady, His son William I. was born August 9, 1801, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. When young his parents moved to Greene county, Ohio, 1818. December 12, 1822, he was married to Miss Mary A. Currie, who died, leaving four daughters and one son. He was next married March 1, 1830, to Mary A. Pierce. She was born in Greene county, Ohio, April 25, 1807. William I. Nevius was but resides in Millersburg.
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
-1:53
meagerly educated in books, but his hands were taught to do what mind might dictate. "With tools he was handy. .He learned the carpenter's trade, and this furnished him employment when not otherwise In 1832 he moved to Warren county,
In 1835 he Illinois. Boston township, Mercer county, Illinois. In 1837 he changed his location to Ohio Grove township, where he improved land "Peace hath her victories no and Jived till his death, Jime 10, 1877. In the conflict of life, as a man, as a pioneer, Mr. less than war." engaged.
settled in
New
life in victory. He was active in the welfare of his During the war he was deputy provost marshal. In politics he was whig and republican. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church at his death, but' in earlier years was connected with the His sons Henry, John, and David M. old school Presbyterian church. served their country in the civil war, and William D. gave his life at Shiloh that his country might live, while David was drowned while Mr. Nevius crossing the Cumberland river at Clarksville, Tennessee. was the father of five children in his first family and nine children in Mrs. Nevius lives, an active, strong-minded his second family. woman, and interesting to all around her. William T. PArrEESON, farmer, was bom April 13, 1808, in parish of Ray, county Donegal, L-eland, nine miles from Londonderry. His father, Joseph Patterson, was owner of some of the Glebe land. He died there, aged eighty-seven years. Mr. Patterson's mother, Eleanor (Teas), was a native of parish of Teboyne, county Donegal, and her father, William Teas, was a tenant of Marquis of Ebercorn. William Teas Patterson left Ireland March 8, 1840, via London and Liverpool to New York, in the Kobert Fulton steamboat and vessel Sheridan. He was four weeks on the journey. He came to Chicago, there hired a teamster for Henry county, Illinois, and then went to Nauvoo, where he staid over Sunday. He visited Joseph Sniith, the Mormon, at his home, and heard Sydney Eigdon preach, and saw the sacrament administered. He peddled some time through this section. After remaining about two years in this section, he bought eighty acres of land, which he paid for largely in building sod fences. He subsequently sold and bought and improved a number of fa;rms. July 19, 1846, he was married to Mrs. Sarah M. Brownlee, widow of Samuel L. Brownlee. Mrs. Brownlee had a family of four children by her first husband Lemon, dead Oliver P., in Iowa Samantha, now Mrs. J. L. Henderson, of Kansas; and Agnes M., now Mrs. John Lawton, of Pennsylvania. Since her last marriage three child-
Nevius closed his county.
:
ren have been born
:
;
;
Joseph H., dead David B., in Iowa Mary M., of Kansas Letitia E., now Mrs. James
now Mrs. William Maxwell,
;
;
;
;
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON
454
CiOTJNTIES.
Mr. Patterson has given each child of owns 150 acres well and first republican, was a freesoiler. He improved himself. He is a United Presbyterian church. and wife are connected with the near Baltimore, Maryland, Jonathan Duncan (deceased) was born November 19, 1791, and was a son of Andrew and Ann (Smith) Duncan. He received a liberal education for his time, supplemented by He thus became vigorous in both mind and healthy toil of the farm. body. He became a carpenter by trade, and was the builder of the He also large hotel of fifty rooms at Mineral Springs, Pennsylvania. became extensively engaged in the wool business. He was at one C. Spicer, of
Mercer county.
age, eighty acres of land, or its equivalent, and
time a large stockholder in a number of stage lines in Pennsylvania, owning a large farm where he fed his horses for the line. It was in
1815 when he moved to Washington county, Pennsylvania. He is known as Col. Duncan, having enlisted in the war of 1812,
familiarly
as lieutenant,
and
lived
till
being promoted colonel. Very many of the were actively spent in Pennsylvania. There he
later,
colonel's best years
the year 1854.
He had made
a trip to Illinois in 1853,
purchasing 260 acres in sections 26 and 27, Ohio Grrove township, Mercer county, Illinois. In 1854 he moved his family via the river to
Keithsburg and thence to his farm. Here he lived till 1874. He improved his farm and became a factor in the county's progi-ess. He was on intimate terms with the lamented Judge William M. Hayes,
and made many friends by his good nature and industry. In politics he was always democratic, but sought no political emolument. In religion he was of the United Presbyterian faith. He aided in building Sunbeam church. Mr. Duncan moved to Monmouth in 1874, to live in retirement. On September 10, 1876, while visiting his son. Dr. J. K. Duncan, at Des Moines, Iowa, death claimed him. He was buried at Monmouth, Illinois. Mr. Duncan was first married to Miss Letha Swearengen. She died, leaving four children. He was next married June 29, 1835, to Miss Agnes Leeper, daughter of Eobert and IS'ancy Leeper, both of whom were born in York county, and died in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Duncan was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1815. She now resides with her son in Mercer county. Mr. Duncan's first family are William Duncan, of Mercer county Thomas, of Des Moines, Iowa Sarah, now Mrs. William McCanless, of Crescent, Iowa. Mr. McCanless was a prominent man of Mercer county, having owned the land on which Aledo is built also, laid out the towm. He was lieutenant in company A, 84th 111. Vol., and was killed at the battle of Chattanooga. Dr. Bazil Duncan was army surgeon one year. He :
;
;
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
455
'
In the second family are Eobert, who served in the F, 17th 111. Vol., and was promoted second lieuhe was captenant Dr. J. K. Duncan, who was in the naval service tain of a gun on the gunboat "Fort Hyman ;" seizing an enemy's hot shell, thrown on board and endangering the lives of his men, he threw it into the river, suffering his hands and arms to be severely burned by For this feat he was promoted captain of the gun-boat. the operation. He took sick and was sent to Pensacola hospital, Florida. Being there at the time of the yellow fever scourge, and having studied medicine, he was retained as surgeon and physician three years, on a salary of He is now of Nebraska. The other children are Isophena, $2,000. James, Andrew (dead), l^ettie, Arnett, Charles, Frank and Ida. Amett was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, 'January 28, 1850. He was married to Carrie, daughter of J. B. Gilmore. She was born near Oxford, Ohio. Amett now owns 100 acres of the old homestead also, 160 acres besides, well improved. Thomas S. Robb, farmer, is a son of William and Mary (Livingston) Eobb, the former of whom was bom in county Tyrone, Ireland, 1T75, and emigrated to America when a young man and the latter a native of Pennsylvania, and whose parents were Scotch. Both died in Pennsylvania in 1845. In their family were nine children, who are now widely scattered. James and Thomas became identified with Mercer county, Illinois, interests in 1851 and 1852 respectively, and are to-day among the well to do. Thomas S. was born in Pennsylvania, August 16, 1825, and there married Martha A. Campbell, daughter of James Campbell. She is also a native of Pennsylvania, the date of her birth being May 10, 1830. In 1851 Mr. Eobb was appointed by Gov. Johnson, of Pennsylvania, as commissioner to the World's Fair, held in London, England, in the year 1851. Besides performing his duties in London, Mr. Robb visited the principal cities of England, Scotland and France, before returning to his own country. Mr. Robb has served Ohio Grove township, as supervisor, for four different is
now
civil
dead.
war
in
:
company
;
;
:
;
;
terms.
John McClellan was born December 20, 1826, in Washington His father was Francis McClellan, also a native of Washington county, but whose .father came from Donegal county, Ireland, about 1813, and died in Pennsylvania at the age of ninetygight years. Margaret Brownlee, the mother of John, was also a native of Pennsylvania, but her parents were from Scotland. In the family of Francis and Margaret McClellan were eight children, all Pennsylvanians, of whom but three are living in Mercer county, viz. Thomas, Francis and John. John emigrated to Illinois in 1850, county, Pennsylvania.
:
:
HISTOET OF MEECEE AMD I-IENDEESON COUNTIES.
456
buying 100 acres of the land on which he now lives, being in sections 33 and 34, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois. Mr. McClellan has improved the farm mostly himself, and owns 150 acres of land. He was married January 12, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Brownlee, daughter of William and Catharine (Hutchison) Brownlee, both PennThe Brownlees came to Mercer sylvanians, but of Scotch descent. county in 1852. Mrs. McClellan was bom in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 15, 1831. They have had five children died August
Francis,
22,
1866
;
Margaret,
Eenorick,
Clara and
Lawrence.
William McCeeight (deceased) was bom IS'ovember 27, 1818, in county, Ohio, and was a son of Ephraim and Sarah (Cummins) McCreight, both from South Carolina. Mi*. McCreight was raised on the farm. He acquired a very good education for his time and taught He was somewhat a genius, able to use many tools to some extent. and execute. In Ohio he was captain of a company of state militia. He drilled for the IVIexican war, but was not called out. In the spring of 1851 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, landing at Keithsburg, April 1. He first rented irom his brother-in-law. Judge William M. Hayes. About 1856 he purchased sixty acres of land which he improved. He afterward added another eighty acres. Mr. McCreight died July 11, 1869, and is buried in Candor graveyard. He had taught school here. He was a leading member of the United Presbyterian church from youth. In politics he was whig, abolitionist, and republican. He cast the only abolition vote cast in Ohio Grove township at one election. He was honest, straightforward and of strong convictions. This made him perhaps second to none in influence among men. Mr. McCreight was married in 1843 to PoUy Hayes, daughter of John and Martha Hayes, both natives of South Carolina. Mrs. McCreight was bom in Adams county, Ohio, March 2, 1822. Three children were born in Ohio Ira S., Leslie D., and Seldon J. Tlie family own the old homestead. Mr. McCreight's brothers, E. P. and Samuel, served in the civil war in company A, 30th HI. Vol. John S. in company G, 30th 111. Vol., and A. O. in company D,
Adams
:
83d
111.
Vol.
William Peppee
a son of Charles and Susan Pepper
was born His grandfather was butler to Pembroot College, Cambridge, and his father was also engaged in the same institution, and William Pepper spent many days with his father at the college. In 1832 the family set sail from St. Catharine docks, London, in the ship Thames, and after five weeks and three days, arrived in New York. They spent six weeks in New in Cambridgeshire,
is
England,
May
2,
1822.
;
OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP.
457
and six weeks in Utica, New York, then settled in Oswego county, New York, where they resided eighteen or nineteen years and In 1849 William cleared a farm of forty acres from the big timber. Pepper came "West to Mercer county, Illinois, but spent the following He then returned to Mercer county and worked yeai- in Wisconsin. March 3, 1852, he was married to Jane Martin, for Samuel Cabeen. The Martins daughter of William and Susan (McClellan) Martin. were very early settlers and are noticed elsewhere. Mrs. Pepper was born in Ohio, near Goshen, Indiana. After marriage Mr. Pepper Kved one year in Keithsburg, then settled his present home farm of He has improved his place, buildeighty-nine acres, March 1, 1853. ing and re-building till he owns a pleasant place. Mr. and Mrs. Pep-
York
city
per are
members
of the Presbyterian church.
He
is
a free voter,
voting for Lincoln's second term.
William Henderson (deceased) was bom in Greene county, PennHis parents, John and Margaret (Moore) Henderson, were natives of Pennsylvania. They moved to Guernsey county, Ohio, in the fall of 1811. John Henderson died about 1845, sylvania, April 18, 1811.
and his wife in 1859. They are buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery. Mr. H. was justice of the peace for twenty-one years, with the exception of
two odd years.
He was
in the
war of 1812.
William Hen-
memoirs, was the third child in a family of seven. He was but a few months old when his parents settled in Ohio. He was educated in the common schools of his time, but the farm occupied largely his life. As an additional means for gaining an honest and competent livelihood, he learned the shoemakers trade, which busied him when other labor was wanting. In 1834 he was derson, the subject of these
M. Henderson. His wife died in 1840, leaving Susannah C. and Margaret A. He was next married December 29, 1842, to Eose A. Dool, daughter of Eobert and Margaret Dool. Her parents were natives of county Antrim, Ireland. Mrs. Henderson's birth occurred on board vessel in Belfast Bay May 3, 1819, before the vessel set sail that was to bring the family to America. His wife Eobert Dool died in Harrison county, Ohio. lives at the age of ninety years. Mr. Henderson emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1860, renting a farm between New Boston and Aledo. In March, 1862, he purchased the farm in Ohio Grove township of 160 acres, being the S. W. J of Sec. 10. This he improved somewhat. He died March 20, 1877. He was buried in the United Presbyterian graveyard. Mr. Henderson was a man of life and good will to men. In politics he was whig, in whig times, then became married to Amelia
two children
:
a northern democrat.
In Ohio he was several years deacon in the
::
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
458
United Presbyterian church. In his second family are nine children Robert enlisted in company A., 30th reg. 111. Vol. Inf., and was transHe served the last sixteen months of ferred to the engineer corps. nineteen not years old when he enlisted. John and was the war. He
Jane received their educations at Monmouth Academy, and hold first grade certificates and command highest wages in teaching. William R.
owns
forty acres of the
Bell (dead), Elizabeth,
home farm. The Henry and Mary.
William Dilley, farmer,
is
other children are
:
Mattie,
one of the very few pioneers left to Mr. Dilley was bom
tgU the story of the county's young days.
October
i,
1801, in Sussex county,
New
Jersey.
He
is
the third in a
His father and mother, Aaron and Jane (Storey) DiUey, were natives of New Jersey, and resided there till about 1818, when they removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, where they died. William Dilley worked on the farm till grown. He then worked in a woolen factory, carding, spinning, fulling, etc. May, of 1836, a desire for the west attracted him hither, and in that year_ he arrived in Mercer county, Illinois. He had shipped a carding machiue to Oquawka via the river for his future use. He lived in Green township till 1848, when he removed to his present home in Ohio Grove. Mr. Dilley was married in 1837 to Eliza Moorehead, daughter of John and Elenor Moorehead, early settlers of Mercer county. She was bom November 24, 1816. Mr. Dilley owned 120 acres in Green township, which he sold. He bought 320 acres in Ohio Grove. He now owns 165 acres. Mrs. Dilley died April 18, 1877. She was the mother of nine children: Aaron S., John W. (dead), Celesia, Mary, Samtha, Cyrus, Seth, Nellie, (infant dead). Cyrus left home several years ago and has not been heard of since. Aaron S. enlisted in the 9th lU. Vol., and John W. enlisted in the 84th 111. Vol. Each served about three years in the civil war. Mr. Dilley has been whig, abolitionist, and republican in politics. family of nine children.
Hammond Webstee
(deceased) was born, raised and married in Both he and his wife, Louisa Eichardson, also a native of Massachusetts, were engaged in the famous Girard factories
Massachusetts.
They moved to New York state. In 1843 they emigrated to Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, and purchased the S. E. I Sec. 28, and afterward added N. E. i Sec. 28. Mr. of Massachusetts.
Webster died in 1845 and
buried in the Candor graveyard.
is
wife, at present writing (1882), survives him.
peace several years.
He was
an old
New
His
justice of the
The children were (now Mrs. Robert Parkison).
line whig.
Albert, Theodore L., William, and Mariah
William Webster was born in
He was
York, Alleghany county, June
1,
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
459
and came west with his people. His father dying, left "William He spent till to work and do for himself at fourteen years of age. Pie was twenty-five years of age working round and renting a farm. married in 1858 to Julia A. "Wing," daughter of Oliver and Julina (Harrington) Wing, both natives of Massachusetts but who died in Ohio. Mrs. Webster was born in Springfieild, Pennsylvania, NovemWhen twelve years old moved to Ohio, then came west ber 29, 1821. After marriage Mr. Webster purchased his present to Mercer county. farm, S. E. J Sec. 30, which he has earned with toil and so well imHe has two children Edith and Harriet L. In politics he is proved. He has been ten years a school director. democratic. James Geaham (deceased), was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 26, 1809, and was a son of John and Martha (Hutchison) Graham, both natives of Chester county, Pennsylvania. The Grahams were Pennsylvania frontier pioneers. James Graham was married Merch 4, 1836, to Mary Stewart, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Welsh) Stewart. She was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 10, 1814. Her father was bom in county Armagh, Ireland, and emigrated when nine years old. He died in Virginia and is buried in Elizabethtown. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church. His wife died in Mercer county, and lies in Norwood cemetery. James Graham moved to Illinois in 1842, spending two years in Warren county. In 1845 he settled in Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, where he bought the N. W. J of Sec. 35. This he improved. He died November 25, 1879. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian church. In politics he had been free-soiler, whig and republican. He at one time cast the only free-soil vote cast in Ohio Grove 1831,
:
He was foremost in
township.
temperance work.
His education was
good, having taught in Pennsylvania and in Mercer county.
a wife and six children to
mourn
his loss.
Mrs.
Graham
He left
resides at
Her children are: Calvin W., of Kansas; Lenora J., now Mrs. A. L. Brownlee, of Iowa; Mary M. E., now Mrs. J. C. Grahana, Alexis.
Monmouth; E. M., of Nebraska; Emmet S., at home; and Eva A., Emmet S. was married October 19, 1876, to Miss EUa C. Boggs she was bom in Warren county, Elinois, April 25, of
with her mother. ;
1856.
John Seaton (deceased) was born in Perthshire, Scotland, March 15, and was a son of Duncan and Margaret (Cameron) Seaton. His
1795,
birthplace
is
the country village of Killiekrankie, famous as a field of
gone by, and made immortal by the lines of Walter Mr. Seaton's 'grandfather and his wife's grandfather fought in
battle in times Scott.
the battle of Culloden.
Mr. Seaton spent about
forty-five years in
HISTORY OF MEKCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
460
common
Pie was educated in the
Scotland.
schools of his country.
He
learned the trade of carpentry and masonry, which he followed He became anxious to try a new somewhat, as well as farming. country
ica.
;
hence in 1843 he
He He settled sailed
left
from Livei-pool
the land of Scott and
May
Bums
21 and landed in
for
Amer-
New York July
where he farmed westward; accordriver, but being taken which he did in November of sick he concluded to land at Oquawka, Mercer county then two years he 1845. He spent the first winter in farmed in Warren county. In 1848 he " squatted " on the N. W. J of Sec. 19, T. 13 N., E. 3 W., Mercer county, which he bought when it came into market. This he improved, and here he lived till his death, July 21, 1881. Mr. Seaton was a quiet, honest, plodding farmer, 14.
first
in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania,
two years. In 1845 he determined to emigrate ingly he started for Galena, Illinois, via the
still
;
by
friendly to all and esteemed
He was
all.
a Presbyterian in reh-
In politics he cast his first vote for Henry Clay, and later was a strong republican. The country needs more such men. Mr.
gious faith.
.
Seaton was
first
who
married in 1821 to Isabell McDonald,
died in
Margaret, born June 22, 1822 and 1824, leaving two children Duncan, born October 27, 1823. Mr. Seaton next married (1826) Miss Christian Seaton, probably a very distant relative. She was bom January 10, 1800. She shared the toils of emigration and life in the new country, dying in Mercer county, Illinois, December 20, 1878. She was a consistent Christian, and a queen in her own house. She was the mother of six children Eliza, born October 4, 1828, died July, 1847 John, bom February 6, 1831 Kobert, bom March 25, 1834, enlisted in company G, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf was second lieutenant, and died at Nashville, October 10, 1864, from a wound received July 22, 1864, at Atlanta he was a brave boy Daniel, bom February 3, 1836, died May 14, 1866 George Susan, died in infancy. George Seaton, son of John Seaton, was born February 14, 1839, on the same farm as his father. He grew to be his father's constant help, as he took charge of his father's business for about twenty years. He was married February 26, 1874, to Miss Mary J. Brown, daughter of James Brown, of Warren county. She was bom in Ireland, county Antrim, July 26, 1851, and is lineally descended from the Campbells, of Argyleshire, Scotland. They have four children. Mr. Seaton owns the old homestead and other land to the amount of about 500 acres. The new town of Seaton is laid out on his land, and he has built the ;
:
:
;
;
,
;
;
;
;
first store.
Samuel M. Ckeighton, farmer, was born January 18, 1831, in Ohio West Virginia. His father, John Creighton, was born in
county.
OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP. 1767, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
and was
in the revolution,
the battle of the
461
While yet a boy he was a teamster He was present at
drilled for a soldier.
Brandywine.
He
died in 1849, having buried his
Both are buried at the church at the She was born about 1780. In the family were Forks of Wheeling. He, in company eleven children, of whom Samuel is the youngest. with his sister Elizabeth, emigrated to Brown county, Ohio then to Wai-ren county, Blinois and in the fall of 1853 settled on section 36, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Illinois, on the James Graham This place, one year then in 1854 he bought the JS". W. J of Sec. 33. he has improved. In 1875 he built his present house at an expense of Mr. Creighton is a radical republican; he cast his first vote $2,100. He is a member of the United Presbyterian for John P. Hale. wife (Samuel's mother) in 1836.
;
;
;
chui'ch.
WiLUAM C. Bkownlee, farmer, is the namesake of his father, the W. C. Brownlee, D.D., of New York city. Dr. W. 0. Brownlee
Kev.
was •bom in Lanarkshire, Scotland. He was educated at the university of Glasgow, and was licensed to preach in Scotland in the faith of tbe
He was mairied in Scotland to Mariah McDougall, a He emigrated to America about 1804, and became
covenanters.
native of Glasgow.
a miuister to a Seceder congregation in
He
vania.
soon received a
call to a
Washington county, Pennsyl-
Philadelphia Scotch-Presbyterian
congregation, which he accepted about 1812.
He
afterward became
Professor of Languages and Mathematics in Rutgers College, 'New
Brunswick,
New
Jersey.
Dutch Reformed church,
New York
city.
many
He
Later he became collegiate pastor of the at the corner of
Nassau and Liberty
streets,
died in 1860, in his eighty-second year, having
His wife died about Brownlee (dead) was surgeon in the late war; John A. (dead) was of the firm of Brownlee, Homer & Co., St. Louis; David, a merchant of St. Louis; the girls, Mariah, Margaret, Jane, and Catharine, married prominent merchants in the east. William C. was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1815, and is the third child in the family. He was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania and high school of New York city. In the spring of 1838 he left home and stayed with his relatives in Ohio a time, emigrating with them still westward. He came to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled near Viola, taking a claim of 160 acres. In 1840 he bought 240 acres in Ohio Grove township, which he has improved. In that year he was married to Mary A. Brownlee. She was born in Richland county, Ohio. She died April 3, 1876, and is buried at Norwood. She was the mother of six chilsuffered
1850.
years from a stroke of the palsy.
In the family were nine children: Dr.
J. J.
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUN'nES.
462
C, Jr., Francis, Mariah, Samuel, Alexander, and Mr. Brownlee was a whig, voted awhile for the democ-
dren: William Harriet
N".
war made him a republican. James Calhoun (deceased) was a native of Allegheny county,
racy, but the
Pennsylvania. chasing,
and
He made
a trip to
Muskingum county about 1814, purAbout 1816 he settled with his
in part clearing, a farm.
his Ohio farm. His father having been was not afraid of the frontier. There David, "William, John K., James nine chidren were born to them H., Joseph C, Samuel C, Elizabeth, Franklin, and Alexander T. Mr. Calhoun, besides farming in Ohio, was proprietor of a store and a steam mill. In 1843 the family emigrated via the Muskingum, Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Oquawka and thence to Mercer county, where he farmed a short time in Suez township, then removed to New Boston, where he kept hotel for a number of years. He died July His wife lived till November 22, 1878. Both were mem15, 1847. bers of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Calhoun is a distant relative of the great John C. Calhoun. The children are scattered. David and William moved to Kansas the latter is dead. Joseph and Alexander live in Taylor county, Iowa James K., is of Aledo Samuel and James H., in Ohio Grove township. Samuel and Alexander served three years in company H., 84th 111. Vol., in the civil war. James H. was born August 5, 1826; has spent a -life on the farm, owning 80 acres in Ohio Grove township. The family are, and have been, warm republicans. John K. was born February 24, 1824 was raised on the farm and educated in the common schools of his day. He came to Mercer county in 1843, with the family. In 1846 he returned to Ohio, where he lived till the fall of 1854, when he was married to Miss McClelland, native of Ohio and on the follovdng day started for his home in Mercer county, Illinois. He settled in section 5, Suez township, where he lived, raised his family and wife, Elizabeth (Carnahan)
on
in the revolutionary war, he
:
;
;
;
;
;
j
buried his wife, her death occurring in 1872.
In spring of 1882 he from active labor and moved to Aledo, Illinois. He is owner of 500 acres of good land. His children are Elizabeth J., Martha A. (now Mrs. Eobert Hudleston), Mary B., WiUiam (deceased). retired
:
Baenet Unangst (deceased) was born in Warren county, New March 28, 1810. His father, Jacob Unangst, was a native of
Jersey,
Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and his mother, Elizabeth (Wilson), was born in New Jersey. The family is of German descent. June 15, 1833, Barnet Unganst was married to Charity Smith, daughter of Isaac and Jemima (Wheaton) Smith. She was bom in Huntington county. New Jersey, August 30, 1815. An extract from a
OHIO GEOVI! TOWNSHIP.
New
Jersey paper
Smith family of of appleti'ees
is
as follows:
New Jersey,
on the
site
463
"The animal
re-union of the great
held on Wednesday, in a beautiful grove
of the old homestead of Zachariah Smith, of
Peapack, was, p6rhaps, the biggest family gathering that has ever There were fully 3,000 persons present, all supposed yet taken place. to
be lineally descended from, or connected with, the original John of Holland, who settled in Stanton, Pluntington county,
Schmidt,
Jersey, over 125 years ago, and changed his name to Smith, he understood the ways of the country. He was a genial Dutchman slow plodding, industrious, honest and the impress of his character is left on a good portion of his vast progeny to this day." After marriage Bamet and Charity Unangst lived in New Jersey till
New after
;
;
bom to them Pheby, bom May 12, 1834, bom September 12, 1836, died August bom January 12, 1839 Ann E., born Novem-
1851, having eight children
died April 19, 1836 20,
1838
;
;
John
Godfrey H.,
;
born November 30, 1842 Margaret, born July 13, 1845; Christiana, born September 3, 1847; Sarah C, born March 26, 1850. Two were bom in Illinois Jacob, born February 16, 1852, died December 14, 1864; and William H., bom July 27, 1854. In 1851 the family sought a home in Illinois, and bought land in Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, coming overland 1,200 or Here the 1,300 nules, occupying about seven weeks in the journey. Unangsts made their farm. Mr. Unangst was a quiet, congenial citiber 21, 1840
;
Mary
:
S.,
J.,
;
:
zen.
He
died
November
23, 1876, leaving his wife to survive
him
August 12, 1881. Both were members of the Presbyterian church, and are buried at Norwood. Godfrey H., the third child, enlisted in company E, 102d III., Vol., August 18, 1862. He was detached at tiU
December 1, 1862, and transcompany K, 1st Eeg. TJ. S. Vet. Eng. Vol., about September 1, 1864. He was through the campaign from Nashville to Murfreesboro, Cliickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and in front of Nashville. He was discharged June 30, 1865, and returned to his home, where he resumed farm labor. He became manager of the farm on his father's disability, and now owns the old homestead in section 13. Ebenezee Geaham, farmer, was born May 12, 1816, in Washington county, Pennsylvania. His parents, John and Martha (HutchiGallatia, Tennessee, for pioneer service,
ferred to
son) Graham, were natives of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but died in Washington county. John Graham emigrated from Ireland when a young man. He lived on the frontier of Pennsylvania, at night
He was in the Indian wars. Ebenezer, the tenth and youngest child, lived in Pennsylvania till 1857. He was raised on a farm. His schooling is limited, yet such as was common to his renting in a fort.
;
HISTORY OF MEROEE AlfD HENDERSON COUNTIES.
464
married to Sarah A. McDowell, who was bom in "Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1837. In 1857 Mr. Graham sold his farm and moved west, settling in Ohio Grove townHe and ship, Mercer county, where he has improved a good farm. Presbyterian the United church over wife have been members of He is a strong republican. In the family are two forty-five years. day.
He was
and Martha J. S., now born in Pemisylvania McCutchan, of IS'orwood. M. M. Cross, farmer, was born in Adams county, Ohio, November WiUiam 16, 1820, and is a son of William and Ann (Morrow) Cross. Morrow was a native of Pennsylvania. He became a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1811 he moved to Adams county, Ohio. He was a farmer and miller and had learned the tanning business in his young days. He died in Ohio in 1848. His wife was a native of county Down, Ireland, and came when young to America she died in Ohio In the family were three girls and three boys. M. M. Cross in 1856. was reared on the farm. He was married to Dorcas Finley, daughter In that same year Mr. Cross came to of AVilliam Finley, in 1856. He Mercer county, Illinois, and settled in Ohio Grove township. bought eighty acres of land to this he added more, then sold, but now owns 160 acres of fine land, with good improvements. Mr. Cross was raised a democrat but has long been a good republican. He was assessor some time and was road commissioner about fifteen years. children:
Mrs. Dr.
J. L.,
;
J. T.
;
;
Plis wife
died
A., McDill
I.,
March
3,
1856, leaving a family of five children
Emma A.,
Craton R., and Stewart E.
:
Lewis
Mr. Cross was
J. Walker, a native of Adams county, Ohio, and who came with her parents to Peoria county, Illinois, in an early Mr. and Mrs. Cross are connected with the United Presbyterian day. church. McDill R., son of M. M. Cross, was born in Adams county, Ohio, February 25, 1 856. He lived with his parents till marriage he was married March 8, 1882, to Miss Abbie M. Kimel, daughter of J. W. and Mary (Burnet) Kimel. She was born in Mercer county, Ohio Grove township, March 12, 1863. Horace Nye Chandler is a son of Zachariah and Fannie (Bingham) Chandler. The Chandlers have been prominent figures in America for several generations. Benjamin Chandler was killed in the battle of Bennington in the revolution, as a "Green Mountain boy," and liis sons, John, Joseph, Jesse, Benjamin, and Seth were in the same battte. Joseph was in the regular army under Gates, and afterward settled in Morgan county, Ohio. Dr. Jesse Chandler settled in Putnam coimty, Ohio, and his son, Dr. Ero Chandler, is now of Hancock county, Illinois. Benjamin died in Pdiladelphia. John raised six sons he died and is
next married to Paulina
;
^C^/^ f~A(^ w^^>>*^
OHIO GKOVE TOWNSHIP. buried at Chandlersville, Ohio.
467
His sons were: Zachariah, Martin,
Zachariah was born in Rutland John, Samuel, Guy, and Stephen. countyj Vermont he died in Muskingum county, Ohio, and is buried ;
Fannie Bingham, was a native of New liamphusband in Ohio. She was related to conShe was a descendant gressman Bingham, so long an Ohio statesman. She was a very intelof Miles Standish of the May Flower fame. ligent woman, not only understanding, but able to teach. Her children received the larger part of their education from her wonderful fund of knowledge. Her children are Seth, who died in California Horace N., of Mercer county; Mary (dead), Harriott (dead), Abigail (dead), Horace N". Abigail (living), Fannie (dead), Eliza, and Nira. Chandler was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, November 8, 1817. He was was raised to the toil of the farm. He attended the common schools, but received the larger part of his knowledge of government and public men from his m'other. Being the only son at home, the duties of the house fell somewhat upon him, so that he lived with his parents and they with him till they died. He became the proprietor -of the Ohio homestead. Mr. Chandler was married June 1, 1843, to Miss Anne E. Bevan, daughter of John and Mary (Blackburn) Bevan. Her father was a native of Monroe county, Ohio, and her mother ot Maryland. Mrs. Chandler was born in Monroe county, Ohio, October After man'iage Mr. Chandler resided in Ohio till 1865, when 8, 1822. he came west, arriving at Monmouth on the day on which the news ot Lincoln's assassination stung the heart of every true American. He bought, June 12, 1865, the James Kellogg farm, the S. W. f of Sec. 27 and W. -J of S. E. J Sec. 27, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county, Elinois, where, he has since lived. He has improved the farm very materially. He has been supervisor for many terms. In politics he has been whig and republican, being a charter member of the latter party. The children of this union are: Darwin, Mary, Seth, John B., Harriott, and Homer. Darwin enlisted in the naval service under Com. Leroy Fisk, serving one year, till the war closed. Mary is now Mrs. J. K. Porter. De. C. C. Smith, son of Andrew and Jane (Craig) Smith, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, April 1, 1825. Jane Craig was bom in county Monohon, Ireland, in 1790, and emigrated with her parents in 1794 to by
His
his father.
shire
;
wife,
she rests near her
;
:
Andrew Smith was and died in Ohio, August His grandfather Smith was from Germany. Andrew Smith
Pennsylvania.
bom
She died in Ohio, July
12, 1864.
in "Washington county, Pennsylvania,
31, 1875.
and wife were their family 27
many
were
years in the Associate Presbyterian church.
six children:
Anne, Lydia,
C.
C, Sarah
In
J. (d«ad),
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COTINTIES.
4:68
The life of Dr. C. C. Smith has been one of from the fact that he has been obliged to fight his unusual His education, liberal as it is, he acquired by his in life. own battles years were spent in country air and his hands His early own efforts. labor. He desired a professional life, and to fit were inured to farm first to be well read in general knowledge. him for this he was resolved common schools. He began teaching, He accordingly attended the for number of years.' He a which he followed at different tinies he completed the attended Madison College at Antrim, Ohio, where
John, and Walter. activity,
He also pursued the Latin In 1848 he began to read medicine with a Dr. Davis. His preceptor dying he then read with Dr. R. Gr. Stephenson. After reading more, or less for four years he attended medical He began the practice of medilectures at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1852. cine in Antrim, his home, first in partnership with his preceptor, but Dr. Stephenson dying Dr. Smith continued his profession alone. In 1856 he located at Viola, Mercer county, Illinois, remaining two years or little more. He then practiced as long in Preemption. In the faU of 1861 he bought out Dr. Gilmore, of Sunbeam, and has since prao ticed here. That he has been a successful practitioner is evident from the fact that he now owns seventy-two acres, with good house, etc., as his home place, eighty acres in section 10, and 160 acres in Iowa, aU the reward of his practice. During the war the doctor was busy, doing course in mathematics, except surveying.
language to some extent.
much
for the families of soldiers.
The wounds he dressed
charge, and thus he did his duty at home.
Late years he
without
hasi circum-
scribed his practice, on account of overwork. He has been an active worker in temperance work, also a member and an officer in the United Presbyterian church. He is a very strong republican. His first vote was for John P. Hale. Dr. Smith was married February 22, 1855, to Cordelia, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Work) Downerd. She was born in Guernsey county, Ohio. Her father was a German, her mother from county Donegal, Ireland. Dr. Smith has a family of six children living and two dead. Cheistian Shaeee (deceased) was born on New Tear day about
Herkimer county, New York. His people were of Dutch His father was killed in the revolutionary war. Mr. Sharer was raised on a farm, but became interested in dairying, merchandising, distilling and banking business, becoming quite wealthy. The panic of 1837 crippled him financially. He was married in New York to Catharine Easbach, by whom he had three children John, George, 1800, in descent.
:
and Edward M. In 1844 they moved to Licking county, Ohio. In 1854 they located in Moultrie county, Illinois, and a year afterw:ard in
:
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
In 1858 they
Stark county.
moved
to
469
Mercer county,
where
Illinois,
Mr. Sharer bought land in Suez township, and lived till his death, in His wife lives on the homestead. Edward M. the third June, 1861. ,
child,
was born
with them.
He
May
3,
enlisted
1841, remained with his parents, and
August
26, 1862, fn
company
moved
E, 102d HI. Vol.,
and served in service of his country nearly three years, enduring all the hardships and enjoying the f&w pleasures incident to the career of In the fall of 1868 he purchased 100 acres of land in his regiment.
Ohio Grove township. In 1876 or commodious house. He now has 180 acres 1877 he improved. was married February 23, 1869, to well He fann, his in Martha Simpson, daughter of James and Anna (Goodman) Simpson,
the northeast part of section 24, built his present
and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Three of her brothers were in the civil war, David E. being in company E, 102d Illinois, the others in Pennsylvania regiments. Mr. and Mrs. Sharer have five children Alva, Willie, Edward, Charlie, and the babe. Geoege W. Weets, blacksmith, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, April 4, 1841, and is a son of George and Margaret (Maple) Werts. His father was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and his mother of Ohio. Mr. Werts was raised on a farm, and when sixteen
the former a native of Ireland
Sharer was born in Pennsylvania.
years old learned the blacksmith's trade, so that distress
when Sumpter's
cry of
belched from mouths of cannon and called for America's
yeomanry
toil and prepared to do his August 22, 1862, in company I, 122d Ohio Vol., under Capt. Gary. He was mustered in at Zanesville, Ohio, as a private. For two years, more or less constantly, he bugled for his company. He became engaged in battle at Winchester Millroy, where his company became surrounded by the enemy; Harper's Ferry; went into line at Williamsport, near Gettysburg, where he assisted in taking 1,500 prisoners. He was then in the efifort to cut through Manassas gap to intercept Lee was then sent to New York
to relieve her
country's service.
He
he was used to
enlisted
;
;
to aid in quelling the riot.
with Grant for Kich'mond. Wilderness, where his
He fought at Locust Grove, May 4, 1864, he went into the
company
lost heavily;
then started battle of the
took part at Spottsyl-
vania Court-house, Cold Harbor, where his division received a compli-
mentary order for taking the works of the enemy. He was then sent to the south side of Eichmond to Butler's department, and was drawn in Hne to make a charge, but word came countermanding the order.
He
army at Petersburg, and fought on the accompanied Sheridan in the Shenandoah protect Washington went through that campaign, and was
then united with the main
south side of the river. valley to
He
;
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE
470
AND HENDEE80N
COITN'nES.
with Sheridan in his famous ride, and aided in "licking them out of
Cedar creek, where victory depended largely on the was a member, the army having been generally routed by Early's forces when Sheridan arrived from Winchester. This corps was called by the rebels the Catholic cross corps. Mr. Werts assisted in the charge and taking of the works at Richmond followed the enemy to Sailors' run, taking 1,100 wagons and many prisoners then on to Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court-house. Mr. Werts' army career was one of unusual activity. He was mustered But twelve of his company remained able for •out at Washington. In 1865 he located at Sunbeam, Mercer county, Illinois, where duty. he has since been the " village blacksmith." He was married October 3, 1865, to Miss Mary Decker, daughter of Benjamin Decker, and a native of Mercer county. He has six children: Alpha M., Susie E., Clarence B., George W., Jr.; Alonzo E., and Everet L. Petek Peteeson, farmer, was bom in Sweden June 27, 1826. In June, 1865, Mr. Peterson sailed for America, landing at ^N^ew York He soon arrived at Rock Island. He spent eighteen months city. with the Bishop Hill colony in Henry county, Illinois, working at his their boots" at
corps of which he
;
trade of carpentering.
He
continued his trade in Fulton county, then
Being out of work, he overheard some persons talking of moving to Mercer county, Illinois, and he proposed to accompany them, which he did in 1859. Here he lived with the Sharers for four years, working at his trade. August 18, 1862, he enlisted in company E., 102d reg. 111. Yol., under Capt. Likely and Col. McMuitrie. He served sixteen months. He was on detached duty mostly. At Chattanooga he stood in the river up to his ears in cold water for thirty-six hours continuously, which disabled him for duty and has crippled him for life. He returned to Mercer county, not being able to walk for some time. He managed to buy a small farm, and now has 140 acres and a good house. He was married first ene year at Galva.
Betsy Johnson, who died in Henry county, Illinois, leaving one Cathrina, now Mrs. Henry Crosby, of Viola. He was next married to Catharine Johnson, January 26, 1869, and by her he has to
child,
five children
son
is
:
Eddie, Maggie, John, Julia A., and Charlie.
Mr. Peter-
a thrifty farmer.
RoBEET Hamilton, farmer, was born in Kentucky, October 8, 1811. His parents, Samuel and Jane (Smith) Hamilton, were natives of South Carolina. They moved to Kentucky early, and thence to Preble county, Ohio, where Samuel Hamilton died.
His wife died in Indiana. Robert was raised in the stern schools of toil. When twenty years of age he learned the cai-penter trade, which he has followed more or less
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
He
since.
worked
also
as a millwright for
471
some
In the
years.
1830 he located in Clinton county, Indiana, near Madison.
fall
of
He was
Miss Deborah Talbert. In 1855 he moved to Mercer Here he bought 150 acres of land, his present farm. In politics Mr. Hamilton was whig, in the This he has improved. there married to county, Illinois.
He is a strong republican. He is a member days of that party. He has a family of four children of the United Presbyterian church. and one dead William H., when under age, went to the war, and was out about two months Perry S., Mary E., and Rose E. Moses Pati-eeson, farmer, was bom in Knox county, Elinois, June -^^T His father, John M. Patterson, was born in Washington 13, 1841.
living
:
;
county, Pennsylvania,
November
22,
1799, and was of Scotch-Irish
His mother, Sarah A. (Bell), was born in Delaware, Kent county, January 15, 1818. The grandfather of Moses was Col. Patterson of Pennsylvania militia, and the father was in both the Pennsylvania descent.
and Ohio militia. John M. Patterson became a resident of Ohio about 1815, and there married Margaret Stephens, who died leaving three In 1836 he settled in Knox children. He next married Sarah A. Bell.
He lived two years near Yiola, Mercer county, then Rock Island county, thence to Henry countj'^, where he buried his wife. She died March 25, 1865. He died in Warren county, June He was a strictly moral man swearing was extremely 18, 1873. odious to him. His His religion was as he called it, "homespun." vpife was a Methodist. Moses Patterson left home at the age of sevencounty, Illinois.
went
to
;
He
teen years, going to Pike's Peak, Colorado, in 1857. Illinois
and joined some of his schoolmates for the
civil
returned to war.
He
Rock Island March 12, 1862, in company B. 65tli El. Yol; Capt. R. S. Montgomery and Col. Daniel Cameron, known as the "Montgomery guards." In March, 1864, he was transferred to engineer bat. 23d army corps, army of Ohio, in which he served till April He took part in the battles on the Potomac the iirst summer 5, 1865. enlisted at
and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry together with the whole command of 1,100 men; was paroled and sent to Chicago. In March, 1863, he was sent to Lexington, Kentucky, and over to West Yirginia. There he took part in the battles of that campaign, and assisted in tak-
and in breaking up his band, men. He then crossed the Cumberland mountains with Burnside, and experienced the twenty-two days' siege of Knoxville was twice at Zollicoffer, then with Sherman at Chattanoogo ing Ben. Coddle, the famous guerilla, capturing 400 of his
;
and through to Atlanta.
Hood was :
at
He
returned with
Thomas
Nashville and from there followed
He was engaged at
in pursuit of
Hood
to Corinth.
Fort Fisher, Fort Anderson, and Wilmington, North
:
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
472
was there relieved and sent home. He returned to Knox September 7, 1869, he located where he lives, in Mercer county. He owns 240 acres of land well improved. Mr. Patterson was married December 26, 1869, to Alice Hawkins, daughter of Augustus Hawkins, of Cameron, "Warren county, Illinois. She was born April 19, 1851. They have three children: Edwin A., Mary, and a babe. Nicholas Sheaeee, farmer, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, March 29, 1831. His parents, John and Mary Ann (Walters) Shearer were natives of Ohio. They moved to Indiana, and about 1855 came They subsequently moved to Madison to Mercer county, Illinois. county, Iowa, where they died. Their family numbered thirteen children: James (dead), Nicholas, Jeremiah, Francis M., "William D., Hugh P., Lucinda, Mary E., Martha, Melissa, John, Noah. Francis M. served in the late war in the 102d 111. "Vol. and died of measles at Fort Donelson. Hugh P. and William D. enlisted in the 36th lU. Vol., and died of measles at Kaleigh, Missouri. Nicholas was raised on the farm in 1851 he came to Illinois here he worked for Wm. Stephens and esquire Nevius. In 1852 he returned to Indiana, and September 7, 1852, was married to Elizabeth McPherren, daughter of James and Jane (Shaw) McPherren. She was born in Muskingum county, Ohio. Her father and five brothers served in the civil war. One, George, was killed at Stone river. After marriage Mr. Shearer returned to Mercer county. For three or four years he rented a farm he then bought forty acres and began farming his own land. He now has 160 acres free from debt, and has made it all himself He paid for the first forty acres by working by the month. He has four children living Sarah J., Margaret A,, Mary C-, and Fannie. John is dead. Beaed Chuech, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Mercer county, Illinois, December 20, 1842. His father, Thomas Church, was a native of Virginia. He moved to Wayne county, Indiana, in an early day. He married Rachel A. Beard, a relative of the Hon. John Beard, of Indiana. About 1835, or a little later, Mr. Church moved to Mercer county, Illinois, and lived a short time in Duncan township. He then moved to Eliza township, and finally to New Boston, where he died about 1857. He was well known and highly regarded. He owned, at his death, about 400 acres of land, indicative of his success as a farmer. His wife survived till 1881, when she joined the departed. Six children were bom to them John L., born in Indiana, and died in Mercer county. Those born here are Elizabeth, Hannah, Beard, Thomas, William W., and Rachel A. Beard is one of Mercer county's own children raised together with his home. A farmer, yet he spent Carolina, and
county, Illinois.
,
;
;
;
:
:
;
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
473
After this he bought a farm one year in Aledo as a grocery merchant. west of Aledo, but soon sold this and in 18Y7 bought in Ohio Grove township, where he
owns 200
acres well
improved
;
his
farm being the
i and N. E. J of S. W. J Sec. 11. He was married October 20, 1864, to Miss Mary E. McGfinnis, daughter of the Hon. John T. She was born October 25, 1846. They McGinnis, of Mercer county. have two children Everett W., born September 24, 1865; and Frank S.
E.
:
bom May
Mr. Church is republican in politics. MosES McIntiee was bom in county Donegal, parish of Ray, seven His father, Jeremiles southwest of Londonderry, Ireland, in 1830. miah Mclntire, was born in Ireland, and died about 1839 and his M.,
10, 1868.
;
mother, Sarah (Eoss), also a native of Ireland, died (1841) in Ireland.
They were of the Protestant faith, belonging to the Seeeder church. Jeremiah was a millwright by trade, but followed farming mostly. They were parents of nine children: James sailed for Quebec and probably died there from ship fever Mathew died in Ireland John B. died in Warren county, Illinois William is in Iowa Jeremiah died in Abington township, Mercer county Sarah (now Mrs. James Friell), and Moses. William was here about 1835, while the Indians were bad. Moses Mclntire emigrated from Ireland in 1848. He came to New York, where he became porter in Brooks' dry goods establishment then was engaged in a white-lead factory. In 1852 he came to Warren county, Illinois. Here he followed carpentering several years in part, and ran a threshing machine in threshing season. He bought 160 acres of land in Warren county. This he sold, and purchased in 1862 eighty acres, the S. f of N. E. J of Sec. 32, Ohio Grove townsnip. This farm he has well improved. He also has some timber. Mr. Mclntire was married, September 3, 1863, to Miss Matilda Watt, daughter of John and Jane Watt, of Pennsylvania. She was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1842. They have eight children living and two dead. Mr. and Mrs. Mclntire are connected with the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Mclntire is a republican. He has been postmaster of Duck Creek office since 1862. He takes an interest in school affairs and aU progressive movements for the county's ;
;
;
;
;
good.
John B. MoIntiee was born in county Donegal, Ireland, MannorCunningham parish, twelve miles from Londonc^rry, in 1816. He is one of the progressive Protestants of Irish blood. He was married to Eleanor McElheney, also a native of the same place. They sailed for America in 1847, settling on a farm near Brighton, Canada. In 1851 they moved to Warren county, Illinois, Sumner township, where they became land owners and are thrifty farmers. Both are members of the
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
474:
United Presbyterian church. In the family are six children living and dead: Sarah and Bessie, born in Ireland; Bessie died on the Moses died in Warren county, ocean, and Sarah died in Canada William J. Margaret, also Ellen, Minnie, and William J. Illinois Mclntire was born July 30, 1848, near Brighton, Canada. He lived at iive
;
;
;
home
till
about twenty-five years of age. When twenty-five years him eighty acres of land in "Ohio Grove township.
his father gave
old,
He
and bought 110 acres of the S. W. J of Sec. 28, paying has improved his place very much. He is naturally
sold his eighty
He
$4,500.
tools, doing his own carpenter work, blaeksmithing, etc. Mr. Mclntire was married, February 26, 1874, to Miss Bellzora She was bom in Mercer Bullock, daughter of William Bullock. The children are Guy, and Glenn. Yida county, October 28, 1853.
handy with
:
is
dead.
Jacob Guthrie (deceased) was a native of Greene county, PennsylHe came to Warren county, Illinois, in 1863, and the following year bought a farm of eighty acres in section 10, Ohio Grove township, Mercer county. He died October 7, 1871. He was justice of the His politics were demopeace and held other ofiices in Pennsylvania. In the family were eleven His wife died April 17, 1875. cratic. children. Noah H. Guthrie, the fifth child of the above, was bom in His life was spent on the farm tOl the Pennsylvania, March 6, 1842. war. September, 1861, he enlisted in his country's service, in company F, 7th reg. West Yirginia Yol. Inf under Lieut. -Col. Kelley and Capt. Ben. Morris. Mr. Guthrie fought in eleven battles, the chief of which were Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bull Run, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court-House. At the lastnamed battle he. was shot in the right leg, necessitating the removal of vania.
,
He was six months at Chester (Pa.) hospital. December 17, 1864. Leaving the hospital, he came
eight inches of the tibia.
He was
discharged
Sunbeam, Mercer county,
direct to
Illinois, to his parents.
He
subse-
quently spent three years at the Soldiers' College, at Fulton, Elinois.
In 1870 he took the census of eight townships of Mercer county. In fall of 1870 he was elected sheriff of Mercer county, which office he filled two terms. In 1880 he took the census of Ohio Grove town-
the
ship. He is a republican. Mr. Guthrie was married July 4, 1870, to Miss Dehla Hardy, ^daughter of Ashford and Sophia Hardy. She was born in Mercer county, February 11, 1848. They have three
qhildren ful
:
Freddie,
farm of 240
Edmund, and Grace.
acres, well
Mr. Guthrie owns a
beauti-
improved.
William E. Yance, farmer, is a son of James and Sarah (Pearson) Yance, of Abington township, elsewhere noticed. William R. was
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
475
New Boston township, Mercer county, Illinois, September 20, He has spent all his time in Mercer county, except a short He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, in Iowa.
born in 1847.
time
when he bought a farm in Abington township. In 1876 he moved to Ohio Grove township, where he bought 160 acres of the N. W. J of He was married January 7, 1875, to Jennie Brown, section 27. She is a native daughter of John Brown, of Mercer county, Illinois. They have one child, Olive B. of this county. Samuel Speowl, farmer, was born in Kockbridge county, "Virginia, June 29, 1822, and is a son of William and Rebecca (Baker) Sprowl, Rebecca Baker's both natives of Virginia, and of Scotch descent. William and Rebecca Sprowl grandfather was a wealthy Londoner. moved to Fayette county, Ohio, about 1842, where she died about She was born March 17, 1782. William was born January 8, 1845. and died November
1775,
his son
He was
Samuel.
;
born March
Elizabeth,
1810
15,
Anna
;
bom
He
spent his aged years with
years a
14,
1803
;
:
member
of the United
William, born June 11,
Polly, born
March
7,
1806,
Rebecca, born October 21, 1807 John, born Martha, born May 27, 1812, died November 17, 1873 ;
died January 27, 1869
May
many
In the family were
Presbyterian church.
1801
17, 1872.
for
;
;
Sarah, born December 2, 1819, died 11, 1817 Samuel Christiana, born February 8, 1825. Samuel Sprowl was raised on the farm in Ohio, in the log cabin, the forest and the field. Many a day has he worked with ax to clear the land for crops. The school was three miles away, so that his advantages were very limited. In 1866 he emigrated to Illinois. He farmed a rented place one year. In 1856 he bought the S. E. J of section 22, at $12.50 per acre. This he has improved into a good farm. He now has 172 acres and house, and three lots in Aledo, where he lived for three years. He was married September 14, 1869, to Maggie Dixon, daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Shaw) Dix^n, both natives of Virginia. Her father died May 29, 1879. Mrs. Sprowl was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, September 9, 1848. She was in Virguiia during the late war, and witnessed both northern and southern armies frequently, and heard the roar of battle. Two brothers were in the battle of Gettysburg, and her youngest brother was a guard at Libby prison. Mr. Sprowl has three children: John W., Samuel B. P.,
January
4,
January
1874
;
;
;
and Olive L.
John Parks (deceased) was born in county Armagh, Ireland. He owned a small piece of land there, which he farmed. He was an Orangeman, and was engaged in the war of the Protestants against the Catholics.
He was
then married to Jane Brown, also a native of
476 that green
HISTORY OF MEECEE AUD HENDERSON COUNTIES. isle.
About 1848 they
sailed for America,
and made
their
In 1855 they moved to "Warren home in Adams years later to Mercer county, and settled the county, Illinois, and five Parks. He was a republican, casting place now owned by Alexander He died December 11, 1873, his first vote for John C. Fremont. His children are six John, James, leaving a wife who survives him. Samuel (dead), Alexander, Lizzie and Sarah. Samuel was a member of company G., ]02d HI. Vol., under Capt. WyCoff; contracted consumption in the army, and died after his discharge. Alexander was bom in Ireland, March 17, 1842. He has spent his life on the farm, and owns the old homestead, which he has improved. He was married to Miss Jane Murphy, also a native of Ireland. Their farm He and all his is the S. i of S. W. i of Sec. 32, T. 13 IST-., E. 3. county,
Ohio.
:
brothers are republicans.
David Milligan was born in "Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1806. His father, John Milligan, was bom in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1754, and his mother, Jane (Kincaid), in C!hester county, Pennsylvania, in 1764. John Milligan left Ireland August 6,
1790, and after thirteen weeks' voyage landed at I^ewcastle.
So
nearly did the provisions give out that each man's allowance was but
one pint of water and two tablespoonfuls of oat meal every twenty-four hours. "When they landed all were like skeletons and some ate till they died. John died August 2, 1839. His wife died in 1850. One son (Robert) served in the war of 1812. David Milligan was raised on the farm in Pennsylvania. He was married December 1, 1836, to Miss Rebecca RoUstin. She was born in "Washington county, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1818. Her father, James RoUstin, was from Ireland. Mr. Milligan remained in Pennsylvania till 1866, when he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, arriving October 19th. He had learned to farm among the rocks, so found land here easy to cultivate. He became the owner of 479 acres of land in sections 28, 13, and 3, Ohio
Grove township.
He
Thus he has aided His wife died October 19, 1880, leaving him to mourn the loss of a dear companion. She was a member of the United Presbyterian church for forty-four years. She was the mother of eight children Nancy, Jane (dead), John F., James R., "Warren (dead), Rebecca M., Rachel M. (dead), and Elizabeth E. Mr. Milligan is a republican. He used to be democrat, whig and antimason. He has been connected with the United Presbyterian church since 1836. He sent one son to the civil war when the boy was nineteen years old, viz., John F., who enlisted August 18, 1862, in company C, 22d Penn.Oav., under Capt. G. T. Work and Col. Higgins. built three different houses.
in adding wealth to Mercer county.
:
;
OHIO GROVE TOWNSHIP.
He
•
477
•
fought at Moorefield, Virginia, Fredericksburg, second battle of
"Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Laurel Hill,
He was
mishes.
discharged June
1,
Cedar Creek, and many
skir-
1865.
AiEXANDEK McBeide, farmer, was born near Belfast, Ireland, May His parents, William and Margery (McNeil), were natives county Down, Ireland. They owned a piece of the land known as
28, 1831.
of
the "land forever."
Failure on account of being surety for his brother
caused William McBride to emigrate to America, which he did about 1850, sailing
from Belfast
1861-.
years.
May 1st, and landing in county, Ohio. He
Muskingum
soon settled in
ISTew
York June
In Ireland he was grand master of the Orange society
He was
1st
died there June 11,
a quiet, inoffensive man, minding his
own
many
business,
and respected by the community. He is buried at Bloomfield, Ohio. There were eight children Jane, born in Ireland, Sarah (dead), Mary, They were of the Eliza A., Margery, Rachel, Nancy, and Alexander. :
Alexander (the fourth child) was general was married December 25, 1857, to Sarah J. Wilson, daughter of Hugh Wilson. She was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, September 10, 1830. Alexander McBride was a hundred-day man in the late war was in several skirmishes and at the battle of Hai-pef's Ferry, in company B, 160th Ohio home guards. February 4, 1867, he left Ohio for Mercer county, Illinois. He lived a while in Suez township. In 1871 he bought 160 acres, the N. W. J of Sec. 36, in Ohio Grove township^ on which he lives. He was pathmaster five years. He has a family of five children Hugh W., Mary L., William T., Samuel H., and David L. He always votes for republican principles. He and wife are members of the United PresUnited Presbyterian
manager of home
faith.
He
affairs.
;
:
byterian church.
James A. Kellogg was
November
bom
in Crawford county, Pennsylvania,
He
emigrated with his people to Bureau county, Illinois', in 1852, and in the following year his father purchased 160 acres of land now owned by H. N. Chandler. Here James was raised. His people moved to Abington township, where they now reside.
James its
23, 1848.
is fairly
advantages.
educated, having lived
He was
handy
to the school
married in 1873 to Miss
and enjoyed
Mary A. Vance,
daughter of James and Sarah Vance, now of Abington township. Mrs. Kellogg is a native of Mercer county. Mr. Kellogg farmed some time
In 1874 he occupied his present farm of eighty being the E. i of N. W. J, Sec. 28, Ohio Qrove township. Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg are members of the Presbyterian church. They have in Abington township. acres,
three children:
Wm. H. H.
Arthur
L.,
Frank E., and
Inis L.
Smith, farmer, a son of William Smith, noticed in the
:
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COtrNTIES.
478
history of Ohio Grove township,
county, Ohio.
He came
was
bom
July
2,
1840, in
Muskingum
with his people to Mercer county,
Illinois, in
His father dying William went to live with his cousin, George A. 'Smith, till ten years of age. He was then bound out to W. M. He enlisted Miller, with whom he staid till the war broke out. August 9, 1861, in company E, 9th 111. Vol. Inf., and took part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Atlanta; was taken sick and sent to Marietta, Georgia, and thence to Nashville, where he 1847.
remained
till
the spring of 1865.
He
then rejoined his
command
at
North Carolina. He then followed Johnston till the latter Mr. Smith then went to "Washington, and thence to surrendered. Louisville, Kentucky, and was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, Pocataligo,
July 25, 1865.
made
home
He
has since spent five years in the west.
In 1870 he
Mercer county. In 1881 he bought forty-eight acres Mr. Smith was considerably injured of land, and is now settled on it. He was married November 30, 1878, to in health in the war service. Nancy E., daughter of Stephen Noland. They have two children: Stephen A., and Lura M. Mr. Smith is entirely republican. John McGee was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. When five years old he accompanied his parents to Muskingum county, Ohio. He was there raised and educated. He married Miss Margaret Irwin. In 1852 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, settling for a time in Suez township. In 1869 he went to Iowa, then to Oregon, in the years 1874 and 1875. He returned to Iowa, and in the spring of 1881 he made his home in Kansas, with his son, David C. His wife died August 20, 1858, and is buried in the Candor graveyard. She was a member of the United Presbyterian church. In the family are seven children: Kichard H., D. C, B. W., Martha J. (died in Ohio), Harriet, Mary Ann, and Sarah E. Richard H. was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, July 12, 1834. He enlisted August 13, 1862, in company E, 102d 111. Vol. He was sergeant for ten months. He was mostly detailed at headquarters. He was at the battle of Nashville. His time was largely occupied in looking after the trains in the rear. He was discharged June 15, 1865, when he returned to Mercer county. His brother, D. C. McGee, was a member of company C, 50th 111. Vol., and was wounded severely at Altoona Pass. Also B. W. McGee spent a year in the service. Eichard H. was married February 14, 1860, to Jessie C. Spence, of Howard county, Missouri. They have four children Frank, Lizzie, John, and Clara. Robert C. Parkinson, farmer, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, his
November
in
16, 1837, and is the son of Edward and Margaret (Clements) Parkinson, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio.
OHIO GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
479
Mr. Parkinson's parents moved to Warren county, Illinois, in 1856, and in 1859 settled in Mercer county. Edward Parkinson died FebruHe was born April 1, 1791. His wife was born March ary 13, 1860.
September 9, 1866. He was in the war of 1812. His was an Englishman and his mother of Germany. Her father was a native of Ireland and her mother of America. Both are buried Kobert C. at the Porter graveyard in "Warren county, Illinois. 5,
1796, and died
father
remained with his parents tion except that afforded
till
He received but little educaHe was married June 25, 1863, Hammond and Louisa Webster. She
they died.
by the farm.
to Mariah Webster, daughter of was born in New York state February 28, 1840. After marriage Mi-. Parkinson secured 100 acres of section 28, which he now owns^ together He was for three years road commiswith the N. E. J of Sec. 28. sioner. They have had seven children, six of whom are living. Mrs. Webster's parents are noticed in connection with the sketch of Hammond Webster. Her mother, Mrs. Louisa Webster, after the death of
husband, was married October 12, 1845, to Joseph Robinson.
Mr. York, April 7, 1812. He left home when twenty-two years old, going to Weaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1834, and the same year to Quincy, Illinois. In 1842 he came to Mercer county. He has improved a good farm, and is now one of the county's oldest citizens. He has been school trustee and hjer
Eobinson was born in Alleghany county,
New
road commissioner.
Lemuel Gustin, farmer, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Diltz) Guswas born July 29, 1823. His parents settled in Madison county, Indiana, about 1845, and there died. Lemuel was raised on the farm and inured to all the toils and pleasures incident thereto. He is the oldest of eight children. In 1847 he was married to Catharine ISToland, daughter of Stephen Nolan d. Her father, Stephen Noland, was born in 1801, and raised in Kentucky near Cumberland mountain. He moved in a very early day to Wayne county, Indiana, where he lived on the twelve mile purchase when the Indians were bad. He was on the frontier in the war of 1812, and lived partly in a fort or blockhouse, traded with the Indians, etc. There is a stream in Indiana called Noland's fork, the name deriving from the Nolands. Mr. Noland and wife, Nancy E. (Adams), a native of Ohio, lived in Madison county, Indiana, from 1823 to 1856, when they settled in Mercer county, HHnois. Mrs. Noland died July 20, 1877. In 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Gustin came with the Nolands to Mercer county, Illinois, settling tin,
for a time in Eliza
section 2,
township. In 1868 they purchased sixty acres in Ohio Grove township, and have lived on it since. Mr. Gustin
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
480
He
justice of the peace
been
lias
he has been school director
;
six years.
has six children living and two dead. James Feather, farmer and stock raiser,
is a son of Jacob and Jacob Feather spoke the German tongue, his father being a native of Germany, who emigrated early and fought Jacob in the revolution his wife receiving a pension for his services. His wife is living at an advanced died about 1851 in West "Virginia.
Mary
(Siggens) Feather.
;
age.
The family
are:
Susan,
Mary
(dead),
Ezekiel (dead), Jane,
James, Sarah E., Sophia (dead). James, the subject of these notes, was born in West Virginia, October 17, 1839. There he was reared In 1856, in the country and educated in the schools of his day. he made his home in Iowa remaining there three years. He worked ;
around by the month in Warren county, tile
business in
Monmouth
four years.
Illinois
;
was in the mercan-
In 1868 he went to Missouri.
In the meantime he owned the store at Sunbeam for two years. In 1869 he located permanently in Mercer county. Mr. Feather was first married, December 7, 1865, to Miss Martha C. Hayes, daughter of the She died in 1874. Mr. Feather was next late Judge Wm. M. Hayes. married December 26, 1878, to Katy M. Gourley, daughter of Robert Gourley. She is a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Feather has one child by his first wife, Aurie L. Elijah Forsyth, son of William and Eleanor Forsyth, was bom August 6, 1810, in Indiana county, Pennsylvania. When he was four years of age his parents settled in Ohio. There Elijah was educated in the common schools and became a schoolmaster at the age of nineteen years, teaching twenty-two years in Ohio. He was married in Muskingum county, to Ann Dawson, daughter of Thomas and Catharine Dawson, and a native of Ohio. In 1855, Mr. Forsyth emigrated overland to Mercer county, bringing his family of seven children John, William, Elijah Jr. David, Mary, Eleanor, and Nancy J. He settled on the S. ^ of S. E. ^ Sec. 7, Ohio Grove township, which he purchased. He has since added some timber. For eighteen years he has taught, part of each year, in Mercer county. Reference to the- official table will show his interest in public affairs and the trust placed in him by the people. He has been an elder in the United Presbyterian church for over twenty years. His father was a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia was in the war of 1812 died in Ohio in 1827. His mother died in 1835. Mr. Forsyth's son, John, was a member of the 102d :
,
;
;
reg. HI. Vol. in the civil war,
company. of sickness.
He
and was promoted captain of a colored when he was discharged on account
served two years
MEECEE COUNTY POOE FAEM AND INFIEMAEY.
481
MEECER COUNTY POOE FAEM AND INFIEMAEY. CONTRIBUTED BY
Among
L. B.
DOUGHTY.
the public institutions of the county, the
Poor Farm and
Infirmary are specially worthy of mention, for they are a standing
monument, evincing the practical generosity of our citizens. But in our search for material for this chapter, we have found the records so vague, incomplete and unsatisfactory, that we almost despaired of finding suflSeient data to make our history of this institution complete or interesting.
From William Wilmerton, Tyler McWhorter, of Mercer, facts,
which will help us
to,
in
Esq., of Preemption
we have
obtained
some measure,
fill
township, and
some
the gaps
interesting
we
find in
the public records.
For years after the organization of our county, those unable to and whose families or friends were unable to sup-
support themselves,
were cared for by the overseers of the poor of the several who were appointed by the county commissioners. Sometimes they were kept by contract sometimes they did what they could for. themselves, and were partially provided for by the overseers. In many cases merchants provided them with the necessaries of life, taking their chances of having the bills allowed by the board. In all cases the county was expected to pay the bills for their maintenance, whether kept on contract, furnished by order of the overseer, or port them,
townships,
;
.
through pity (or cupidity) of the merchant.
At each recurring session of the commissioners' court, pauper bills number and grew in magnitude, and more and more care was necessary, and was exercised, to sift out and pay only those which were for the necessaries of life, cutting ofif and rejecting any and all which bear the least taint of suspicion. For instance, some bills presented would, perhaps, show that sugar enough had been furnished to a pauper in three months' time, to have lasted him or hiis family, for a year, and this would raise a suspicion in the minds of the commissioners, that perhaps something else than sugar had been furnished an article for which it was known payment would be refused. Investigation would follow, which would generally result in the rejection of
increased in
—
a part of the
bill.
We
do not wish to make any invidious references, but esquire Wilmerton related a story to us, the other day, which comes to our
mind in recording the above. Some years ago he received a large number of bills fi-om a house in Rock Island, for collection, upon
HISTOEY OF MEECEK AND HENDEKSON COUNTIES.
482
parties living in
Pre-emption and adjoining townships.
particularly attracted his attention,
"headache medicine" hy the
owing
One
of these
to the frequent charges for
quart, half gallon
and gallon
;
this item
occurring with alarming regularity, showing each and every visit to
whom it was made. The was well acquainted with him, and had never known of his being subject to severe attacks of this disease, and his curiosity was aroused to know what this remedy was, and on his first visit to Eock The dealer Island he asked the maker of the bill to enlighten him. laughed, and for answer beckoned him into a back room and silently "Headache medicine " looked pointed to a barrel labeled "whisky." but like the " sugar " on the pauper bills, it looked better on the bills the city of the good old farmer against 'squire
;
suspicious.
Again, most of the adjoining counties had provided poor-houses, and refused longer to support indigent persons unless they would become inmates thereof; and while there were many who were not too proud to receive their entire subsistence from the county, there were few who would willingly "go to the poor-house," as they had a false Rather than go where they could idea that this course was degrading. not only be better cared for, but would have an opportunity to do what they could for their
own
maintenance, they prepared to emigrate to
some county not possessed of
this
bugbear, and not a few crossed the
borders into our county and soon became a county charge.
Jr.,
Under these circumstances, the commissioners in 1853 (E. Gilmore, county judge, and William Wilmerton and John Glancey, asso-
ciate
county justices of the peace), after
much
deliberation, decided to
purchase a farm for the county, upon which might be erected suitable Mr. Wilmerton soon found what he buildings for an infirmary. thought would be a suitable farm, and a special meeting of the commissioners was held at the court-house in Keithsburg, September 20,
record we can find relating to the subject of a meeting they ratified a provisional contract made by Mr. Wilmerton with John I. Clark and Gersham Yannatta, whereby •the latter sold to the county 110 acres of land lying in the S. i of Sec. 1863, which
poor-house.
33, T. 15,
is
the
At
and
first
this
in the
N. i of
Range 3, W. of the The consideration was $1,400,
Sec. 4, T. 14, both in
4th P.M., the latter being timber land.
and two orders were drawn at this meeting, for $700 each, in favor of Clark and Vannatta. The deed was made September 23, 1863, and acknowledged before W. A. Bridgford, J. P., of Millersburg, and was of recorded January 12, 1854, by T. B. Cabeen, Recorder, in Book Deeds, pages 307 and 308. March 8, 1854, the county farm was leased to Joseph G. Gilmore
M
y^^(y?^>-z,,^ /^fU
—
;
magistrate.
Aledo has ever been noted for the strong temperance views of its and since the spring of 1876 no saloon has been allowed within its limits. There is now in force an ordinance which prohibits the sale of spirituous liquors, even by druggists, for any purpose whatcitizens,
under restrictions so severe that none of the druggists have asked for a permit. It makes it a misdemeanor for a physician to soever, except
"except where good practice demands it," but fails to what "good practice" is. As a consequence, physicians prescripmust be taken to other towns if liquor is one of the ingredients.
prescribe liquor define tions
HISTOEY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
548
The Aledo cemetery the southeast.
A
is
part of
beautifully located, adjoining the town on it
was donated, and the
a few years purchased a large addition.
and
is
partially set to evergreens.
It is
Some very
village has within
kept in fine
fair condition
monuments mark
the resting place of departed friends. BUSINESS.
same stand in the grocery business H. Abercrombie has carried on the harness business most of the time since the town was started. H. R. Morrison has L. F. Jobusch has occupied the
for over twenty years.
J.
been continually in the furniture trade for twenty years or more. Samuel Marquis started the livery business at his present stand during the war. James Galloway & Son, started a grocery in 1869, and are the oldest firm in that business in town, in which there has been no change. C. S. Eichey and John Shafer have been longer in the dry goods trade than other firms in town, but each have belonged to two or three different firms. Fred. Davis still occupies the blacksmith shop he built over twenty-five years ago.
The banks,
as the
than a passing notice. in February, 1879, street,
moneyed institutions of the town, deserve more The first bank started was by BaUey & Byers,
in a frame building that then stood on Seventh
opposite and west of Button house, and was the onlj' one then
in the county.
In the
fall
of that year Judge E. Gilmore purchased
known as A. M. Byers & Co. In 1870, the large brick building on southeast corner of College avenue and Seventh street was erected, the corner room being fitted for a bank,
the interest of Bailey, and the firm was
and the remainder as business rooms. It is now occupied bj' the Aledo bank J. F. McBride and Mrs. A. M. Young on first floor, while the second is used as attorneys' oflices and masonic lodge room. In April, 1874, A. M. Byers sold his interest to John McIQnney, Sr., and agreed to do nothing in the banking busiuess for one year. At the end of the year he organized a joint stock company and started a bank known as A. M. Byers & Co.'s Farmers Bank, opening it in the brick building on northeast corner of Seventh street and College avenue, which was purchased and fitted up for that purpose. The capital is over sixty thousand dollars and cannot be increased or diminished until 1885. The stockholders are business men of Aledo and wealthy farmers scattered throughout the county, and the business is managed by A. M. Byers and a finance committee. A. M. Byers was born and brought up on a farm near Hanisburg, Pennsylvania, and commenced his business career as clerk in a general store. In 1855, when about twenty years of age, he decided to attend ;
MEEOEE TOWNSHIP.
•
549
commercial college, but finally changed his mind, and after visiting hicago and the west, he engaged in traveling for a wholesale grocery ouse in Goshen, Indiana.
The next year he clerked
riUiams, the pioneer merchant of Springfield, Illinois,
a store at Rushville, Illinois.
1
ome
Beardstown,
at
Illinois,
John and the next
for Col.
For the next few years he made
but spent
much
his
of his time in Eichard-
Nebraska, where he engaged largely in land speculations, some 2,000 acres of land on the Kansas and Nebraska owns ad purchased in 1858. During these years he made an of it some ne, )n county, still
stended trip south, visiting all of the southern States except Florida.
he was married to Miss May F. Tull, at Beardsa season of travel and sight-seeing, they settled 1 Adams county, Illinois, where Mr. B. engaged Extensively in farmig and dealing in live stock, until about the close of the war, when, in snnection with Thomas Bailey, of Camp Point, Illinois, he engaged in anking in that town, which is situated on the Chicago, Burlington and juincy railroad, twenty-five miles east of Quincy. This they conucted profitably until 1869, when they opened the Aledo bank, but 3on dissolved partnership, Mr. Bailey taking the Camp Point bank, Qd Mr. Byers remaining here and entering into partnership with E.
March
13, 1861,
and
)wn, Illinois,
after
rilmore.
Mr. Byers has been uniformly successful in his business enterrises D
and has found his ventures in Aledo highly satisfactory, so much when he sold out his interest in the Aledo bank, he decided to
that
mtinue
spending some months in search of thoroughly understands his business,
in the business here, after
more promising
location.
He
od has the entire confidence of the business community and of his
the bank. He owns a commodious and hand3me residence, the interior of which is a model of neatness and com380ciate stockholders in
a home in every sense of the word. His family consists of himself, wife,
)rt,
To
Idward.
nd she f
is
daughter Olive
and son
the daughter he has given every educational advantage,
a graduate of Monticello seminary.
a superior order
Her musical
and she ranks among the best in Aledo
talent is
as a pianist
od vocalist.
Upon
the organization of the Farmers' Bank, Capt. L. B.
Morey
with Mr. Byers in its management for the first two when, finding the business too confining, he retired. Capt. [orey was almost raised in Mercer county. distinction He served with iiring the war as a lieutenant in company A, 37th reg. 111. Vol. as associated
ears,
if, rising to the aft"
rank of captain.
of Gen. F. J. Hen-on, during
He was liis
for a long time
on the
operations in Arkansas and
550
HISTOEY OF MERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
Louisiana.
He
is
still
a resident of Aledo, and, in company with
engaged extensively in farming and stock raising. On the retirement of Capt. Morey from the bank, Mr. "William N. Graham was engaged as cashier, a position in which he is now serving his fifth year, during all of which time he has faithfully discharged his duties. Mr. Graham came to Aledo over twenty years ago, engaged in the plastering business for awhile with his brother H. P., taught school, clerked for Poage & Senter and Harvey Senter, was in the dry goods business with his brother George P. for awhile, with J. S. Paxton in the grocery business, and served one term as county treasurer, prior to entering the bank. He has always proven himself a good business man. Such is a brief history of the banking business in Aledo, so far as Mr. Byers has been connected with it. The Farmers' Bank is on a sound financial basis, has an ample capital, and is backed by men of wealth and influence. It is an institution that has added largely to the growth and prosperity of Aledo, and deserves what it has ever received, the support and patronage of the citizens of our count}'. The Aledo Bank is also one of the solid institutions of the county. Mr. John McKinney, Sr. bought the interest of A. M. Byers in April of 1874, and the firm name became McKinney, Gilmore & Co., the "Co." being L. C. Gilmore, son of the judge. This firm continued until April of the present year, when Mr. McKinney purchased the interest of the Gilmores, and associated with himself his son James, under the name of McKinney & Co. Mr. John E. Gilmore, who was for some years in the employ of the old firm, still occupies the teller's desk. The bank has an ample capital to meet all demands of its Martin Boyd,
is
,
patrons.
Mr. John McKinney, Sr., was one of the early business men of Oquawka, where he for many years conducted a large and eminently successful dry goods business. Tiring of this he retired, and for a number of years did a large business in loaning money in that place and vicinity. When he entered the Aledo Bank he purchased the fine residence of Judge John S. Thompson, and has transacted an extensive
way of loans, in addition to the regular banking busihaving much mor§ capital at his command than could be profitably used in the latter. In 1881 he erected a large brick building adjoining the bank prop-
business in the ness,
and known as McKinney block. It is one of the best arranged and most commodious business blocks in town, and the only one having a plate-glass front. One room is occupied by J. H. Eamsey with his fine jewelry stock, and O. A. "Wallen with boots and shoes. The erty
;
MEECEE TOWNSHIP.
551
used for the postoffice, having been built and arranged for The boxes, general delivery, etc., are equal to that special purpose. cities, and when fully completed the Aledo postlarge in those found and most conveniently arranged of any of the best one office will be
'other
is
John McKinney, Jr., is postmaster, and John, pride in making the room a credit to the pardonable takes a
Western
in
senior,
owner and
Illinois.
to the village.
The upper
floor of the building is divided
into commodious aud well arranged office rooms.
recently purchased the property adjoining the south, at
Mr. McKinney has bank building on the
and contemplates building a substantial brick building thereon
an early day.
The Aledo Bank enjoys the confidence and receives the patronage community at large, and is known to stand A 1 in the large commercial centers. Its business iS large and renumerative, and it reflects credit and adds dignity and standing to the town whose name James McKinney, tbe junior member of the firm, has for a it bears. number of years assisted his father in his loan and real estate business, and is well qualified, by education and training, for the position of cashier, which he now fills. Archie McKinney, a younger brother, has of the
young man of and read law with the firm of Pepper & Wil-
taken his place in the loan department. fine
The
latter is a
attainments, having received a thorough college training,
He
graduated with honor.
aud was last yeai' admitted to the bar. He has spent several months in Chicago where he expected to remain until recalled to take son,
.his
present position.
John
E. Gilmore is a grandson of Judge E. Gil-
more, and since the death of his father,
home with
He
his grandparents.
some years
ago,
made
his
has received a liberal education,
and has a thorough business training in the bank in which he is now engaged, and his connection therewith cannot fail to prove advantageous to the business. is
made of
The
safe
used
five plates of solid steel,
is
one of the best manufactured
with solid comers, built from the
outside inward, and is fire as well as burglar proof. It is provided with the Yale time lock, and the most approved combination locks on inner and outer doors. It weighs three tons, and stands in a fire proof vault of rock
and
safe,
and brick.
"With
unlimited security
as any in the state,
is
its
large capital,
and such perfect vault The safe is as good
offered to depositors.
and its equal cannot perhaps be found outside of Gilmore is also still connected with the bank. Few towns in our state can boast of two such banks, and the fact that there is business enough for both speaks well for the wealth and business enterprise of Aledo and Mercer county. Summing all up, Aledo well deserves the good name it bears among Chicago.
L. C.
—
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
562 all
; '
who know
of the business enterprise of her citizens.
The
latter are
enterprising, progressive and public spirited in an unusual degree.
Her
large and well filled with She can boast of more and better sideinviting and salable goods. in the state indeed, some of walks than any village of the same size the cities will not compare favorably with her in this regard. Her churches are numerous, large and well attended. Her public schools Her streets are weU lighted and well are among the best in the state. There are an unusually large number of fine residences and kept. She is surrounded by a wealthy and prosperous comfortable homes. farming community, and lies in the center of as rich and productive a section as can anywhere be found. While her past has been one o steady advancement, her future is promising there is scarcely a possibility, aad no probability of a loss of prestige, or a decline in weafth,
business houses are mostly of .brick
;
;
;
prosperity or business enterprise.
[For the compilation of the above sketch of Mercer township we are indebted to L. B. Doughty, Esq.^
Ed. J
THE ALEDO WEEKLY EECOED. Intimately associated with the history of Aledo is that of the "Record," established in 1857, the initial number appearing on July 14 of that year, by James H. Heed and Horace Bigelow, under the firm name of Reed & Bigelow. These gentlemen had been publisliing the Oquawka " Plain Dealer," but had sold the ofiice in May, 1857, to Magie & Mitchell. The material for the Record " office was pur-, chased in Chicago, shipped to Rock Island by rail, and thence transported to Aledo on wagons. '
'
Established during the heat of the canvass for the removal of the county seat from Keithsburg to Aledo, the " Record " heartily espoused the cause of
uted
its
native town,
much toward
efforts
and though the time was
short, contrib-
insuring the success which in August crowned the
of those interested in the removal.
H. Reed was a man of good education, a vigorous and aggressive writer, quick and keen at repartee, and an editor of rare abUity a good friend, but an untiring and relentless enemy in political contests. He was a man of fair business qualifications, but was not a J.
practical printer.
He
died in Monmouth,
Illinois.
Horace Bigelow served an apprenticeship at the printer's trade ta the office of the Oquawka "Spectator," imder Col. J. B. Patterson. In March, 1855, he purchased a one-half interest in the Oquawka "Plain Dealer," of F. A. Dallam, and was probably at that time the youngest publisher in the
state,
being but twenty years of age.
Dal-
MBECEE TOWNSHIP.
563
lam subsequently sold to Keed, and when the firm sold the office Mr. B. spent some time in the large job printing establishment of S. P. Bounds, in Chicago, increasing his knowledge of that branch of the He has the reputation of being a first-class business man, and art.
and energy, and careful and judicious managehome and a fair competence, owning a fine farm of 150 acres north of Aledo, adjoining the corporation, upon which he resides and which he works to advantage has by honest industry
ment, secured for himself and family a good
and
profit,
independent of his interest in the "Eecord "
office.
In June, 1857, the material arrived and the office was opened in a large double building on College avenue, almost directly opposite the building
now
occupied.
The other
half of the building
was occupied
Macy, as a dental room and drug-store, who afterward purmuch chased and remodeled the building only to lose it by fire. better building now stands on the old site. September 1, 1862, Mr. Keed retired from the firm, Mr. Bigelow He conducted the business alone for four purchasing his interest. years, employing Mr. John Porter as both typo and editor. September 1, 1866, Mr. Porter purchased a one-half interest, and the firm has since been known as Porter & Bigelow. John Porter, who has been political editor of the "Record" for twenty years, is perhaps one of the best read men, so far as the political history of our nation is concerned, to be found in western Illinois. His life has been almost passed in a printing office, he commencing to learn the trade January 4, 1834, in the office of the Richmond "Examiner," in Jeiferson county, Ohio, and he has stood at the case during all of these forty-eight years. He has always been a close student of political history, and possessing a memory which is almost phenomenal, he can readily call to mind men, measures and dates of the long ago which to others are but dim scraps of forgotten history. forcible writer, a wary, but not aggressive antagonist, he seeks no quarrel, but when assailed he patiently awaits his opportunity and then deals a strong and generally successful blow. by Dr.
S.
A
A
Established as a republican paper,
when
the republican party was
"Record" has remained ever loyal to the principles of the party, and has taken an active part in every campaign, whether national, state or county, and its utterences have b'een of no uncertain sound. It was one of the first newspapers to suggest the name of Abraham Lincoln as a candidate for the presidency, and one of his ia its infancy, the
most earnest supporters, not only during the canvass, but throughout his administration,
and
also for his re-election.
was loyal to the core, and
its
During the war
it
columns were the popular medium of
HISTORY OF MEECEK AKD HENDERSON COUNTIES.
554
communication between the Mercer boys in the army and their friends at home, it having a correspondent in nearly every regiment in which the county was represented. But while striking valiant blows for the union and for the cause of its party, it has kept itself singularly clear of what is termed "mud slinging ;" the rule having ever been to make no charges against opposing candidates that were not easily susceptible of proof, or at least believed to be so at the time of publication. Another rule of the office, and one strictly adhered to, is that no foreign advertising will be received for less than home patrons are Consequently but few "patent charged for same time and space. medicine " advertisements, and others of like nature have ever appeared in
its
columns.
1 873, L. B. Doughty was employed in the office as foreman and job printer, but having had considerable experience as a local wiiter, he was soon relieved of most of the work in the composing room, and for the past eight years has had charge of the local department of the
In
paper, which has constantly
grown
the comfortable figure of 1,300 weekly, and
The job department of the
and has been one which has reached
in popularity,
cause of a steady increase on the subscription
office is
list,
is still
growing.
deservedly popular, and
is lib-
commercial work. The circulation having grown beyond the capacity of the press which has done faithful duty for the past twenty-five years, a new CottreU press has recently been purchased. And now, after a quarter of a century the proprietors can boast that in all that time they have never missed an issue, have never used a "patent inside," and have never failed to appear promptly on time on publication day, except in a few instances when the paper was purposely held back for important news. As a prominent factor in the growth of village and county, as a popular means of promoting the educational interests, as well as a disseminater of reliable news, the "Record" has proven itself worthy of the high esteem in which it is held by those familiar with its pages and it has accomplished much for the moral as well as the temporal erally patronized, especially in the line of
;
interests of the county.
THE DEMOCRATIC PRESS IN ALEDO. Mercer county has been
politically a republican
county ever since
Issues have oeccasionally been made on men or measures by means of which republicans have been defeated, and democrats or other opponents have been elected by the people but these instances, however frequent, were still only excep-
the organization of that party.
;
Q)i::e^l^yC^e^
^^^I'-Tj^
MEROEE TOWNSHIP.
557
and the continued ascendency of the republican party has
tional,
been maintained and augmented greatly by the fact that as soon as the county seat was settled at Aledo, a party organ was promptly pro-
county bestowed on it, and the dominant party, slowly but surely educated
vided, the official patronage of the
people, especially of the to contribute to
the material support of their newspaper.
The democratic party, in the minority numerically and without men of capital, or hopes of official patronage, and destitute 'of ambitious leaders, made no attempt to establish a party organ for nearly a dozen years after.
In the
summer of
1866, circumstances conspired to
make
the time
newspaper in Aledo, something to the democrats of the county and those
favorable for starting a democratic
be
made a
rallying center for
displeased with the action of the majority in congress at that time.
President Lincoln had been assasinated the year before,
and vicebecoming acting president, projected an administrative policy to which a majority of his party in congress was opHostile feeling and action arose between the acting president posed. and the congress, and many removals and appointments to office were being made, favorable to the policy of the administration and generally favorable to the democrats. Appearances were that a change might be made in the political complexion of the whole country, and that, with the aid of what were called the liberal republicans, Mercer county even might be revolutionized. The reconstruction measures president Johnson,
were then being enacted. measures too radical,
whUe
if
Many
of the republicans thought these
not wholly unauthorized by the organic law,
the democrats, in addition, felt exasperated at the political dis-
advantage at which the party was placed
many southern states. One of these disaffected
by the disfranchisement of
so
Judge John S. Thompson, of was put up for congress against the repubKcan candidate. Gen. Harding. The district was then perhaps 200 mUes long, extending from Port Byron to Keokuk along the Mississippi river, and Charles Harris, of Oquawka, a straight democrat, had been able to be elected to congress not many years prior to this election. Hope was entertained of success under the leadership of Judge Thompson, and the democrats, in this sanguine mood of mind, some time in the month of August had an informal assembly of some of its more prominent members at the Barton house in Aledo, now the Button house. At this meeting it was determined to raise funds and start a democratic newspaper. The plan adopted was a stock company, bound by republicans.
Aledo, an able lawyer and shrewd organizer,
32
"
;;
fflSTOEY OF
558
MERCBE AND HENDERSON COnNTIES.
a simple personal agreement without articles of incorporation. The shares were $10, and each member of the company was entitled to as
many
A
votes for officers as he held shares.
considerrble
amount was subscribed
at this meeting,
and
three
or four papers were prepared and put into the hands of canvassers, by
means of which about $1,400 was
in a short time pledged.
Before the Barton house meeting closed its sittings and put its papers in hand, it was necessary to name the paper. Several titles
were proposed, of more or less partisan import but that fatal timidity and spirit of boundless concession that has so long been an element of weakness in the democratic party, prevailed on this occasion, and the proposed paper took the neutral meaningless title of "The Mercer County Press. J. A. J. Birdsall, a piquant, versatile writer, and good collector of local news, who had had some experience in publishing a democratic paper in Keithsburg, was chosen as editor and publisher and with $475, advanced by Hon. T. B. Cabeen, Birdsall went to Chicago and laid in a press and materials for printing the paper, taking some credit; and some time in the month of September the first number of the "Press" was issued. ;
;
payment of stock subscriptions ran in this way: pay to the publishers of 'The Mercer County Press' the sums set opposite our names, for the purpose of publishing a democratic paper in the county of Mercer and state of Dlinois, whenever called for, or in a reasonable timei" The "Press" was duly issued. The campaign was a spirited one, but lost to the democracy, and their earnest colleagues. After this collapse the spirit and enthusiasm of the Press company were rapidly cooled. The fatal clause in the compact giving "a reasonable" but indefinite time for payment of stock now began to show its turpitude not more than two-thirds of the stock was ever collected. T. B. Cabeen lost about $250 in money advanced to the "Press"; and T. S. Eobb and I. C. GUmore, and other liberal men who made advances from time to time to keep down expenses, had more or less of final loss. The stock subscribers were nearly all amply able to pay but from some
The pledge
"We,
for the
the undersigned, agree to
;
defect in the organization or energy in the conduct of affairs, no
forci-
means were ever employed to make collections. The subscriptions to the paper were taken up in the same hasty, loose manner that characterized the stock subscriptions. But few were pressed to pay on sight, and all were freely trusted; besides, many were scored down on the list without having been consulted or seen and as a natural and inevitable result, the establishment was soon ble
MEECEE TOWNSHIP. carrying an
immense delinquent
list,
and
559
suffering a large accumula-
and contingent expenses. untoward circumstances was the damaging knowledge that the Johnsonian policy was not to succeed. The reconstruction The acting president was measures went on without interruption. hemmed in on all sides by what was known as the "radicals." The tenure-of-oflBce act virtually took away from him the appointing power tion of
unpaid
Added
bills for labor, materials, rent,
to these
by denying him the right to make arbitrary removals. When the president's patronage was thus shorn off, his influence and prestige fell with it, and he was shortly after put on the defensive by articles of impeachment.
was only natural that many of the liberals should quietly slide and that the democracy, hopelessly defeated,
It
back to a more solid base
;
would experience more or less demoralization in their ranks. Mr. Birdsall, finding the pecuniary results of his labors unsatisfactory, after the
first
year,
gave way to a young
seems to be known, and
man named
who occupied
and with not very satisfactory
time,
Wilson, of
whom
little
the editorial chair but a short
results.
Some time
later in the
year 1867 David B. Waters, a former citizen of Williamsport, Penn-
Aledo, and a law partner of Hon. M. Harris, of Oquawka, took the management of the "Press." He was a man of fine abilities in many directions. In temperament he was nervous, and possibly a little too sanguine for a safe business man; and a little too radical for the political success of a minority sylvania, but then a resident of
Charles
He was, however, a fully reliable democrat, an able political and speaker, and a faithful worker for the cause he had espoused. His zeal for his own cause, and his abhorence of the supposed errors of his opponents, seemed to lead him sometimes into business and even social discriminations among those he came in contact with. The business up to about the beginning of the year 1868 had been done in a low, but roomy building that had been occupied' during and before the war by Mr. Edwards as a dry goods merchant. party.
writer
It stood
by
north of the Aledo house and on nearly the site
^. Edwards' ice-house
now
occupied
was afterward removed to Fifth street, on the south side, between Walnut street and College avenue, on the second floor of a frame building owned and then occupied by A. M. Byers with the flrst bank in Aledo. Here Mr. Waters completed his labors not long after April 1, 1869, when it was sold by the company to John G-eiger, of Aledo, for $800 who immediately added to I.
;
it
;
the materials,
which were barely
careftiUy-selected little
timely made,
suflBcient to issue the
newspaper, a
job office, at a cost of about $500.
This outlay,
would have avoided one great source of financial weak-
HISTORY OF MERCER AHD HENDERSON COUNTIES.
560
ness in the "Press," and with
The new withstanding
reverses might have kept have been ever since.
all its
least self-sustaining, as its successors
it
at
proprietor, recognizing the fact that the "Press," notits
able editorial management, had closed out a financial
and was virtually a pauper, believed that public cqnlidence could sooner be secured by starting a new paper, with a title more expressive of its character and objects and with this view he made no failure,
;
attempt to resurrect the shattered fortunes of the "Press," but April 13, 1869, issued the first number of "The Democratic Banner." The
few years that had now passed since the war, had begun to temper its ascerbities, and with the better feelings and better facilities the new venture received a fair share of remunerative business. It was conducted a while longer in Byer's building, and afterward a small frame building on College avenue, 18x36 feet in size, was purchased of Jacob Cool, the same that, with its open, red-trimmed front, is now used for a primary school to this place the office was removed, where it remained until some time in the autumn of 1872. ;
The "Banner" during
this
time held the leading principles and
and frequently found occasion from the new methods and policies propounded by platforms
sentiments of the old school democracy to dissent
and leaders of the times.
The
;
editor had, in 1872, voted alone in
the state convention, against a resolution favoring the nomination of
Horace Greeley.
And when
afterward the nomination was made by
the national convention, he denounced both the nomination and the
nominee, without reserve, as being
unfit,
whether viewed in the
light
of principle or of policy.
The nomination was, however, accepted
all
over the Union.
Here
in Mercer county, besides the remnant of liberal republicans that had
not returned to their old home, there was an informal, unorganized, intangible, but omnipresent little party, then sometimes known as grangers.
This fugitive gypsy body, as well as the
enthusiastic adherents to
Horace Greeley.
[Mistake
:
liberals,
were
grangers didn't
—
till spring of 1873. Eicker]. And by their ardent proffers of material, as well as moral support, 0. P. Ai-thur was induced to make purchase of the Banner " office, and he took possession early in July 1872. He was a young man but lately from the Monmouth
spring up
'
'
was a law student in the office of Bassett & energy and learning, and a good order of talent; and withal could give to the " great commoner " a consciencious sup-
College,
Connell.
and
at this time
He had
The "Banner" was still conducted as a democratic organ, and men and measures. The business was for awhile conducted at the little red front building, but was shortly after removed
port.
supported democratic
MEECEE TOWNSHIP. to
Seventh
street,
561
and afterward to Kichey Brother's old brick
build-
ing on Fifth street, east of the Aledo house. Some time after the defeat of Greeley at the approach of the depres-
greenback party began to materialize and besides many from each of the established parties, from one cause and another, arising mostly out of the pressure of the times, gave adherence and active support to the new party. The sion of 1873, the
;
the political gypsies of the counti-y,
"Banner" supported the movement with such vigor that the party promised at one time to become at least second in the county in point
About Dropping the word "Democratic," the title thereafter was "The Aledo Banner." By trenchant articles on the financial abuses of both parties, by public speeches and ingenuous enterprises for increasing his circulation, he brought its reading patronage at one time nearly, if not quite, up to that of the old established "Aledo Kecord." But reverses came, or rather culminated. Arthur was young and His dash and talent brought him admirwithout experience or capital. ers and even friends but only feeble and dilatory material support. Had he known the hollowness of proffered patronage he would never have been tempted into the uncertain field of party politics. He had not then read, with proper interpretation, the history and achievements of Col. Mulberry Sellers, or he. would not have leaned on the broken reeds that failed him when the hour of need came. The net earnings of the "Banner "office were, however, considei'able, and from his surplus Arthur added largely to the material of the establishment. But in his confidence he had married a wife and among the unseen calamities of all lives, it happened that his young wife shortly after took sick of a lingering and incurable disease. Personal distraction from business, and large continued expenses, deprived him of the means of a thorough prosecution of his work and on his invitation, about June 1, 1877, John Geiger was associated with him, and as an equal partner and editor-in-chief changed the paper once more to a straight democratic organ. Arthur's wife died in the ensuing winter; and about May 1, 1878, he sold his remaining half of the office to John Geiger, who again became sole bwner of the paper he had established nine years before. Arthur, after settling up his accounts and arranging his financial affairs, went to Colorado, where he has since held several important trusts and established himself in a very respectable of numbers.
this
Arthur was a leader of acknowledged influence.
time he changed slightly the
name
of the paper.
;
;
;
and
fairly lucrative
When building
the
law practice.
"Banner" returned
was purchased
for
it
to its original owner, a
commodious
on College avenue, where the paper was
;
rasTOEY OF meecee and hendeeson counties.
562
conducted to the end of its checkered life, which the reader will be pleased to listen briefly to. During the heated campaign of 1878 for some cause, never Mly declared, but generally understood here, Eev. P. F. "Warner, who had
made some
formerly
favorable acquaintances here as a preacher of the
Congregational church, came on several occasions and offered to buy out the " Banner " office and run it as an independent paper. Geiger
having bought the
now
office
only with a view of closing up
its
affairs
column for the use honorably, and campaign not yet closed on September democratic of the 20, 1878, He was a graduate of Tale Colthe new proprietor took the chair. wrote fine essays on Pie had considerable literary ability lege. the moral subjects for pulpit, and wrote with some theological and political topics so far he had made acquaintas force and elegance on unacquainted with the details But he was of newsance with them. paper making, and was obliged to trust much to employes. He was a good collector and financial manager, and while he held the democratic support turned over to him, the business was prosperous. But some time in the next year, either with a view of supplanting the " Record " office as an organ, or from some abnormal working of a political conscience, he gave up the independent position, and came sold to Mr. "Warner, reserving one ;
;
out a
fledged republican.
full
While
this
not wholly
number
movement gave pleasure
satisfied
with the "Kecord,"
of democratic supporters,
vrith in entirely
good
faith.
to it
some republicans
that were
gave displeasure to a great
who did not think themselves dealt many of these dropped out, while
Slowly
no material strength was drawm from the other political party. After the presidential campaign of 1880 had so far developed as to give the democrats hopes of can-ying the national election, John Geiger was again solicited to give the party a campaign newspaper. To this he assented, but the season was already advanced, and the enterprise would not admit of delay, nor of an expensive outfit. E. Russell had a neat little job office over "W. H. Holmes' hardware store on the avenue. To this was added the old press of the "WoodhuU enterprise, and a small collection of good material bought of one Remington, who had some time before conducted a little "snide" paper in the professed interest of the local republicans, but really for his bread and a few mure were obtained from L. F. Jobusch, Jr., who, then only
a
lad, after
experimenting a while with a toy press, started a sheet
"Democratic Press," which, however, deserves only to be mentioned as the visionary scheme of a boy, abandoned for want of called the
MEECEE TOWNSHIP. means
to sustain,
or ability to conduct
it.
563
He
has, 'however, since
on Carl
occupied an advantageous position of society editor
paper in Chicago. tliese
He
week
in July
months, for $1 per copy.
first
With
fragments added to Russell's job materials, the paper was started
about the second
up,
Pretzel's
a plausible and genial young man.
is
A
;
a seven-column
circulation of about
to
folio,
run six
600 was gathered
and the enterprise about paid the expenses, as expected. As the of January drew near, a strong wish from different parts of the
county was expressed that .the paper
now
so nearly established
and
be separated but that with the present basis we should go on and establish a permanent organ Other new materials were promptly for the party in Mercer county. purchased, and the paper which was called "The Aledo Democrat," was enlarged to an eight-column, and the first number issued in January, at the close of the campaign edition. About or near June 1, 1881, the proprietor of the "Democrat" associated with himself R. Russell and George M, Eames, two sober, industrious young men of Aledo, well skilled in newspaper and job printing and the new firm of Geiger, Russell & Eames bought out the old " Banner " materials from Mr. Warner, and adding them to the party so finely organized should not
;
;
"Democrat," moved
the other materials of the
all into
the
"Banner"
and the " Banner" then ended its singular career and disappeared, Mr. Warner, its last owner, making another venture in Habuilding,
vanna, Illinois.
Few newspapers in the world have had so singlar a history as the " Banner." It is doubtM whether ever before any political paper has gone the rounds, and alternately advocated the tenets of all parties and factions,
and repeated
its
original position,
and made the
entire cycle in
twelve years, and yet received liberal support in nearly all
its
tortuous
course.
and
further,
that a
It
proves that our people's minds are flexible
newspaper
is
valued more for
its
news and
;
intelligence
and
advertising facilities than for its political platform.
In the month of August, 1881, Mr. Russell, of the "Democrat," being ofiered an advantageous position at Kansas City, sold his inter-
and on the first of October so much was Mr. Eames as to make him an equal partner, and the firm name became Geiger & Eames. The paper is in a fairly prosperous condition is still democratic, but, as heretofore, liberal, and not trammeled by platforms or the opinions of leaders, and generally finds est to the senior pai-tner
;
transferred to
;
sufficient its
scope and liberty within the expansive and elastic folds of
alma mater.
mSTOEY OF MEECEE and HENDERSON COUNTIES.
564
ALEDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The
first
building
school taught in Aledo was
we cannot
learn.
by
J. E.
Harroim, but in what
This was during the winter of 1856-7.
In
the following winter Eev. Bigger opened a school in his residence, at the then south end of College avenue, and known as the Dr. Woods house.
It is
now
the property of E. L. Wolff, and has been thor-
oughly overhauled and refitted, and is occupied as a parsonage by Eev. Thomas Stephenson of the first Presbyterian church. In the spring of 1857, the new school-building, now the court-house, was occupied, and Frank Herdman was employed in the capacity of assistant. Mr. H. had no department under his charge, as in the graded system of the
present day, but occupied a recitation room, the classes leaving Mr. Bigger's
room
at stated hours for recitation.
We remember Frank as
a tine elocutionist, and that his methods of teaching were then far in
advance of the age. Mr. Bigger was a man of finished education, and proved himself a good and thorough teacher. During the two following winters the schools were taught by Mr. Baird and wife of New York. They were earnest Methodists, and made friends here, especially among the membership of that church. The next term was taught by Mr. Pinkerton, and Misses Morgan, HarJoseph McCoy, Mrs. A. M. ris and Shutledge, all of Pennsylvania. Young, and Miss Madden, the latter of Monmouth, taught in the winter of 1861-2. The two former still reside in Aledo.
many
During the next year we cannot learn who taught the school, except McCoy was principal. About this time a' new school building was contracted for and erected the one until then used having been refused by the school board, from the contractors or builders, on account of some alleged fault in its erection. It was taken by the proprietors of the town, and by them sold to the county at a nominal figure, and has ever since been used as a court-house. School opened in the new building, in block 55, and a part of the one now used, in the fall of 1863, with Mr. McKay Young, Wm. N. Graham, and Miss Eva Marquis as teachers. Mr. Young is the present police magistrate of Aledo, and Mr. Graham is cashier of the Farmers' Bank. The following year Sennit Kirk was principal and Miss Libbie Perkins was one of his assistants. James McMillen presided in 1865-6, assisted by Mr. Pardee, Mrs. Lizzie Porter, vdfe of John Porter, of the "Kecord," and Miss Nettie Smith. The latter resigned during the term and Anna McMillen filled the vacancy. During the latter year an addition was erected to the school-house, giving six large class rooms and one recitation room. The entire building is of frame, two low stories in height; arranged with some view to convenience but no attention that Mr.
;
MEKCER
565
'roWNSHIP.
In 1866-7, Mr. Pardee was by Mrs. Porter, Miss M. M. Burbank, now Mrs. Wilson, of Keene, New Hampshire, and Miss Emma Stevens, now J. E. Ilarroun was principal the Mrs. J. H. Abercrombie, of Aledo. was one of the leading educators of our county, Mr. H. following year. paid to securing a proper ventilation. principal, assisted
we
and as such,
give elsewhere a brief sketch of his
Mrs.
pertains to this history.
Mary Walker, Mrs.
Young, Misses M. M. Burbank,
The
were teachers in 1868-9.
David
Stevens, and
now
Mrs.
so far as
it
M.
Anna Maury,
Wm.
Bunting, of
In 1869-70, Sylvanus B. Atwater,
Nebraska.
City,
Emma
latter is
life,
Porter, Mrs. A.
now
of
Greene township, presided, assisted by Miss A. E. Frazier, now county superintendent of schools, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Young, Misses Eva and Jennie Marquis, and Ella Gailey.
0.
W. Sherman was
principal in
two terms, assisted by Mrs.' Young, and Misses Amanda and Tilla Frazier, Miss Burbank, and Miss Belle McCoy, now Mrs. W. L. Duncan, .both terms, and Miss Thornton the first term, or a part of Mr. Sherman was at that time a local preacher in the Methodist it. 1870, 1871-2,
church, but after his itineracy,
now
work
as a teacher ended here, he entered the
but has since severed his connection with the church and
is
a traveling evangelist.
A.
TJ.
Barler (now deceased), was principal for three terms, begin-
ning in the
fall
same as the
of 1872 and ending in the spring of 1875.
last
Assistants
year except that Miss Barcroft succeeded Miss Bur-
Second term Misses MoUie Walker, Ella Gailey, Edith Pruyn,
bank.
N. A. Campbell, 'Louisa Merryman and Mrs. Comfort were employed
Mrs. Comfort and Miss .Pruyn resigned early in the Marie Hebbard and Miss Olivia Pattison being employed
as assistants.
term. Miss
to fiU the vacancies.
Alex. Stephens, 1875, will
and
still
of Washington,
holds that position.
be found in a brief sketch of his
Iowa, was elected piincipal in
A full life,
aceoimt of his school work
hereto appended.
Blis assist-
Misses Ella Gailey, N. A. Campbell, Marie Hebbard, Blanche Kutledge, Tilla Frazier and Millie E. Keed, latter of ants the first year
Monmouth.
were
:
A new department was added to
the school this year, and
one was leased and fitted this a tax was author-
the school-building not being large enough, a small building about
block distant, on the east side of College avenue,
up
for
a school-room.
and
A
year or two prior to
purpose of building additional room, but until 1881, the citizens could never agree upon a location, although ized, levied
collected, for the
was submitted to them nearly every year. The increase of the enrollment from year to year rendered more departments and
the question
more room necessary, and the upper floor of a brick building south of
;
:
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COTFNTIES.
566
the railroad was leased and fitted up so that
it
could be used, but the
rooms were' poorly arranged, and were at the best but a poor excuse and make-shift for a village whose greatest pride is in her churches and her public schools. Assistants for the following years were
1876-7.—Miss N. A. Campbell, Marie Hebbard,
Gailey,
Emma
Blanche
Kutledge,
Crawford, Tilla
Erazier,
Ella
M.
Camilla
Eeed.
— 1878-9. — Misses
Same as above, except that Misses M. J. Thomas and Long took the places of Misses Rutledge and Erazier.
1877-8. Lettie
Cravsrford, Hebbard Waterman, and Mrs. T. H. Ennis. The latonly taught three monliis and was succeeded by Miss N. A.
Campbell, Rutledge, Gailey,
and Reed, and Mrs. M. ter
J.
Wilson. 1879-80.
—Misses
Zerie -Miller,
ler,
May
I.
Campbell, GaUey, Hebbard, Cora D. Harvey, Waterman, and Mrs. M. J. Taylor.
Allen, Mrs.
1880-81.—Mr. K. M. Whitham, Misses Campbell, Rutledge, MUErazier, Allen, Mrs. A. M. Hall, Mrs. Waterman. At the term of 1880-81, K. M. Whitham was employed as teacher
of the grammar department, a position he has since well filled, and which he will doubtless fill during the next term. He is a young man of more than average ability, and should he devote his life to the profession, would make a place for himself among the best educators of the land. He is utilizing his vacations by reading law in the office of L. D. Holmes, and this profession may prove more attractive than that of teaching.
In the
fall of 1881 the course of study was advanced to include German, geometry, trigonometry and book-keeping, and Miss Mary E. Turnbull, of Monmouth, was employed as teacher of these branches and assistant principal, a position which she was well quaUfied to fill and the duties of which she discharged in an eminently sat-
Latin,
isfactory
manner.
The teachers for the past term were Alex. Stephens, principal Miss Mary E. Turnbull, assistant K. M. Whitham, grammar department Miss Campbell, fourth intermediate Miss Rutledge, third intermediate Miss Zerie Miller, second intermediate Mrs. A. M. Hall, first intermediate and the Misses Mary I. Allen- and Tilhe Matthews, :
;
;
;
;
;
;
primary departments. Enrollment for school year 1881-2, 460. The school is fitted up with maps, globes and other apparatus a human skeleton and anar ;
tomical charts have been addecl recently, and also a collection of insects
and other zoological specimens.
MEECEE TOWNSHIP. The
first
students graduated were in the class of 1878,
the following
1879
Ketta Galloway, Pyles, "Will.
1880
:
Norma
Pepper,
Emma
Zerie Miller,
Mamie Cunningham. O. T. Moore, Lizzie Hause,
Ives,
Fred. Hollenback,
and were
Una Evans, Hilma
Sadie Eames, Clarence Fargo,
:
Lundblad, Leota Hause, :
567
L.
W. Thompson, Harvey
S.
H. Morrison, Cassie Thompson, Kittie Lynch.
Mattie Evans, Fannie Porter, Grace Pitts, Mable Pepper,
Kosa Wolff, Hulda Lundblad, Will McKenney, Lou. L. Walker, Horace Edwards. 1881 Louie Wright, Georgia Cole, Flora Harvey, Eda Hudson, :
Alma Bickett, Zoe McCoy, Logan StephJohn McKinney, Frank Edwards, Fred Strong, McKinney, ens, Eobert Frank Evans. Strong, Amos Cole, George above mentioned, is worthy Miller, one of the teachers Miss Zerie mention, she is a graduate of the school in which she has as of special position. The circumstances of her widowed so long held her present that an academic or collegiate course mother were such was entirely out of the question, but she early set to work to fiit herself for teaching, and by untiring labor and a happy tact in making the most of the advantages within her reach, she has attained a success beyond her Minnie Leet, Lizzie Porter,
brightest anticipations.
May
Miss
I.
Allen,
who
has taught one of the primary depart-
ments for the past three years, resides in Warren county, adjoining the
Mercer
line.
fitted in
Her education has been
nature
Ad
liberal,
and she She
disposition for the position.
playmate and companion of the
little
is
is
peculiarly
the friend,
ones under her charge, and has
won their hearts, but the esteem of their parents, and her have ever shown a marked and rapid degree of advancement. Misses Rutledge and Campbell have long held positions and have proven excellent teachers. Mrs. Hall has just closed her second term in a most satisfactory manner, while Miss Matthews, in her single term, not only
pupils
has well earned the esteem of the school patrons.
In 1881, by vote of the people, the directors were authorized to
borrow money to build additional school-buildings, to levy a tax to repay the same, and block 101, south of the railroad, was selected and purchased for a school
site.
an injunction though not sustained in the courts, de-
Dissatisfied parties procured
against building there, which,
layed the
work until too late to build last year. In the spring of this year (1882), a petition signed by over 200 of the voters of the district, was presented to the directors asking them to call an election to vote upon the question of rescinding the vote selecting block 101 as a school site, and authorizing the erection of a building large' enough to
HISTORY OF MEKOEE AUD HENDERSON COUNTIES.
568
accommodate the entire district, upon block 55, the present school The election was held, and both propositions carried by decisive site. Another election was held upon the question of purchasmajjorities. ing the east half of the block, but this was defeated. The directors are
now
receiving bids for the erection of a building of which the
from the plans and specifications, is a description, an extract from an article prepared by the vmter and published in the Aledo "Eecord" of July 5, 1882: The building is to be of brick, with stone foundation, 73 feet 10 inches by 65 feet 6 inches on the ground, with vestibule on east and west sides each 33 feet by 10 feet 5 inches, and on the south 19 feet by 6 feet 9 inches, the two former running to top of building, the' latter only to toj) of basement. In the basement will be two class-rooms, each 31 X 23 feet, with ceihng 10 feet 2 inches high two fuel and storage rooms, two large furnaces The first and second floors for heating, closets, halls, stairways, etc. will each contain four class-rooms, two 32 X 23 feet each and two 31 X23 feet each. The second floor will contain in addition a recitation room over north hall 15 X 17 feet, and principal's reception room and apparatus room over east hall. The ceilings on both floors will be 13 feet high. Separate doors, halls, stairways and closets are provided for boys and girls, two closets for the pupils and one for the teacher connected with each room. Ample ventilation of the most approved kind is provided for, in the shape of cold and foul air ducts. Doors and vrindows are to be stone capped. The halls are provided with huge folding or double doors, opening either out or in. large belfry and cupola, with iron coping on the rOof, completes the description. The specifications require the best of work and the use of the very best following, compiled
and
is
;
^
material. The floors are to be of southern yellow pine, of boards not more than 4 inches in width. Those of the two upper floors are to be
made
double, the inner one being covered with 1^ inches of mortar,
deadening the sound. The floors do not lie directly upon the joists, as in ordinary buildings the latter are crossed with furring two inches square, and the floors laid on these, lengthwise with the joists. The furnace rooms are to be floored and covered with brick. All rooms are to be provided with blackboards on two walls, to be made of slate from a Pennsylvania quarry, to be in slabs 7X4 feet in size and J inch in thickness, to be bedded in flush with plastering and just above the wainscoting. The specifications certainly call for the purpose of
;
one of the best arranged school-buildings in western Illinois, one community may well feel proud; just what the schools of Aledo deserve and what the district needs. for
of which any
MERCEE TOWNSHIP.
569
PEOF. ALEX. STEPHENS.
was born December 16, 1840, in PeiTj and was the second child of William L. and Margaret (Elliott) Stephens, and was reared on his father's farm until the age of fifteen years, when he commenced a course at tbe MarketHe ville academy in the summers and teaching during the winters. graduated in 1856, and for the next two years had charge of the mathThe
subject of this sketch
countj, Pennsylvania,
ematical department of that institution.
In 1859 he entered Bloomfield college, in the same county, and
completed the classical course in 1862.
He
then commenced the study
what he deemed good reasons, abandoned it at months, and in the fall of 1863 entered the State Normal
of medicine, but, for the end of six school,
where he spent a year in special training for a teacher. He when he emi-
taught at various points in his native state until 1872,
and accepted the pi-incipalship of the which he held until 1875, assisting also in the In the latter year he moved to conduct of the county Normal school. Aledo and took charge of the public schools as principal, a position he has held until the present time, and which he has been offered for the coming term. During his administration the standard improvement in the school has been greatly advanced, and it now ranks among the' best in the state has risen high in the favor of the people, and of his colaborers in the profession, and has secured a substantial and enduring reputation as an educator. He is of a genial, kindly disposition, earnest and thordligh in any work he undertakes, and a man calculated not only to make friends, but also to keep them. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Leonard. They have but one child, Logan, now in his sixteenth year. They have here a commodious and well furnished residence where they are ever pleased to meet any and all of their hosts of friends, and are never happier than
grated to "Washington, Iowa,
South
Ward
school,
;
in dispensing their hospitality.
The graduates of the school give to Prof. Stephens the utmost credit and veneration for his kindly direction and assistance during their school days,
and are ever warm in their expressions of gratitude and
appreciation.
is
The work accomplished by him in and for the Aledo public schools outhned in the following extract from a report of the last commence-
ment by the writer of this sketch, and published in the Aledo "Eecord" of May 24, 1882.
It speaks for itself: "For the school year of 1875 and 1876 the enrollment was 360 last year it was 470. During the first there were 5,679 days of absence, last year but 1,832; cases of tardiness first year 1,708, last year only 45; neither absent or' tardy ;
;
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AJSD HENDEESON COUNTIES.
570 first
year 12, last year 123
vancement the
;
over forty per cent failed to pass for adthan twenty per cent failed last year per
first lyear, less
;
cent of punctuality first year eighty,' last year ninety-nine and niaeiy-nine
one-hundredths.
We
do not believe that there
is
another school in the
show such a record as this last item. And punctuality means nine o'clock in the morning and one o'clock in the afternoon, state that can
not one or two minutes aftier these hours. There have now been fiftytwo certificates of graduation issued within the past five years. Of
now or have been teaching, and six from the county superintendent. The certificates are for the scientific course, which includes orthography, reading, penmanship, arithmetic, English grammar, geography, United those holding
hold
first
grade
them
sixteen are
certificates
States history, zoology, botany, natui'al philosophy, algebra, composition, civil
government, and word analysis.
We have good reasons to
be proud of our schools, proud of our principal, proud of his
assistants,
and proud of the graduates. We believe that the Aledo public equal, if they do not surpass any in the state." J.
•
E.
schools
HAEEOXnf.
Prominent among the educators of Mercer county was J. E. Harand he merits a place in our history. Joseph Elliott Harroun was bom in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. He removed when a young man to Galesburg, Illinois, and entered Lombard University, from whence he came to Mercer county, in 1853, teaching school at the Pryne school-housCwtwo miles east of New Boston, the winter of that year. In March, 1855, he married Miss Margaret A., daughter of William Willits, of New Boston township, afid removed to Wapello, Iowa, where he edited the "Wapello Intelligencer," for some, months.In the spring of 1856 he came back to Mercer county, locating in Aledo, where he erected the first building, in which he opened and kept the first boarding-house. He was the first postmaster of Aledo, and it is said that he carried the mail around in his roun,
hat.
He
year,
and held
was
taught the for
first
school in the village, in the winter of that
some years
the ofiice of
town clerk. In 1858 he and proved one of the
elected county superintendent of schools,
best and most efficient ofiicers that have ever filled that position. During his term of two years he visited every school district in the county, ninety in all, giving all the schools a personal supervision helping and advising the teachers ; making a suggestion here and there, but always in a kindly spirit, and with no air of dictation. He was the warm friend and supporter of the earnest teacher, but had little
patience with those
who
taught merely to "£11 in the time."
He
MEECEE TOWNSHIP.
571
and gave lectures, and was promi'riently connected He introduced the first with the county normals and institutes. orrery and telurian ever in the county, and carried them with him in He spoke his school visits, explaining their workings to each school. in an easy, happy manner, that won and held the attention of pupils. His methods and ideas were all new, and by some deemed peculiar but if so, it was only that they were in advance of the times, as they have since been adopted and made an integral part of our school He was one of the first system as relates to methods of teaching. teachers in the county to attempt to impart instruction orally, and also held institutes
;
insisted that his pupils
should study the meaning of their lesson,
rather than the words.
His term of service as superintendent was of great benefit to the and he is entitled to all the more credit for his labors when we remember that at that time there was no salary to the schools of the county,
office.
new farm he was opening and one-half miles southeast of Aledo, where he resided until During that time he taught school a part of the about two years ago. Freer's school-house, time, at Gingle's comers, Perryton township and in his home district, Mercer tovmship and at Sanbeam in all, In 1858 Mr. Harroun removed to a
three
;
;
nine terms.
;
In 1876 he taught in "New Boston.
While farming he paid considerable attention to the improvement making short-horn cattle a specialty, and his herd was frequently exhibited at our county fairs, where it always attracted attention. He was for years prominently connected with the agricultural board, serving as vice-president and secretary for six years. He took an active part in the removal of the fairs from Millersburg to Aledo, and in purchasing and fitting up the new grounds. In 1880 he received the appointment of clerk of the district court of Cassia county, Idaho Territory, and selling his farm he removed to Albion, in that country, where he stiU resides. He is now probate judge and deputy clerk of the district court of that county. He was a member of the 102d 111. Vol. Inf in the late war, enlisting as a private but soon rising to the rank of orderly sergeant, and being commissioned lieutenant of his company prior to the close of his term of service. He participated in the marches, engagements, and manifold trials incident to army life in connection with his of stock,
,
regiment.
He
the father of six children, viz.
is
:
Adella T., born Febniary
married February 22, 1876, to Sanford M. Huston ; now resides at Geneva, Nebraska. Dora C, bom July 30, 1858 married 12,
1856
;
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE AOT) HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
572
Govert H. Stephens, of Sunbeam, Mercer county, Lulu M., bom June 6, 1861 died July 14, where they still William Corwin, bom May 21, 1866 resides with 18Y8, in Aledo. died December his parents at Albion. Ada, born October 12, 1868 resides with her parents. Jessie A., born October 31, 1870 22, 1868. many warm friends yet ra Mr. Harroun and his family have Mrs. H. was raised here, and they still feel a deep this county. interest in all pertaining to their old home, and we doubt not will be
March
10, 1880, to
reside.
;
;
;
;
among
the most eager readers of this history.
THE SEAT OF By
JUSTICE.
the act of the legislature, of January 31, 1835, creating the
New Boston was designated as the "temporary and in 1837 an act was passed appointing William McMurtry, of Knox county; Thomas Spragins, of Jo Daviess; and John S. Stephenson, of Ogle, commissioners to select a permanent locacounty of Mercer, county seat";
tion.
They
selected Millersburg as the
site,
making
their report Sep-
tember 15, 1837, which was signed by the last two named. John and Sarah Miller donated the amount of land required by the act, making their deed therefor December 18, 1837. This decision was not satisfactory to the citizens of the west side of the county, and in 1839 they secured an act authorizing an election in April of that year, to vote for or against removing the county seat to New Boston, which, however, resulted in favor of retaining the "seat" at Millersburg.
Here a two-story frame courthouse was built, and a stone jail but was of little use in holding such prisoners as desired to gain their freedom, for they could, and frequently did, dig out the soft mortar and remove stones enough to gain a safe and easy egress. We remember when a boy of being shown a hole in the gable of the building through which a prisoner had recently made escape from "durance vile." To render the building more secure the county commissioners had it lined throughout with three-inch oak plank, held in place by ;
the latter
three-cornered studs in the angles, these being driven full of nails to
prevent their being cut into. Agitation was
was
secured,
who
still
kept up, and another board of commissioners
again decided in favor of Millersburg.
In 1847, however, another election was held, and resulted in 396 votes for Keithsburg, 340 for New Boston, and 210 for Millersburg, Keithsburg carrying off the prize.
Land was again donated, a substantial brick removed to the new loca-
court-house erected, and the county archives tion.
After the removal of the county seat from Millersburg, the
(S^:^/^:.££^6^ ^ I
^L
MERCEE TOWNSHIP. court-house, jail, public square,
575
and considerable adjoining land was
purchased by Mr. H. "W. Thornton, who still resides on the outskirts of the village, and to whom we are indebted for a portion of this The jail was torn down and the material put to other uses. history. The court-house was removed to a lot near the then center of the village, and has for many years been used as a wagonmaker's shop.
Keithsburg wore the laurels for nearly ten years, when another election was held, August 3, 1857, and by a vote of 1,479 to 549 the
remove the county seat to Aledo, which was situated Land and money almost in the center of the rapidly growing county. ready for the reception of the officers were donated, a building was of removal was quickly accomplished. and the records, and the work For some time court was held in a building erected for a schoolhouse, but being unfit for that purpose, was sold to the county for It is not well a nominal sum for a court-house, and is still so used. adapted to the purpose, being illy-ventilated, and positively unhealthy, and the feeling is growing in the county that a new building is a necessity, and it will doubtless be erected at no distant day upon the block A commodious and substantial jail was donated for that purpose. erected in 1869, and a fire-proof building for the county offices in 1873. The latter, while perhaps a safe place to keep the records, is a very uncomfortable place to work in, either winter or summer, owing to poor ventilation. It stands upon Court-House square, and the jail is people decided to
in the block
The
immediately west of
it.
Keithsburg has become the property of the known as the Opera-house, it being fitted up with stage
old court-house at
town, and
is
and scenery.
CHURCHES.
—
The first organization of this church was November 10, 1856, in a school-house west of Aledo, which was at that time known as " the mile school-house." The ministers who presided over and perfected the organization were Rev. "Wm. Townley and Eev. John H. ISTevius. The officers who were then elected were elders, Messrs. Wm. W. McCandless and Edgar Allen trustees, deacon, Mr. Yanbuskirk Messrs. Simon Macy, John McKee, and John S. Thompson. This congi-egation for some time after its organization, worshiped in the same old school-house, and after leaving it, occupied a room in Dr. Macy's drug store building, which was used for a private school, and Presbyteriam, Ohwrch.
eifected
:
;
which stood upon the lot Strother. 33
now
Some time about
;
occupied by the residence of Mrs. Jane
the year 1857, they worshiped in another
HISTORY OF MEECEE AJSD HENDBESON COUNTIES.
576
school-room, where Dr.
Townley taught a
select or private
school.
now
occupied as a dwelling hy F. A. HoUenheck, in Services were held in the above room until the west part of Aledo. 1865, when the congregation fitted up the chapel room of a col-
The same house
is
'
and which was This room was occupied by them as a place of worship until 1871, from which time, until the building they now occupy was finished, they worshiped in the lege that
was under the care
of the Presbytery,
situated in the south part of the town.
The first pastor of the church house of the Methodist brethren. was Eev. Samuel Linn, who continued in charge until the spring of by Rev. W. "W. Williams, for1861, when he was succeeded merly of Ohio. It was during the pastorate of Mr. Williams the chapel
room spoken
of before
was
up for worship, and the prosand the means of advancement
fitted
perity of the congregation at that time,
and growth, were largely due to the energy of Thos. Candor, familiarly as "Father Candor," a man of untiring zeal and christian Mr. Williams remained in charge of the devotion he died in 1871. congregation till the fall of 1866, wheii he was succeeded by Rev. John S. Loots, who remained nearly three years, when he resigned, was released by the Presbytery, and was succeeded by Rev. F. A. Shearer Dr. Shearer was succeeded by Rev. in the winter of 1868 and 1869. Samuel T. Davis, in 1875, who remained about two years and was succeeded by Rev. Robt. Edgar, who remained with the congregation about three years, when, by his own request, he was released by the Presbytery. The congregation is large and in a prosperous condition. They have a large and handsome place of worship, which cost about There are only two surviving members of the original organ$6,000. ization, Mrs. Amanda M. Macy and Mrs. Martha DetwUer. United Presbyterian Church. In the year 1853 or 1854, Rev. Matthew Bigger preached occasionally to a few members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church, living in Millersburg township, Mercer county, Illinois. Services were generally held at the house of Samuel Carnahan, and sometimes in a school-house near his place. An organization was effected in the year 1855 by the election of Samuel Carnahan, Sr., and William Haverhill, as ruling elders. The first pastor was the Rev. D. C. Cochran, who was iustaDed Nov. 9, 1856, and continued with the congregation as pastor for about two years. The records show that five persons were received into membership by certificate during the first pastorate. In the year 1866 the village of Aledo was laid out, and the name of the congregation was soon changed from "Millersburg" to that of "Aledo." Near the time that the' first pastor was released, the Rev. Matthew Bigger,
known
;
—
MEEOEE TOWNSHIP.
577 I
pastor of
Pope creek congregation, now Sunbeam, removed
to
Aledo
with his family, and preached "statedly" as supply to the Aledo conDuring his labors the Sabbath school was organized and gregation.
W. D. Henderson was
the
first
superintendent.
John S. Paxton and "W. D. Henderson were installed as ruling Mrs. Warwick, wife of J. M. "Warwick, elders February 12, 1859. was the first person received into the Aledo congregation, upon profession of faith,
and her children the
first
Rev. Matthew Bigger entered the lion as chaplain
of the 60th reg.
111.
baptised.
army during Vol. Inf.
the
war of the
rebel-
After the close of the
war he entered the active work of the ministry, in which he continued December, 1873. The second
tiE his death at Bushnell, Illinois, in
pastor
was Rev.
J.
R. McCallister,
who was
installed in
December^
1862.
Shortly after the above date a
new church
building was erected at a
to, and is now Swedish Lutheran church, of Aledo. December 10, 1867, Mr. McCallister was released from his pastorate by Presbytery. The third pastor was Rev. A. W. Clokey, who was installed December 22, 1868, and released by Presbytery June 11, 1872. The fourth and present pastor is Rev. T. B. TurnbuU, who was installed April 16, 1873. new church building was erected in 1876 it was completed for occupancy in the basement, the auditorium being unfinished, at a cost of $8,689.12, when, on June 25, 1877, a tornado passed over the village of Aledo, blowing the tower of the new church building over upon the roof of the church, carrying with it to the ground
cost of
This buUing was afterward sold
about $2,400.
in use by, the
A
;
about one-third of the
main
structure.
The work of
repairing
was
immediately begun, and was finished at a cost of about $2,200. The church building is the finest in the county, being of frame work after the gothic style,
and when completed and
finally fdrnished will cost
the congregation about $15,000.
The
actual
Sabbath school ston,
membership of the congregation is about 140. The is large, under the superintendency of Dr. D. R. John-
formerly medical missionary to Egypt.
at present
are:
elders,
Black, Joseph Wallace, W. iam B. Frew, J. F. Pyles. and out of debt.
Methodist Episcopal Ohmrch
by Rev.
The
officers
of the church
Frew, Alexander Rankin, Paul K. Fulton trustees, Thomas Love, WillThis church is in a flourishing condition, ^
Stewart
J.
;
—Was organized in the spring of 1857
Camden (now Milan) circuit. In was connected with Millersburg circuit, and D. A. Faulkenburg appointed as pastor. The subsequent appointments the
fall
J. Shelton,
then ti-aveling
of 1857 Aledo
HISTORY OF MEECER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
678
to the Millersburg ckcuit while
Aledo was connected with Millersburg
In 1858, L. P. Crouch in 1859, L. P. Crouch in 1860, B. E. Kaufman; in 1&61, J. D. Taylor; in 1862, J. D. Taylor; In 1865, Aledo in 1863, G. C. Woodruff; in 1864, J: D. Taylor.
were as follows
iirst
;
:
appears as an independent charge, with
;
M. D. Heckard
as pastor.
Since then the ai^pointments to Aledo have been as follows In 1866, A. P. Hull; 1867 and 1868, F. Smith; 1869, G. I. Bailey; 1870, :
1871, M. Spurlock; 1872, M. Spurlock; 1873, the same; Bowlin; 1875, the same; 1876 and 1877, W. M. Collins; 1874, 1878 and 1879, A. E. Morgan 1880, W. McPheeters 1881, J. G. Evans. In 1862, under the administration" of J. D. Taylor, the society pm-chased a half interest in the Free Presbyterian church, and in 1865 the Free Presbyterians sold their remaining interest in the building to the The society owns a good parsonage. The membership Methodists. now numbers 220, and the Aledo Methodist Episcopal church is, and has been for years the most prosperous Methodist church in the county. It is regarded as one of the most pleasant stations in the conferWhen the society was organized in 1857, J. P. McEwen was ence. The additional members were Mary McEwen, appointed leader. Mary M. Cool, Criss, Mr. Hawkins, Mrs. Hawkins, Elizabeth Baxter, Charles Moore, Mrs. Moore. Aledo Baptist Church. The first organization of this church in Aledo took place January 5, 1867, with twelve members constituting the congregation. The meeting was presided over by Rev. J. G. Post, who remained in charge of the congregation until October, 1867, when his term expired. The officers of the original organization were as follows: clerk, Chas. M. Kay; trustees, Wm. B. Grapnel, C. M. Kay, J. B. Taliafero, Moses White, Aaron P. Shafer, Robert H. Day, Aaron Patterson. Mr. Post was succeeded by Rev. Wm. Wliitehead, who was called by the congregation January 1, 1868, and remained in charge until January 19, 1869. On September 11, 1870, a call was extended to Rev. D. G. Zook, who took charge of the congregation and remained until August 2, 1873, when he resigned. Mr. Zook was succeeded by Rev. O. W. Yan Osdel, who was called December 4, 1875, and remained till October 30, 1878, when he resigned and was released March 31, 1880. call was extended to Rev. M. D. Murdock, who accepted and remained with the congregation till January ••6, 1881, when the present pastor. Rev. J. T. Hoye, was called. For some years prior to 1874 the congregation worshiped in private houses, holding covenant and prayer meetings. About this year steps were
G.
I.
Bailey
M.
;
C.
;
;
:
—
^
A
taken leading to the erection of the handsome place of worship they (which was dedicated December 5, 1876), at a cost of
now occupy
MERCER about $3,500.
who
Much
credit is
579
'rOWNSI-IIP.
due
to a
few members of
means
famished a great part of the
this church,
As
the
upon the few.
In
for the building.
church was comparatively poor, the burden
fell
1877 the congregation also built a fine parsonage, at a cost of about The congregation now numbers about eighty-five members. $1,500.
and interesting, and is superintended by the members of the congregation only four remain. Of pastor. ^Was organized February 15, 1869. The Congregational Church trustees, John S. Thompson, officers of the original organization were Horace E. Wright, and P. Roberts clerk and treasurer, M. S. Boice. They built a house of worship, which was dedicated July 3, 1870, and Eev. P. F. Warner was the first pastor, who concost about $4,500. tinued in charge till the fall of 1872. The congregation was then without a pastor till the year 1874, when Rev. Robert Nurse was called and presided over the church till September, 1877. The congregation The sabbath school
is
large
the original
—
:
;
was again without a pastor, having only occasional supplies, till April, 1880, when the Rev. W. E. Smith was called, and who continued in charge until January
1,
1882,
when he accepted a call from the First The present officers of the
Congregational church of Canton, Illinois.
Joseph McCoy, Joseph Abercrombie and James H. Woods and Wm. Pinkerton; treasurer, Wm. A. Lorimer; secretary and superintendent of sabbath school, Miss Laura McCoy chorister, A. M. Woods organist. Miss Aggie McCoy. Swedish Lutheran Church—Was organized May 19, 1873, the Rev. A. Andreen presiding. There were about forty members who signed the church roll. The following officers were elected trustees, J. 0. Lundblad, P. Ringdall, Clias. Neiberg, and Samuel Andersen; deacons, C. Bjorkman, C. Runborn, John E. Swomsen, and O. G. Olsen. They were without a house of worship until March, 1877, when the old building 'of the United Presbyterian church was purchurch are
:
Connell;
deacons,
ti-ustees,
Robei't
;
;
:
removed to the lot owned by them in the and repaired and fitted up at a cost of about $2,000. The first pastor was the Rev. A. Andreen, who was succeeded in July, 1873, by Rev. Nils Fersander, who was succeeded by Rev. Andreen again, who had charge of the congregation for about a year. September 8, 1878, a call was issued to the Rev. T. H. Winguist, who took charge of the congregation in March, 1879, and is the present pastor.. The congregation has at present about eighty members, is out of debt and prospering. Sabbath school exercises are held in English every Sabbath, under the direction of Mr. A. G. Johnson, superinchased for $400, which they east part of town,
tendent.
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
580
Episcopal Church.
—This church was
first
organized by a few mem-
bers in 1870, and in the year 1878 was received under the care of the
The church since has so prospered that February of the present year (1882) it was organized as an independent congregation. The church is entirely out of debt, and have general church as a mission. in
a fine place of worsliip erected by the
members
at a cost of about
have been: Revs. Chamberlain, Brown, Gates, Allen, and the present rector. Rev. Farrar, in the order named.
The
$4,000.
rectors in charge since 1870
Day
Seventh
Adventists.
— Early in the year of 1869,
a Rev. R.
Andrews, a minister of this denomination, delivered a series of lectures in Aledo upon the doctrines of his church, continuing his He made a number services until some time in March of that year. of converts to his doctrine, though no organization was effected at
F.
A number
that time.
of the followers of his faith, however, banded
together, appointed a leader,
and
for nearly a year "met for regular
service ia the court-house.
Mr. Andrews came back after being absent about a year, and commenced operations six miles south of Aledo, and sent for Rev. Mr. Whitham, who had embraced adventism, to help him in the work. The two brethren labored in this locality for some time, when an organization was effected, the bi'ethren meeting in what is known as the "Marsh school-house." They held meetings regularly, with quite a large Sabbath-school as auxiliary,
Many members strength
;
within a few years
past. '
but the interest
organization
until
moved away, weakening its kept alive among the few, and the
of the organization have is still
is still intact.
Free Presbyterian church.
— There
is
necessity for such an organization ceased
now no when
such church.
slavery died.
It
The was
the outgrowth of that love of principle which burned in the hearts of
men who
loved liberty and morality, and its cardinal docwere founded upon the sternest ideas and principles of morality. As early as 1852 there were three organizations of this church in Mercer county one in the " Carnahan neighborhood.'' The place was commonly known as "Nigger ridge," on account of the number of abolitionists living in the neighborhood. Another organization was in .the "Kiddoo neighborhood," and the third at the McClure school-house. Messrs. Carnahan, McClure, and Kiddoo were the leaders in the movement in Mercer county, and are all now dead. There was a church built in the Carnahan district, and it is still standing, as is another church built at the same time in the Kiddoo district. These three congregations united and built a church in Aledo, those noble
trines as a church
;
MEECEE TOWNSHIP.
C
which time Eev. Joseph E. Wl a zealous christian man, h ham, After the union Ki preached to the three organizations in turn. pastor of the was the congregatipn until the close Pogue S. James oi-ganization was dissolved and the, church buildi the when wai', the about the year 1857, previous to at present living
sold to the
east of Aledo,
Methodist Episcopal church, the members uniting
w
various churches in Aledo.
SOCIETIES.
—
Aledo Lodge No. 2S2, A.F.A.M. The charter was granted un( James Hibbard, Grand Master of the State of lUinc
the signature of
and bears date of October 7, 1857. The charter members were TV iam M. Brown, Lucien B. Howe, Pleasant B. Mathews, Elisha Mill and Simeon Macy. The iirst officers of the lodge were as folio's
W.M.
"William M. Brown, S.W. P. B. Mathews, J.'V The lodge at that time met in the third story of buUding now owned by J. C. Richey, on the south side of Fifth strf The lodge was constituted, under the charter, by Deputy Grand Mas
Simeon Macy,
;
;
0. C. Allen, Sec.
Eice, of officers
Monmouth Lodge, October 10, 1857, when the above-nan installed. The first election of officers was held Dece
were
ber 14, 1858, which resulted in the following being chosen :'Sim(
Macy, "W.M.; Thomas Maddox, S.W.; G. A. Luvin, J.W. Bassett, Treas.
;
Elias Willets, Sec.
Elias "Willets
;
Isaac
was the secret
He received his demit from the lodge about 1862, when Warren county, where he practiced his profession, that of law, tiU about the year 1870, when he was appointed county judge, ffll an unexpired term, at the close of which he was elected to the sa office, which he held till his death in December, 1881. M. L. Ma till
1860.
moved
to
was the next secretary elected, who held the office for several ten when he was appointed tyler, which office he has continuously h under the successive administrations of the lodge until the pres time.
At
the election in December, 1862, "William
M. Brown
^
and Thomas Maddox, Sec. January, 1864, Simc Macy was again elected "W.M., and I. N. Bassett, Sec. The n change was in 1865, when Dr. W. D. Craig was elected "W.M., i James M. Macy, Sec. The successive annual elections resulted follows: December 18, 1866, J. M. Willson, W.M., J. M. Macy, S< December 10, 1867, J. M. Willson, "W.M., John C. "Wellion, S< December 22, 1868, L. L. Troy, "W.M., Geo. P. Graham, Sec; Dec( elected "W.M.,
ber 19, 1869, "W. D. Craig, "W.M., C. H. Smith, Sec; 1870,
1871,
December
John H. Snyder, W.M., M. L. Marsh, Sec; December J. M. Willson, W.M., B. F. Brock, Sec; December 10, 18
::
'
HISTOET OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNXrES.
582
Geo. p. Graham, W.M., James L. Bentley, Sec; December 30, 1873, Geo. P. Graham, "W.M., M. L. Marsh, Sec; December 15, 1874, D. F. Brock, W.M., A. B. McCandless, Sec; December 7, 1875,
Luke Strong, Sec; December 26, 1876, M. Willson, W.M., Joseph Boyd, Sec; December 18, 1877, J. M. Willson, W.M., Alex. McArthur, Sec; since which election James M. Willson has held the office of W.M., and the same officer was secretary till the election of September 14, 1880, when Fred The present officers of the lodge are as follows Clark was elected. J. M. Willson, W.M.; E. E. Patrick, S.W.; Philip Killey, J.W.; Geo. P. Graham, W.M.,
J.
F. Clark, Sec; Alex. McArthur, Senior F. McBride, Treas. Deacon; K. M. Whitliam, Junior Deacon; A. E. Mead and Joseph Boyd, Stewards; M. L. Marsh, Tyler. The lodge now occupies a commodious and neat hall in the Aledo bank building. They are comfortably situated and in a very flourishing condition. In talking oyer the history of this organization some very pleasant memories are re\dved, not the least of which was the presentation in 1880 to Worshipful Master J. M. Willson, who had served the lodge for many J.
;
years as
principal officer,
its
declining years of
of a magnificent cane to support the
him who, "as a Master Mason, enjoys the happy
reflection of a well-spent life."
Aledo Lodge, I.O.O.F.
by
—This
lodge was instituted July
virtue of a charter issued under the seal of the
1,
1857,
Grand Lodge
of the
United States, bearing the signatures of Augustus C. Marsh, G.M., and Samuel Willard, G. S. The charter members were 0. C. AUen, John S. Moore, J. E. Harroun, Jacob Cool, and William Detwiler. :
The present Shiver,
officers of the
Y. G.;
lodge are: C.
S.
G. B. Morgan, Eec. Sec;
Bramkamp, N.G. Wm. M. L. Marsh, Per. Sec; ;
Lundblad, Treas.; C- T. Cunningham, G.Kep. Pinkerton, of Aledo, a member of this lodge, was the first member of the order initiated- in Mercer county; his initiation took J. 0.
J. S.
New
November, 1855. The lodge members, and net assets of $626.31 in the hands of the treasurer. They meet in Abercrombie hall. A. 0. U. W. ^A lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workingmen was instituted in Aledo, December 20, 1878, with twenty-five charter members. The officers of the original organization were as follows P.M.W., A. E. Morgan; M.W., Wm. N. Graham; F., James M. Macy; Overseer, Jas. A. Cummins; Eeceiver, J. L Edwards; Ee-
place in is
Boston Lodge,
ISTo.
188, in
in a flourishing condition, has forty-four
—
W. A. Lorimer; Financier, W. C. Galloway; Hindman I. Watch, A. E. McDonald 0. Watch, corder,
;
;
There has been only one death in the order since
its
Guide, D. T.
Ben. Warlow.
organization, that
MEECEE TOWNSHIP.
583
James M. Macy in January, 1882. There is a present membership of sixty-four, and the order is on a sound financial basis and is otherThe order meets every Thursday evening in Aber-wise prosperous. present ofiicer's are: P.M.W., S. M. Evans; The hall. crombie's F., James Bickets; Overseer, J. H. McPherLorimer; M.W., W. A. McDonald; A. K. Eeceiver, W. C. Galloway; Finanren; Kecorder, Guide, McDonald Jas. A. Cummins I. Watch, J. H. cier, R. J. Watch, Wm. Winders. Abercrombie 0. of
;
;
;
TOWNLEY'S TILE AND BEICK MANUFACTORY. by Mr. Townley in 1874, by his buj-ing from which he procures The clay for his tile he procures from soil a good article of brick clay. Since starting his works, Mr. Townley about a mile north of Aledo. has been making about TOO, 000 brick, and about 400,000 feet of tile per year. He finds a good market for his entire product from local trade, and is running his works to their full capacity. This enterprise was started
a block and a half of ground just east of town,
"
This Stratton
new
WEST END " CREAMERY, MILLERSBURG.
enterprise
& Lunn,
was projected
of Millersburg,
in !N^ovember, 1881,
who began making
by Messrs.
butter on a large
and readily finding a good market for their product, increased what they are at present. They run a churn of the capacity of 250 gallons by a four-horse power engine. They use the * common Settle cans of which they have in use 400, and have 500 more on the way from the manufacturer. Since starting the enterprise they have made on an average 100 pounds of butter per day, employing four men to gather cream. The proprietors now expect to run twelve scale,
their facilities to
or thirteen diiferent routes in gathering their cream, covering a scope of over twenty miles square. About the first of March they will put up two more vats for cream, which will' make their capacity 1,000 gal-
which time they expect to make 500 pounds of butter per day. good market for their butter in Chicago, and have recently had an offer from Pueblo, Colorado, for their entire product for the coming year. Messrs. Stratton & Lunn are thorough business men, lons, at
They
find a
and will doubtless
make
this enterprise a successful one.
BIOGRAPHICAL. Levi WiLLrrs (deceased),
is one of Mercer county's noblest dead. was full of good works which in his death stand out in bold rehef in honor to the doer. Mr. Willits was born May 31, 1808, in Pickaway county, Ohio, on a farm. His parents, William and Mary
His
life
HISTOET OF MEECEE JJSD HENDEE80N COtTNTIES.
684 Willits,
moved
froiia
Pennsylvania to Ohio and in
aiiter
years to Indi-
Levi spent his youth on the farm, enjoying but few school advantages, yet he early manifested peculiar mathematical ability. ana.
When
about of age he began the trades of carpentry and cabinet makwhich he followed some years. He was married December- 1, 1832, to Miss Clarinda Drury, daughter of Edward and Jane Drury, born in Wayne county, Indiana, July 20, 1811. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Willits resided in EaysviUe, Indiana, for four years, when it was decided to move to Illinois. Accordingly, in the fall of 1836, with Mrs. Willits became sick with the ox-team, the journey was begun. Arrived near Mud measles, having to keep her bed in the wagon. creek, not far from Blue river, the day being warm, the oxen seeing the water were uncontrollable by the driver and rushed toward the muddy eleniient. In their race the wagon was upset, precipitating Mrs. Willits, sick as she was, into mud and water, completely drenching her and piling the heavy goods on her. In extricating her she was further bruised. She was then taken on horseback by a passing •woman to a poor hovel and there treated as well as the circumstances would allow. The dirt and squalor of the hut could not be mentioned. As soon as able the party pushed on with their ox-team to Indianapolis, where they remained some time. While there Mrs. WilUts' sister was taken ill of the measles and died. They bui'ied her there in the bloom of her youth. It was then dicided to return to Wayne county for the winter, at least, which they did. In the following spring the journey was again undertaken. Mr. Willits purchased three cows and considerable young stock, one horse and the ox-team. Mr. Willits was to ride the horse and drive the cattle, while Mrs. Willits should drive the ing,
man hired for the purpose being sick. Mrs. W. rode the horse for a time which, becoming scared at the cattle whip the driver ox-team, the
jumped, throwing the rider, but causing no dangerous injury. Slowly and interi'uptedly was the journey made. The three cows and
carried,
much of th& young stock, were lost on the way. Arrived at New Boston, they found three or four log cabins and more Indians than white men. An old log cabin was occupied by them, necessitating, so dilapidated was it,
the hanging of bed clothes,
With
etc.,
over cracks and holes in the
walls.
the ox-team Mr. Willits hauled all the lumber he could get at
Millersburg and with
it built one small room for a dwelling, with a sort above for sleeping apartment for men employed. Below a bed and a trundle bed occupied one corner.' Across one corner was hung a sheet, partitioning off a little room for flour and smoke room.' Hired men slept up stairs and on the floor down stairs, while the "guid" couple occupied tlie bed. In that house was born the first
of
loft
MEECEB TOWNSHIP.
585
In that house court was held when New Boston was
child to the Willits.
and jury were boarded and lodged.
the county seat
and
The
served as seats and the floors were their beds.
beds, etc.,
the court
tliere
"W. did her cooking in a cabin near by.
Mrs.
The young cattle brought with
A
small them were slaughtered for food, a scarce article that year. brought with them, such groceries, as paints, stock of goods had been "With these merchandising was begun, which medicines, liquors, etc.
Wm. Drury was for years Mr. Soon Mr. Willits added to his home and with differThe frame is now owned by ent additions the house became large. Henry Denison. During these early days Mrs. Willits, to aid in fortune, did washing and ironing for the young men of that day also made A man and a woman had been hired to do the pants, vests, etc. baking for the trade, but they quitting, Mrs. Willits undertook it. She had an oven made, constructed of straw; shavings, mud, etc. and plastered with mud, then burned, as there were no brick. She paid for this from her own earnings. She also paid for her first cook stove by her own efibrts. Mr. Willits, two years after opening his store, declared he would sell no more liquors to his neighbors, making them drank, but would put in a supply of dry goods instead. He continued in trade many years. He also became engaged in merchandising in Millersburg a short time. He was extensively and many years engaged in the lumber business, trading in land, buy-
grew into a very lucrative business. Willits' partner.
;
,
ing grain,
packing pork,
buildings in
New
Boston.
contract building,
laymg out the town of Aledo Judge John
S.
;
number
of
here of his
of his founding, in connection with
Thompson, a college
for the Presbyterians
and one
the foundation of the latter being laid and material
for the Methodists,
ready, at his death
other buildings.
erecting a
It is unnecessary to speak
;
of his building the Barton hotel, and various
No
will be found in the history of Aledo. doubt his exposures to water in laying out the town at the time
he
did,
caused,
his sickness.
two of his
He
life.
All this
in
some
spent
He
degi'ee,
much of
the rheumatism that brought on his time in
Aledo the
home
New Boston
returned to his
in
last
year or
to entertain
and while there was taken ill. He recovered somewhat, but moving, about too much, he took a relapse, had a chill on- Thursday, and on the following Tuesday died of infiamatory rheumatism, friends,
March 2, 1858. On the following Friday evening a large concourse of people gathered at the court-house in Aledo and passed resolutions ol
him and admiration of his character. He was not a church member, yet was considered a good man. His house was always open to ministers and christians generally. The evening before his death respect for
:
HISTORY OF MEECEE
686
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
he called for a glass of water and holding it up, beautifully remarked "Before to-morrow morning I shall be drinking purer water than that." He died before morning. Pie was always interested in the educational
and general good of the people. In politics he had been a whig, but was a republican before he died. Five children had preceded him to One child of James Thompson, at its mother's the grave, all he had. It had died. Four children of Hardeath, had been taken to raise. riet Willits had also found a father and mother in the persons of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Willits. One died in her fourteenth year. The others were well educated and provided for in his will. Mr. Willits' good works live after him, but not as they would had he been spared to further prosecute his designs.
mind,
warm
Disease deprived the people of a noble His works cannot be individu-
heart and willing hands.
alized in the space allotted here.
John Geigee.
The
fi'osts
of sixty-eight winters have whitened the
mind and body he is still vigorous and capable. His maternal grandparents were German. His father's people were of South Carolina, but of German extraction. His father, John hair of Mr. Geiger, but in
Geiger, was born and raised in Martin sburg, Virginia, but became a
He became a soldier in the war of 1812. war closed he removed to the southern part of BedPennsylvania. Exposure and hardships incident to army
resident of Maryland.
Shortly after the ford county, life
brought on pleurisy, progressing with consumption, and terminat-
He was not a strong man at any His wife, Elizabeth Kable, sons and daughters, after remaining in Hancock, Maryland, a few years, settled in Marion county, Ohio, where she, her sons (but John) and one daughter, have since died. John Geiger was born in Williamsport', Maryland, January 15, 1814, while his father was yet fighting the British. He was quite young when his parents moved to Bedford county. There, on the Little Licking river, under the shadow of one of the high eastern ridges of the Allegheny mountains, he passed his youth till seventeen years of age. He says, in speaking of his school days "I^aturally studious and of a somewhat retentive memory, I led my friends and teachers to think me precocious. So I was unmercifully pushed deep into the intricate parts of arithmetic before twelve years old. But by the imperfect methods of teaching that prevailed at that time, I understood nothing of consequence beyond the operations of the ground rules." He further says: "Aided by some adverse circumstances, I escaped ing in death about 1825 or 1826. time.
:
further attendance at school until nineteen years of age."
young Geiger,
in
company with
his oldest sister
In 1831,
and her husband,
Daniel Linn, crossed the Allegheny mountains via the national
turn-
MEBOEE TOWNSHIP.
587
pike road to Ohio, assisting at times in caring for the
At
that time the
northwest and
wild and, thinly settled.
much
team or
driving.
of the interior of the state was
A new coimtry presented dreary prospects to
But the a lad seventeen years old, with naught of wealth to assist. He began to plan love and good counsel of his mother were free. •
He worked at whatever might offer, farming and do for himself. Means principally, although alternated with work in the stone quarry. of transportation
motive power.
were meager, oxen furnishing the larger part of the
Wages were
low, so that
money making was
tedious.
He attended school part of His love for study continued unabated. two or three terms, near Caledonia, Ohio, finishing arithmetic' and grammar and geography. His study of was interspersed with perusal of such works as natural philosophy, chemistry, astronomy. Goldsmith's Greece and Rome, Walson's Institutes, Playfair's Euclid, Locke's Essay on the Human Understanding, Good's Book of Nature, Butler's Analogue, Watts on In 1836, after five years' labor and the Mind, and other solid reading. This he expended in a quarter economy, he had saved $200 in silver. section of heavily timbered congress land, in Whitley county, Indiana. During the ensuing winter he taught school in Huntington, remaining in the county one year, making improvements on his purchase. Land speculation at the date of his buying was at its height, but the crash
gaining a fair knowledge of school-books
of 1837 depreciated values leaving
much land
nearly worthless.
keeping his farm thirteen years and expending sold just before the rise in prices
much
labor on
After it,
he
caused by the railroad excitement.
where he was much emand in some four dififerent counties. Feeling the necessity, from experience, of some tables for computing taxes, he, in 1847, compiled and printed a small book of tables. This was sold almost exclusively in Mr. Geiger
still
made
his
home
in Ohio,
ployed as an accountant in auditors' offices for a series of years,
Ohio.
In 1854, he prepared a
much
fuller
work.
This being too
means he memorialized the Ohio legislature, an appropriation of $3,500, to enable him to publish his
expensive for his limited obtaining
work with dispatch, the state taking 300 copies in consideration of the The edition of 800 copies was sold mostly in Ohio,
appropriation.
Michigan and Minnesota. Mr. Geiger's work has embraced a few lectures, essays, poems, etc., some of which have appeared in the columns of the press. In politics he has been an imfaltering democrat through life. His first political activity was corresponding for Sam. Medary's "Ohio Statesman," in 1840, when he had the opportunity of seeing and hearing some of the greatest platform orators known to the public. In 1850 he became Indiana, Illinois, Missouri,
other hterary
HISTORY OF MERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
588
editor-in-charge of the
"Mount
time during the compromise
Gilead Messenger," continuing a short
and 1850, and Prosperity crowned
session of congress of 1849
the canvass for the Ohio the eiforts of the industrious, so that in 1852 Mr. Geiger was able to purchase 1,000 acres of land in Mercer county, Illinois, buying in a constitution of 1850.
Greene and Preemption townships, to which several hundred In 1854 he planted five or six miles acres were added in 1853. of osage orange fence, built plank fences, tenant houses, and made other improvements looking to its occupation as a grain and stock farm. May 27, 1858, he was married at Wabash, Indiana, to Mrs. Martha P. Aithur, widowed daughter of the late Judge Parish, of Columbus, With his wife and her two Ohio, a union that has ever been happy. children, O. P. Arthur and the present Mrs. James H. Connell, he moved to his Illinois farm in October of the same year. He earned on the grain and stock business till 1858, when he settled in Aledo. He still owns part of his farm. Since his residence in Aledo he has been successfully conducting the Aledo "Banner" and the Aledo "Democrat," some account of which appears in the history of Aledo. He also superintends his farm. Officially he has occupied a few local
body
in
positions, but has
more frequently declined than accepted opportunities Without intending any special laudation
as candidate for such honors.
but proper to say that Mr. Geiger's life has been one of success, and may teach to poor boys the lesson so often repeated, that even though poverty may be their lot in youth, they may, if willing to try, rise and become useful citizens. The Gilmoee Family. Among the few white families who constituted the first permanent settlers of Mercer county, and who have taken prominent and active parts in its history and development, is that of which Judge Ephraim Gilmore is a member. He and his father. Col. Robert Gilmore, arrived in Warren county as early as 1833, and the following year the judge moved into that part afterward set oflF as Mercer county. Mr. Gilmore was born February 7, 1810, hence was in full manhood when his career became blended with that of Mercer county. After a residence of two years in New Boston he settled at a point about half way between Aledo and New Boston, on a farm subsequently owned by the Hon. John McGinnis. Here he lived and labored from 1837 to 1871, when he changed his residence to Aledo and embarked in the banking business. November 4, 1834, he married Miss Julia Ann Denison, daughter of William and Rachel Denison, who were the first white settlers of the county. Miss Denison was the only single white lady of the county at the time of this marriage. Seven sons and two daughters have been bom to them:
it is
—
MEKOEE TOWNSHIP.
589
John A., James E., Edwin, Erastus E., Lyman and Mary. William and Mary are dead, Eobert is a resident of Johnson county, Missouri, and Annie E. (now Mrs. James John A. enlisted August 6,. 1861, Kiddoo) is of Rice county, Kansas. in company E, 9th reg. 111. Vol., and served three years and one month. His regiment was mostly recruited from St. Clair county, and John A. as a soldier was engaged at was commanded by Col. Paine. lie then became the first battle of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth. a mounted infantryman, and accompanied Sherman to Atlanta, but in the meantime aided in guarding the Memphis and Charleston railroad. He was mustered out at Springfield. March 22, 1865, he was married She died June 28, 1866, leaving one child to Miss Allie Pryme. He was next married February 17, 1870, to Miss Sarah (CharUe). McGinnis, whose parents (John T. and Margaret MeCinnis) are promJohn A. has spent many years on inent in Mercer county history. Robert N"., James E. and Edwin the farm, but is now in the bank. were in company K, ,102d reg. HI. Vol., which regiment is so fully noticed in the history. Robert was discharged on account of ill-health incurred in Buell's famous forced march. James and Edwin served through the war. Judge Gilmore's history is so intimate with that of the county that a review of the one includes that of the other. He was the first postmaster of New Boston, first circuit clerk and first surveyor of Mercer county, once probate judge, once county treasurer, and twice a member of the state legislature. During his official career his conduct was marked by a courtesy of manner, an honesty of action and a purity and patriotism of motive to such a degree that there is not now in the county a single man to be found who does not honor and" feel proud of his record and relations with his people. The Gilmore family are of Scotch-Irish descent. The ancestry came to the United States when they were dependent colonies, and were during the revolutionary war active patriots, Mr. Gilmore's grandfather, Ephraim Gilmore, being a continental soldier, who, after
William, Kobert N.,
C, Annie
E.,
the close of the war, continued to reside in Chester county, Pennsyl-
where he raised lour sons Robert, Ephraim, John and Thomas. Robert afterward served as captain in the war of 1812. He was twice
vania,
:
Miss Elizabeth Collins and then to Miss Maria Pilhe raised Ephraim (the subject of this sketch), John, Arabella, Ann, and Joseph; and by his second wife, James, Thomas, Elizabeth Rachel, Lawrence H., Benjamin F., and Robert C. The first marriage took place in Jefferson county, Ohio, and the second married, first to
grim.
By
his first wife
Columbus, he being at that time a member of the legisOhio from the same county. Immediately after coming to
in the city of lature of
HISTORY OF MERCER AND liENDERSON COUNTIES.
690
was elected one of the commissioners for two or theee terms. He died Monmouth. He was 75 years old and buried at was and about 1856, died in the fellowship of of chartw^.ter. He force of strong man was a
Warren
county, Illinois, he
this county, which position he held
the Presbyterian church.
Nicholas Edwards, farmer and lumber merchant, Aledo, is a native of Crawford county, Indiana, where he was bom October 23, His father, Isaac Edwards, died of small-pox before he can 1816. remember, and his mothei-, whose maiden name was Rachel Rice, married again. Mr. Edwards lived on the old homestead till 1834, when he engaged in flat-boating to New Orleans, working at first for $15 per month. In 1838 he quit the river, came to Illinois, and in the spring of 1839 settled at Henderson, Knox county, and merchandised In September, 1839, he attended the land sales at there until 1843. Galena, but being obliged by previous engagement to return before he made his purchase, he left his money with friends who bid oif for him the tracts he had selected, the same being the S. W. ^ Sec. 18 and the N. W. J Sec. 19, T. 14, R. 3, which land he still owns. Arriving home he celebrated his marriage with Miss Lydia Ann Edwards, of Hamilton county, Ohio, on the 6th of October. In 1843 he settled at the mouth of the Edwards river, below New Boston, where he ran a saw-mill in connection with William Willit, now of Keithsburg, and He was elected the same year Isaiah Brown, who died in California. At that time there was no voting to the office of justice of the peace. precinct at Keithsburg, and elections were held at what is at present known as Glancey's mills. The death of his wife in 1850 broke up his family; and the next to the oldest child, Sydnie Elizabeth, and the next to the youngest, Isaac Edward, were taken and raised by
their
William Edwards, of Hamilton county, Ohio. They still live in that state. The other children were Emily Frances, Rachel Elvira, John W. Mary Eliza, and Nancy Jane, both of which died in infancy. Immediately following this change in his domestic affairs, he went to trading on the river between Cincinnati and New Orleans, and was thus engaged for five years. In 1856 he returned to Mercer county, and from 1857 to 1860 lived in Aledo. Between the last date and 1869 his home was in Keithsburg and Oquawka, and the rest of the time until now in Aledo, where he has been carrying on trade in lumber. In politics Mr. Edwards is a republican. He was formerly a whig, and relates as an incident of the early political history of Keithsburg township that his party once held a primary meeting to elect delegates to the county convention, and that himself, William Willett and John McH. Wilson composed the attendants. Willett presided, Edwards uncle,
,
MEECEE TOWNSHIP.
593
and Wilson made the motions. The meeting was Mr. Edwards has for many years been a warm advocate of the temperance cause, and is at present directing his efforts and influence to assist in bringing about an entire prohibition of the manufacture and sale of spirituous, vinous and malt liquors.
acted as secretaiy,
decidedly harmonious.
Alexandek McAkthue, circuit clerk, Aledo, only child of AlexanAnn (McGregor) McArthur, was. born in Perthshire, Scotland, February 4, 1850. He came with his widowed mother to this coun-
der and
New York July 4, 1856. The following spring they where he has since resided. Mrs. McArthur, to whom our subject acknowledges with true filial gratitude that he owes all he is or may ever be, supported herself and her son until 1860, when he began to work out. From this date till 1870 he worked as a farm In 1871, hand, improving the winters by attending district school. he obtained employment in the store of McKinney & Lorimer, as bookIn the autumn of 1874, his old employer, Mr. keeper and salesman. Lorimer, being circuit clerk, he was taken into his ofiice as deputy. In January, 1876, the cl6rk resigned, and Mr. McArthur was appointed by the judge of the circuit court to fill the unexpired term of eleven months. In the fall of 1876, he was elected by the republicans to ocHe is a member of Aledo cupy the office, and in 1880, was re-elected. Lodge, No. 252, A.F.A.M., of Keithsburg Chapter, No. 17, and Everts Commandery, No. 18, of Kock Island. Isaac Dunlap, of the firm of Richey & Dunlap, Aledo, was bom in J'ennsylvania, May 12, 1836. His parents were Andrew and Jemima (Roby) Dunlap. In 1857, he came to Illinois, and after living one year in Knox county he made permanent settlement in Mercer. In June, 1861, he volunteered in Co. I, 17th 111. Inf., and fought his only battle at Fort Donelson where he lost his left leg by a six pound shell. The missile took off two men's heads before it lodged in his thigh. He was left six days in an old house on the battle-field after his leg was amputated, without care, in expectation that he would die. He recovered and was discharged in April, 1862. The shell is preserved in the museum of relics of the war in Washington, and this case is cited in the medical history of the rebellion. Mr. Dunlap was elected county treasurer in 1865, by the republican party, of which he is a staunch and zealous member, and discharged the duties of that position with credit and satisfaction six years. On January 23, 1866, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Tii-za A. Pinkerton. They are both communicants in the Methodist church. In 1874, Mr. Dunlap engaged in selling groceries with Sohn W. Dilley. Afterward he was alone in the same trade and next was out of business two years. In
try,
landing at
came
to Aledo,
]?![.
•
;
34
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
594
1877 he began dealing in boots and shoes in company with WiUiam Day the latter died the next year, and he closed out soon after. In September, 1879, he formed his present partnership with C. S. Eichey, Esq. in general merchandising. Benjamin F. Townsley, brick and tile manufacturer, Aledo, was bom in England in 1850, and in 1852 was brought by Ms parents, John and Anna (Stockdale) Townsley, to Toronto, Canada. In 1867 he came to Mercer county, and during the first five or six years worked at blacksmithing, afterward he engaged in the brick and tile business. He was manufacturing brick in New Boston in company with his ;
,
brother James
;
in 1876 they sold out
and
started again at Aledo.
brother died the next year, and he has since
managed
the
work
His with-
In 1874 they began making drain tUe on a small scale, out a partner. and now Mr. Townsley has extended the business to include a brick yard at Joy. In the manufacture of tile Mr. Townsley uses Tiffany's centennial brick and tile machine for molding, and the square, downThis business draft kilns invented by the same patentee for burning. represents an industry of increasing importance that is destined to exert an incalcuable influence on the productive wealth of the country. The advantages of tile draining are thoroughly proven and becoming well understood, and the amount of land tiled each year is immensely large. Mr Townsley is an Odd-Fellow, and a member of Aledo Lodge ISTo.
136, I.O.G.T.
William A. Loeimee, merchant, Aledo, born in Perth, Scotland, in 1840, emigrated with his parents in 1848 and lived first in Pennsylvania, then a short time in Ohio, and in 1853 came to Keithsburg. He was taken from school when twelve years of age and put to work in the Hudson (Ohio) " Observer " printing office. On arriving at Keithsburg he went to clerking, and continued to be so employed until
He promptly enhsted in April, 1861, in and was fighting the battles of his country a Uttle over three years. The most prominent actions in which he was engaged were Fredericktown, Missouri, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Vicksburg. To this list of great battles should be added the usual amount of small fighting. He went out as sergeant of his company and was first promoted to second lieutenant, and next to captain, which latter rank he held when mustered out at Springfield in June,. 1864. After returning to civil life he spent the first year in Chicago then coming back to Keithsburg he clerked for C. S. Orth, after which, in 1868, he was selected circuit clerk by the republicans of the county. This oflSce he filled two terms of four years each. He was trading in dry goods in company with John McKinney Jr., a part of the time during his the breaking out of the war. Co.
I,
17th
111.
Inf
,
;
MEECEE TOWNSHIP.
595
incumbency as an officeholder, and since his retirement from public business has occupied his present stand on the southwest comer of Mr. Lorimer was married in 1868 Seventh street and College avenue. to
They have had
Miss Orpha J. Calhoun.
five children, three
of
which are'dead.
MoEDECAi L. Maesh, justice of the peace, Aledo, was born in New Jersey, in 1813. His parents were Solomon and Fanny (Brown) Marsh, whose Quaker ancestors came to America in the latter part of the seventeenth century, to escape the English prosecution of In New York Mr. Marsh learned the cabinet and piano then* sect. In 1834 he settled in Bufiialo and embarked in land speculatrade. When the crash of 1837 came he was caught, like the rest of tions. In the same men, at a disadvantage, and lost about all his property. year he emigrated to Ohio, and lived there till 1852, when he came to Illinois and located his family in Millersburg township, this county, and made farming his occupation until Christmas, 1857. He then moved to Aledo, having since resided here, and continuously held the office of justice of the peace, his first election having been in the spring of 1861. He has been treasurer of Mercer township several years. In 1832 he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Gregory. She has been an unfortunate invalid forty-eight years. Both were at first members of the Baptist church, Mr. Marsh joining in 1835 but about 1855 they became enrolled in the Presbyterian church, to which they now belong, and in which our subject has been a deacon nearly twentyfive years. These parents have one son, William. Mr. Marsh was a whig until that party disappeared as a political organization; since then he has been a republican. John G. McGuffin, grocer, Aledo, was bom in Washington county, Kahway,
;
He
Pennsylvania, in 1829. vania, Ohio, settled in
and
taught school seven years in PennsylIn 1855 he arrived in the latter state and
Illinois.
Warren county
;
ing for Dr. Isaac Edwards, into the
army.
He
reg. lU. Yol. Inf.,
in 1857 he
came
and remained
to
Aledo and began
clerk-
went company K, 102d of the company was elected in his service until he
volunteered in August, 1862, in
and on the organization He remained vsdth his regiment through all its earlier and disciplinary service, and finally when it left Lavergne, Tennessee, for the front, in February, 1864, he was sent back to Nashville, unfit for duty, and in October following was honorably discharged on account of disability. On his retum home he took charge of Luvin's store, in that gentleman's absence on a visit to the old country then he clerked for Poage & Senter four years. He was next a member of the dry goods firm of Kichey Bros. & McGuffin for four years, and orderly sergeant.
;
HISTOEY OF MBRCEB AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
596
after that was in the grocery trade in the firm of Atchison & McGuffin. The last sold out, and he soon started in business alone. Afterward M. E. McDonald purchased a half interest, and in May, 1881, was
succeeded in the partnership by H. D. Marks, Mr. McGuflSn's present The subject of this notice was married, February 25, 1857,
partner.
They have one son, William Eice, now to Miss Maggie S. Harris. preparing himself for the profession of medicine. Mr. and Mrs. McGuffin are Presbyterians and he is a republican. ;
Jajvies C.
Wright,
retired farmer, Aledo, is a descendant of revo-
lutionary stock, both his grandfathers having been soldiers in the war
Mr. Wright's parents, Arunah and Polly (Wentworth) Wright, lived in Oneida county, New York, where there were born to them six sons, two of whom died young those who grew up
for independence.
;
manhood were Alpheus W., Horace E., George W., and the subject The mother died in of this sketch, who was born in the year 1817. to
In the latter year Alpheus came to 1829, and the father in 1838. Mercer county from Ohio, to which state he had previously emigrated. The following year the three remaining brothers left their native state and came here, and the four settled at Warr's Corners, in Kichland township. In the autumn of 1842 these brothers made the first settlement at Preemption Corners, four miles west of their original location, though some others had made homes in the neighborhood a few years earlier. In 1846 Mr. Wright rode back to New York on horseback, in company with Andrew Conant and wife, and led six horses. He had come here without means. He remained in New York till 1851, and directly on his return was married, March 17, to Miss Julia A. Stone. She was a native of Mansfield, Connecticut, but was raised in Mr. Wright's own county, where they became acquainted. Her father's family removed to Lee county in the fall of 1850, and then the next year he followed to Illinois, and this couple were married. They have two living children Newell N. and Louie A. Mr. Wright was supervisor of Preemption township two terms. He was originally a demo:
crat,
but in 1856 joined the
new
republican
pai-ty.
William Winders, produce dealer, Aledo, son of John and Elizar beth (Paden) Winders, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, September 25, 1836. In 1856 he came to Mercer county and settled in the country near Aledo, and worked at his trade of plastering and two years at farming. The war of the rebellion being in progress, on August 13, 1862, he volunteered as a private in company K, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf On the organization of the company he was appointed third corporal, but always did duty as sergeant, and was mustered out as first sergeant. He was with his regiment during its whole term of service,
MERCER TOWNSHIP. except one week,
when
it
was operating and
597 fighting at Resacca.
This
embraced the Atlanta campaign, which Gen. Halleck pronounced the greatest of the war, the march to the sea, and the campaign of the
which may be added the march to Washington and the He helped to build the three hundred miles of breastworks and the same amount of corduroy road which Sherman's army Carolinas, to
grand review.
and His musterHe was married June out was at Washington, D. C, June 6, 1865. In the spring of 1866 he 12, 1862, to Miss Catharine E. Detwiler. removed with his family to Finley, Hancock countly, Ohio, where he In 186Y he came back and remained a clerked in a dry goods store. month or two, after which he again went to Ohio and stayed another He was year, then returned to Aledo, where he has since lived. butchering three years, the rest of the time he has been in his present business. Mr. Winder's children are: Julia E., George S., Thornton D., Willie M., Charles Henry, and Araminta Pearl. He has been town trustee one year, and is a mason, a workman and a republican. Martin Boyd, farmer, Aledo, oldest living child of Miles and Catherine (Fisher) Boyd, was born in Madison county, Indiana, February 12, 1834. In 1839 his father emigrated to Mercer county and settled in what is now Eliza township, and four years aftei-ward died in Indiana, while there on business. His mother ni9,rried again to James Turner, and is living on the old homestead. April 6, 1856, Mr. Boyd was married to Miss Lydia, daughter of Maptin Bear, one of the original settlers of Eliza township, and the same spring settled on the N". W. J Sec. 16, Duncan township, and lived there twenty years. In 1876 he moved to Aledo. He was generally and quite extensively engaged while on his farm in feeding cattle. For a number of years he was supervisor .
625
and 29. The rock produced from these quarries and the supply inexhaustible. is of a good quality, , An abundance of timber grows along the banks of North Henderson creek, oak, hickoi-y, walnut, linn, hard maple and elm being the An occasional honey locust and coffee tree may predominant kinds. sections, 19, 21, 22,
be seen.
WUd
crab apples, gooseberries, plums, grapes, strawberries
and blackberi'ies, abounded in early times. The fences in early times were made exclusively of
rails.
The
first
hedge was grown by John Lafferty.
The
settlers
used farming implements that would bring a smile to
modern farmers. Their plows had wooden harrows were all of wood. William Lafferty states that the first plow he used in the west was one with a wooden mold-board. He started in with the clumsy affair, where the weeds and prairie grass were higher than his head. He rooted along without
the countenance of our
mold-boards,
and
their
regard to sectional lines, furrows, angles, or comers,
found he had rooted over about twelve acres.
and by night
The land appeared
as
if
hogs had been turned loose on it. Mr. Lafferty that he planted his corn in it, but for reasons best known to hinl-
a drove of longruosed states self
did not return to look at
The
it
until after harvest.
North Henderson creek did the principal part of their trading in Oquawka and Peoria. Grain was frequently hauled to Chicago, and sold at a very low price. Asa Ransom states that he once worked a week with a yoke of oxen to thresh out and haul to the house of his creditor a hundred bushels of oats, which went to hquidate a debt of five dollars. Dressed pork brought $1 to $1.50 per hundred. Mr. Eansom once gave 1,100 pounds of pork for a pair early settlers along
of pantaloons, after
having hauled
it
to
Eock
Island.
This stringency in monetary affairs existed from 1840 to 1848.
During that period
it was almost impossible for the farmers to get money with which to pay for their claims when the land came into market. Money was sometimes borrowed at fifty per cent, for this
purpose.
Wolf hunts in early times were of frequent occurrence. Large numbers of the settlers would turn out on these occasions. They were on in the following manner: a meeting was called, captains and a day chosen for the hunt. Every settler for miles around would generally be on hand, and every musket, shot-giin, rifle, and pistol was brought into requisition. The lines would form at a uniform distance from the appointed place, and at a given signal from their respective captains would advance, from all points of the compass, keeping time to the melodious music of the hound and the huntscarried
elected,
HISTORY OF MEECEE AKD HENDERSON COUNTIES.
626
man's bugle. The wolf, with his usual cunning, would usually make his escape, however, before the point was reached, and the hunt would prove fruitless so far as wolf-scalps were concerned. On the night of August 10, 1851, a terrible wind and rain storm visited the southern part of the county, which, owing to its disastrous results, will
long be remembered by those who witnessed it. For about every brook and rivulet was swelled fell in sheets
fom- hours the rain into a
mad, roaring
;
torrent.
The waters of North Henderson
creek
normal height. Every bridge, from its source to the Mississippi, was canied away before the rushing This was the most severe tempest in. the recollection of the oldflood. It is said that barrels standing in dooryards, away irom est settlers. buildings, were actually filled with water. The coldest winter in the recollection of the old residents was that On November 12 Jack Frost "came down ii'om the of 1842-43. north" and held high carnival until the following April. During the month of March the sun shone brightly every day, but so firm was the grasp of the winter king on the shrouded earth that its rays were withrose about iifteen feet above
out
their
effect.
ORGANIZATION. 4, 1854, this township was known by the name was ascertained however that the name of Palmyra had previously been conferred on another township and postoffice in the state, and consequently the name was abandoned and a new one
Previous to April
of Palmyra.
It
substituted at the time of organization.
On of
the date above mentioned a meeting was held at the residence
Henry
Bridger, at which the township was organized and
officers
The names of the first officers chosen are as follows supervisor, Thomas Likely assessor, town clerk, John B. Hoag William Lafferty collector, F. M. Postlewaite overseer of the poor, James E. Eay commissioners of highways, Hanson Brown, John Lafferty, William McGreenwood justices of the peace, Kobert Pollock, J. O. Edwards constables, David Molar, A. Trask. elected.
:
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
SUEZ POSTOFFICE.'
What is now known as Suez postoffice was established in 1842, Henry Bridger being the first postmaster. The office was then known as Pope Creek, and still more generally known as Bridger's Comers. In 1851 Asa Eansom erected a hotel building at the Comers, where for many years he did a thriving business. Towns being few and far between, emigrants on their way westward would always aim for Bridger's Corners, for a stopping place.
^^,s^^^^
SUEZ TOWNSHIP.
629
Samuel Shove opened the first store. .He was succeeded by Mr. Messrs. Shaw, Mauk and Turner, who was followed by Mr. Nourse. successively business at the Corners. James Page did also Sedwick and is present grocery, the postmaster. a running is now The school-house at Suez, commonly known as the "White Lilly" was erected in 1851, a Miss Stuart, of Greene township, being
school,
the
first
teacher.
In August, 1881, a of the music-loving
band was organized
gentlemen of that
at Suez, consisting of a
locality.
few
The names of the flat cornet John C.
C. L. Eansom, E comet Charles Furr, B flat cornet Ezra Hartzell, first alto; H. Woltham, second alto; P. F. Mauk, tenor; J. Hughes, B Bass James Page, E flat tuba.
performers are as follows
Bowers,
B
flat
:
;
;
;
;
THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The above-named congregation was the outgrowth of a union of the "Associate " and "Associate
Keform"
In 1842, by order of Eev. James G. Bruce preached in a small wooden house at the crossing of the roads one mile west of Norwood, which was then the residence of S. L. Brownlee, and organized the Associate congregation, of North Henderson. The membership then numbered fifl;een, whose names are as follows James, Elizabeth, and Nancy Imbrie; Robert and Mary Caldwell; John Humphreys and wife S. L. and Sarah Brownlee William and Mary Jane Caldwell; John W. and Sarah A. Caldwell, and Samuel and Margaret Graham. James Imbrie and Robert Caldwell were chosen churches.
the Associate Presbytery, of Iowa, the
:
;
;
elders.
For some time services were held in the pleasant weather, listen to
when
little
dwelling, except in
the people would assemble under the trees to
the divine teachings.
Lumber wagons drawn by oxen were
in checkered shirts and the women came from far and near to listen to the teachings of the scripture. These were the men and women who paved the way for civilization, and made smooth the paths for those who were to follow. Should one of those humble worshipers enter a church in one of our towns or cities to-day, cold indeed would be the reception with which he would meet. The domed and frescoed ceiling, the rich carpets, the upholstered seats, the people in gaudy attire, and the great pipe-organ would present a strange scene to him, and we fear he would feel that he was not welcome there. In the fall of 1844 a call was made in connection with the Liberty congregation for the services of Mr. R. W. French, and by him the only conveyances. ill
plain calicoes
36
The men
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
630
October 26, in that same little dwelling in which the infant was organized, he was ordained, the brothers James and
accepted.
congi'egation
"William Bruce, being the officiating ministers. tered
The house
in which he
for his wife
and
little
was obliged
to live aiforded a very poor shelter
summer rains and winter blast. Graham gave a lot from his farm recently able-bodied men turned out and erected a
ones against the
In the following year James pui'chased,
The young pastor enwas very small.
his duties cheerfully, although the salary
upon
and a number of
plain but comfortable dwelling thereon,
and the pastor was soon
occu-
pying more pleasant quarters.
An amusing anecdote is related of the reverend gentleman that is It was Saturday morning, as they supposed, when worth repeating. Mrs. French, having an errand to perform, went to a neighbor's house, and meanwhile her husband began some work on his lot. Imagine her surprise on being told on her arrival at the neighbor's that it was Sunday, and people were by that time seen wending their way She went home and informed her husband of toward the church. the
fact.
He
dropped his
tools,
donned
his
Sunday garments, and
hastened to the church, where he found most of his congregatton waiting for services to begin.
In 1846 the first church building was erected, being two miles west and a mile south Irom Xorwood. The place is stiU marked by the cemetery. At the end of four years Mr. French was at his own reAfter a brief quest released from the charge of the congregation. period of vacancy the congregations of South creek and Bethel were united with that of Noi-tli Henderson in one charge, and they imited in a call for the pastoral services of the Rev. Nathaniel McDowel, which was accepted. His installation took place in the Smith creek church. In 1864 the pastoral relations were dissolved. During the second period of vacancy, extending over almost two yeai's and a half, a very decided current of emigration carried prosperity to the rising congi-egation. Eighty-seven names were added to its membership. In the month of September, 1866, a call was extended to the Rev. J. A. Edie, which was by him accepted, and on the following March he took charge of the congregation. At his ordination and installation. Revs. A. A. Rogers and John Scott, D.D., officiated.
THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED BRANCH. In the early days of North Henderson there appeared many warm adherents of the Associate Reformed church. On May 12, 1856, the Rev. M. M. Bigger, by direction of the Associate Reformed Presbytery, of Monmouth, preached in the Associate Reformed church at Spring
SUEZ TOWNSHIP. Grove, where he organized .the Associate
t)31
Reformed church of North
On the same daj Henderson, and twenty-one names were enrolled. the Spring Grove and Noi'th Henderson congregations each extended a
call for
the half-time services of the Eev. J. C.
McKnight, which was
by him accepted, and in the following June he was installed in the This pastoi-ate was brief, united charge and entered upon his labors. ending in the release of Mr. McKnight from his charge in the month of March, 1858.
On June 14, 1858, a joint meeting of the Associate and Associate Eeformed congregations of North Henderson was held in the Associate church, at which it was agreed that the two congregations would unite in one organization,
which has since been known as the United Pres-
byterian church.
After the union of the
two branches
it
became necessary
to ei-ect a
and more commodious church building. Accordingly during summer of 1859 the neat, comfortable building, in which the
larger the
worships, was erected.
congi'egation
still
mile west of
Norwood,
is
46X"72
The building is
situated one and cost about $5,000. that began soon after, the
feet in size,
During the dark hours of the rebellion, gave their undivided support to the union cause. Many of its members bade farewell to friends and relatives, to the happy congi'egation
made
homes dear, and went forth to defend The gray-haired father and mother knelt under the roof of their cottage home and prayed for the success of the flag, while their sons marched forth to the wild music of war, and gave associations that
the old
the principles they loved.
up
theu- lives in its defense.
Mr. Edie, the pastor, spent some time in the anny, administering
wants of the soldiers in camp, and to the heroes as they mangled and blackened on the field of battle.
to the spiritual laid
After the close of the years,
war Mr. Edie continued
his labors for several
but finally desiring to change the field of his labors, he oifered
Being strongly urged by his congregation to remain so. In 1869 he again oifered his resignation, which was reluctantly accepted. During the period of eleven years, through which Mr. Edie's pastorate extended, 338 persons were added to the roll of membership. In April, 1872, a call was made to the Eev. J. M. French, which was accepted. He entered immediately upon his labors and had charge of the congregation three and a half years, during which time seventysix were added to the roll of membership. In June, 1876, the Rev. J. T. McGrory took charge of the congregation and was oflicially installed in April, 1877, and was released in 1880. his resignation. for a time,
he decided to do
632
IIISTOKY OF
MERCEE AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
In 1881 the Eev. W. A. Spalding began his labors and was installed by the Rock Island Presbytery August 23 of the same year. In the past few years this congregation
owing
to the fact that
western
states,
but
many
it is still
of the
has greatly decreased in number,
members have sought iiomes
in the
one of the largest and most prosperous
in
the county.
The Sunday
school in connection with the church
is
in a very pros-
perous condition, the average attendance being about one hundred. The land on which the church stands was donated by David Molar.
The parsonage stands one mile south of Thomas Likely.
the church on land donated
for the purpose b}'
THE CEMETERY. What is death ? 'Tis to be free— No more to hope, to love, nor fear.''
"
Contiguoiis to the grounds
located the
Xorwood
cemetery.
owned by the Presbyterian church is The first person buried here was a
Alexander McKenstry in 185i. The association which has this cemetery in charge was organized under the state law in 1877, and received its chai-ter in 1881. The child of
present officers are
:
president,
Thomas Likely
;
secretary,
George M.
John Hutchison trustees, John Lafferty, J. D. PorThe neatly kept grounds indicate the feeling ter, William P. Morgan. of reverence and love entertained by the surrounding community for
Evans
;
treasurer,
;
their departed dead.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. the
The initiatory movement of organizing this society was made by members of the Monmouth Presbyterian church, who resided in
the vicinity of North Henderson.
A meeting was called and held in a
R. C. Mathews was 17, 1863. D. Porter secretary. It was unanimously agreed to petition Schuyler Presbytery to organize a church at Norwood, and J. T>. Porter was selected to present the said petition. For some reason not shown by the records the church was not organized at that time. In the spring of 1854, F. Postlewaite, S. R. Boggs and Thomas school-house on Section 29, on
chosen chairman, and
March
J.
Likely were appointed a building committee, and a church building, The for which purpose funds had already been raised, was begun.
& McFarland, of Oquawka, Illinois, 36X49, which was to cost about $2,100. The building was begun in the fall of 1854 and completed in the spring
committte contracted with Russell to erect a frame building,
SUEZ TOWNSHI]'.
633
members of the members of no Presbytery of Schuyler, which met
In that year, a petition, signed by thirty-six Presbyterian church, and eleven persons who were of 1855.
denomination,
was presented
to the
in Knoxville, in April of 1855,
being in accordance with the sentiment
that a churcTi should of the members who held the firvSt meeting, viz Henderson. The prayer of the petition was North at organized be Mathews and the Eev. T. S. Vaile, with R. C. Eev. and granted, Knoxville, and A. C. Gregg, of Monmouth, of Eiken, John elders the church. The committee met in the organize to appointed were Henderson, July and North proceeded to organize at building 7, new enrolled, names were twenty-four of whom had forForty society. the Messrs. J. R. merly been members of the Monmouth congregation. Boggs, R. W. Porter, and S. R. Boggs, were chosen elders, and Thomas Likely, M. T. Postlewaite and T. S. Robb, were chosen trusNo regular pastor was employed by the congregation until June, tees. 1856, when J. H. Nevius began his labor, as stated supply, and was Mr. Nevius installed as pastor, November 11, of the same year. officiated as pastor until April, 1863, when he was succeeded by Rev. George Norcross, who acted as stated supply until June 6, 1865, when he was officially installed as pastor, in which capacity he served about :
a year.
H. Moore was the next pastor called npon to take Mr. Moore began his labors on June 2, 1867, but was not installed until November 2 of the same year. This gentleman served as pastor until March, 1876, when he removed to a new field of labor. The church was without a pastor until January, 1877, when Rev. E. The Eev.
J.
charge of the congregation.
Mr. Miner was summer of the same year. His relation as pastor was continued until 1881 when he relinquished his charge. On April 1, 1881, the Rev. I. T. Wbitmore responded to a call B.
Miner began his ministerial labors with them.
installed in the
from the congregation and entered upon his duties as pastor. gentleman still has charge of the congregation.
On December 3, 1880, the North Henderson to Norwood. the
organization
This
name of the church was changed from The present memberseip is 206. Since
of the congregation, four
hundred and
fifty-four
names have been added to the list of membership. The names of the elders who have been successfully chosen by the congregation are as
James Boggs, R. W. Porter, and S. R. Boggs were elected on James C. Stewart, elected November 19, 1855 James C. Postlewaite, elected November 19, 1855 Robert Woods was elected January 18, 1860; Joseph B. Stewart, elected January 18, 1860; follows
July
7,
:
1855
;
;
;
HI8T0EY OF MEECER AND I-IENDEE80N COUNTIES.
634
Eobert Holloway, elected December 26, 1869 S. Campbell were chosen in September, 1879.
THE UNITED BRETHREN IN
;
J. B. Laferty
and M.
CHRIST.
The society of the above name was organized December 20, 18Y3, The first trustees were H. E. Peters, by the Kev. P. E. Adams. Their church building George W. Sedwick, and John McLaughlin. was erected in the summer of 1875. The building and grounds costThe building was dedicated ing fourteen hundred and fifty dollars. August 6 of the same year by the presiding elder, !N. A. "Walker. The membership at the time of organization numbered thirty-six, but now numbers onl}- ten. The present pastor is the Eev. Orin Dilley, who is located at Alexis, Warren county. The building is situated on section 10. :
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. In 1875 a number of citizens of the above persuasion, with the liberal assistance of the enterprising people of other denominations,
erected a neat church building two miles west of Suez postoiBce.
36x40
The
and stands on the !N. E. J of Sec. 8. Owing to the weakness of the society, no regular pastor is employed by them. The membership at present numbers ten.
building
is
in size,
BIOGRAPHICAL. George A., son of Christian and Catharine Shearer, was born in Herkimer county, New York, Apiil 17, 1828. When sixteen years of age the family came to Licking county, Ohio, where they resided nine years. In 1853 they removed to Moultrie county, Illinois, and remained one year, after which they went to Stark county, remaining until 1859, when they came to Mercer county, where they bought land in section 18, Suez township.
subject of this sketch
Sarah A. Whitten,
May
was
who
first
The
father died in June, 1861.
married, August
The
24, 1862, to Miss
died in the winter of 1861.
He was
again
Miss Sarah J. Morgan. The names of his Mary G, Margaret H., Anna B., Fannie E., Cora B., Sadie (deceased), Nellie E., Blanche E., Fred. M., and George O. Of these the two former are by his first wife. Mr. Shearer now resides on the S. W. ^ of Sec. 17, which he purchased in 1865. Dan. W., son of Washington and Elizabeth Sedwick, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1834. When twelve years of age lie went to Lawi'ence county, where he was engaged two years as clerk in a dry goods and grocery store. At the end of that
•married.
27, 1862, to
children are as follows:
:
SUEZ TOWNSHIP.
635
time he went to Columbiana county, Ohio, where he remained one year and a-half, where he was engaged in farming and sheep-driving, rrom here he returned to the town of Mercer, in Pennsylvania, where
he was employed as turnkey in the county jail under Sheriff McKean, in which capacity he acted about six months, after which he went to
Crawford county and located at Steuben, on Oil creek, where he retnained a
few months and then went to Centerville, where he work around a store and saw-
remained about five years, doing general mill.
In 1855 he emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and located at
During the two following years his time was occuand clerking. On September 3, 1857, Mr. Sedwick was married to Miss Frances A. Bridger, a native of Troy, New York, and daughter of Henry Bridger, one of the pioneer The fruits of the union are six children, whose settlers of the county. names in the order of their ages are as follows: Ida E., Cora A., Henry D.. (deceased), Edwin E., Bertram B., and Fannie M. In the spring of 1857 he was appointed postmaster at Pope Creek, which position he held until 1870. In the same year he purchased the stock of goods owned by his employers and embarked in business for himself. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted as a private in Co. E, 102d reg. El. Vol. Inf When the companj' was organized he was elected first heutenant, and on April 28, 1863, to the po9iti9n of captain. In 1865 he received the following letter from the secretary of war Bridger's
Comers.
pied alternately in teaching
Washington, D. C, June 19. 1865. United States has appointed you, for gallant and meritorious conduct during the war, a major of volunteers by brevet in the service of the United States, to rank as such from the 13th day of March, 1865. Should the senate at their next session advise and consent thereto, you will be commissioned accordingly. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.
Sm,— You
are hereby informed that the President of the
Brevet-Major Dan.
No
further
W. Sedwick, U.
comment
is
S.
Vol.
necessary concerning the bravery and
In 1866 Mr. Sedwick was where he represented his district for a term of two years. In 1870 he sold out his store, purchased a farm south of Bridger's Comers, and since that time has devoted his entire attention to tilling the soil. He is a member of the Mercer Country Agricultural Board, and during the year 1879 acted as president of that body. He is also president of the Soldiers and Sailors' Association, fidelity
with which he served his country.
elected to the legislature,
of Mercer county.
LoEMEE Johnston, a vember
20, 1820.
whom appears in this book, son of bom in Eichland county, Ohio, No-
portrait of
Andrew and Mary Johnston, was
He resided
in that county until 1850, in
which year
mSTOEY OF miECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
636
he went to
He
California, crossing the plains with a
wagon and
a mule
Fork of the American river and there engaged in mining in company with his brother, William. After having accumulated a considerable amount of wealth his brother started back to their native state, but died on the way of " Panama fever," and then- hard earnings stolen from his person after death. In tire spring of 1852, Lorimer returned to Ohio and remained until 1857, when he came to Mercer county. In 1864, he bought land in section He now owns a farm of 415 acres, the results of 13, Suez township. economy and industry. M:-. Johnston was married July 3, 1849, to Miss Hannah Hayes, a native of Guernsey county, Ohio. The fruit of this union are live children, William S., Park P., Michael H., Flora M. (deceased), and Laura A. Thomas Likely, whose portrait appears in this book, son of Wilham and Agnes (Taylor) Likely, was born January 29, 1823, in HuntingThe family on both the father and don county, Pennsylvania. mother's side are of Irish origin. His father came from Ireland in 1791 and located in the Tuscarora valley. He had six sons and five daughters. Of these Thomas is the youngest but one. He was raised a farmer, assisting his father perform his labors. He was married September 26, 1844, to Miss Diana A. Doyle, also a native of Huntingdon county. The fruits of this union are ten children, whose names in the order of their ages, are as follows Ann E. (deceased), Agnes J. (now the wife of E. L. Simpson, of Ringgold county, Iowa), Martha B. (wife of J. C. Foster, of the same county), William D. (deceased in infancy), Henry T. (deceased), Thomas D. (now residing in Buena Yista county, Iowa), Lyman L. Samuel P. (also of Buena Vista county, Iowa), William M., and Mary J. For about three years he was engaged in landing general merchandise in Trough creek valley, Huntingdon county. In the spring of 1850 he came to Pike county, Illinois, and remained until fall, after which he went to La Salle by boat after arriving here he set out on foot to find a suitable place to locate. He traveled in this manner over Lee, Henry, Whiteside, Ogle, Bureau and La Salle counties, and failing to find a place to suit his taste, he came to old Mercer and bought land in the N. E. J Sec. 32, in Suez township. In 1858 he was elected justice of the peace. At the beginning of the war he received authority from Adjutant-General Fuller to organize a company, which he did in seven days, and was chosen captain. The company was afterward attached to the 102d HI. Inf and known as company E. He remained with that regiment until April, 1863, when he resigned on account of disabilities, and was succeeded by D. W. Sedwick. In the winter of 1863 he was elected team.
located on the Middle
:
,
;
,
SUEZ TOWNSHfP.
637
In 1873 he major of the regiment by vote of the regimental officers. in which capacity he served four years. judge, county elected was Haeison Beown, whose portrait appears in this book, son of Samuel and Henrietta Brown, was born in Nelson county, Kentucky,
When
removed to and remained until the fall of 1834, when he emigrated to Illinois and located in North Henderson townIn the spring of 1836 he bought land in section ship, Mercer county. where he has since resided. Being one of the pioneers township, 1, Suez all of the hardships and trials iiacident to pioneer encountered he has By hard labor and economy he has accumulated a large property life. He was and in his declining years he is enjoying the fruits of his toil. married in the fall of 1830 to Miss Martha Greenwood, a native of Virginia. Nine children are the fruits of this union, whose names are as follows Mary A., Samuel (deceased), Thomas, Floyd (deceased), His second son, Thomas, was a Sally, Benjamin, Peter, and Isabel. member of Capt. Sedwick's company in the 102d Ills. Inf Asa W. Ransom, another of the pioneers, son of James and Phosba Eansom, was born in the town of Camillus, Onondaga county, March
1808.
17,
eight years of age his father
Breckenridge county, Kentucky,
:
New
York,
May
6,
1818.
When
seventeen years of age he turned
toward the setting sun and started to Illinois by way of Buffalo and Ashtabula, thence by stage across the state of Ohio to his face
From here he went by steamboat
WellsviUe.
Mississippi, landing at
New
to Cairo, then
Boston, June 10, 1837.
On
up the
the following
day he, in company his brother, started on foot toward the eastern
W. ^ of Sec. 3, in Suez he returned to Ohio, remaining until the spring of 1838. On his return he came as far as Michigan with his uncle and walked from there to Mercer county, a distance of about 300 miles. He states that ^.t that time settlements were as high as sixty miles apart. He stopped for a short time in Chicago, and while there was offered a lot on Washington sti-eet in payment for a month's work. Mr. Eansom was married in February, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth S. Edwards, a native of Kentucky. The names of their children, in the order of their ages are as follows Althea F., Charlora C, Chester L., Adraenna, Marcilla C, Vesta, Asa S., and Olive. In 1866 Mr. Eansom removed to Chicago and engaged in the commission business. He remained in the city four and a half years, during which time his children availed themselves of the excellent educational advantages the city affords. In the spring of 1870 he returned to his farm in Suez towncounty and located on N.
part of the
township.
In the
fall
:
ship, and,
Mr.
excepting a few months, has resided there since that time.
Eansom
arrived in Illinois with nothing in the
way
of worldly
:
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
638
management he has become one of the largest land owners in the count3^ He furnishes an example of pluck and perseverance, which the rising generation would do
wealth, but by hard labor and judicious
well to follow.
"William, son of Jefferson and Tabitha Fuller, was born in Millersburg township, Mer3er county, October 27, 1843. He remained at home until July 26, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. H, 84th 111. Inf.. and was with that regiment until June 9, 1865. He received a wound at the battle of Stone river, from the elfects of which he was confined He was married February 20, 1867, to in the hospital eleven months.
Miss Joanna Brown, a native of Ohio. The names of his children are Elmer and Edgar C. James AV. Page, son of James and Susan S. Page, was bom in In 1841, the family emigrated Sussex, England, December 15, 1840. Summit Hudson, county, Ohio. In August, and located at America, to In August, came Mercer county. 1861, he enlisted in Co. he to 1856, service of his country until Inf., and remained in the 30th reg. 111. A, discharged. On the bottom of his when he was August, 1864,
we
discharge "
Private
has been
a,
find the following
James W. Page has sustained an unblemished character in the army; and is entitled to the gratitude of his adopted countrj-
faithful soldier,
and the confidence of all. Signed,
December
20,
Charles Turnee, Colonel, 108th
111.
Vol."
was united in marriage to Miss Annie E. Henry Bridger, one of Mercer county's pioneers.
1867, he
Bridger, daughter of
Five children are the claimed as his victims
fruit of this union, ;
four of
Nina G. alone remains
whom
death has
to brighten the home.
Mr. Page is now located at Suez, engaged in the grocery business. He has many friends, and is highly respected by all. Andrew Trask was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1813. When thirteen years of age he experienced a desire to go to sea, and accordingly obtained a position on the Trident, of New Bedford, and was on the ocean three years, being most of that time on the Pacific. He was married in 1845, to Miss Ellen Weld, who died in eighteen montlis after their marriage. He was again married in 1848, to Miss Lucinda Eamsey. The names of his children are as follows Edward, Harriet, Lucina, and George. His second wife died in 1862. Mr. Trask came :
Mercer county in 1850, and located on section where he still resides. Thomas, son of Thomas and Martha (Wilson)
Spicer,
Muskingum
Spicer family are of
to
county, Ohio, October 2, 1823.
English, and the Wilson of Irish, origin.
The
16, Suez township,
was born
Mr. Spicer was married
in
in
:
SUEZ TOWNSHIP.
639
Miss Rebbecca D. Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania. Mrs. born December 15, 1828. Tlie names of the children born was Spicer are as follows: Oliver W., born October 26, 1848, in couple to the born August 30, 1851, in Ohio; James C, born C, Mary Ohio; in Ohio, and Thomas H., born June 9, 1858, in 1854, December 9, Mr. Spicer came to Warren county, Illinois, where In 1856, Illinois. when he removed to Mercer county, and until 1859, he remained in Suez township. section on 8, located son of John and Grizelle (Stewart) Laiferty, was bom A., WiLUAM December The log cabin in which he was township, 13, 1860. in Suez and is situated near his present residence. stands, He was still bom, Miss Mattie Edie, a native of Kentucky. in to The 1870, married 1846, to
their children are as follows: John PI., G-eorge G., Minnie, WiUiam L., Charles, Harry A., and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Laiferty are members of the United Presbyterian church. John B., son of William and Louisa Lafferty, was born in Suez township, Mercer county, Illinois, October 19, 1847. He was married August 30, 1870, to Miss Ada A. Brownlee, daughter of D. S. Brownlee, Esq., of Suez township. The fruits of this union are five children, whose names are as follows Harry S., Maggie L., Annie M., William E., and Olive C. Mr. Lafferty owns a fine farm of 320 acres, situated
names of
:
on sections 15 and 27.
lie and Mrs. Lafferty are both
members
of the
United Presbyterian church, with which they united in 1867.
Matthew
S.,
Mary Campbell, was born in HuntDecember 27, 1848. The family are of
son of John and
ingdon county, Pennsylvania,
having fled to Ireland during In 1863 Mr. Campbell came to Illinois, and located in Warren county, near the Mercer and Warren county line. A few years after he removed to Suez township and located on section 36. He was married in 1 866 to Miss Annie Watt, a native of Mifflin Scotch-Irish decent, the early ancestors
the covenanters' rebellion.
county, Pennsylvania.
The names of
Willie R. (deceased), Clyde R.,
their children are as follows
and Clarence W.
Hannah (Postlewaite) Graham, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1833. In 1839 the family came to Wan-en county, and located near Little York. Mr. Graham's early days were spent in the wilderness, and roaming through the trackless forest constituted the amusements of his boyhood. He was married in 1858 to Miss Margaret Hutchison, also a native of Pennsylvania. The names of their children are as follows Mildred L., Mary H., Arthur H., Daniel H., Maggie E., and Mattie E. James R., son of Henry and Jane (Latta) McLaughlin, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1825. His family are of Scotch and William
was
bom
F.,
son of Arthur and
in
:
HISTORY OF MEECEE
640 Irish origin,
and came
AND HENDERSON
COUN'nES.
to this country at a very early date
;
his grand-
He was married in January, 1850, to Miss Jane Lossell, a native of Trumhull In 1864 he married Miss she died May 15, 1862. county, Ohio
father,
John
Latta, served as major in the revolutionary war.
;
Louisa Sedwick, a
names of his
Eliza J., Ella,
The
sister of
Captain Sedwick, of Suez township.
The
children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Oscar,
Amanda,
Charlie, Maggie, Alice, Lewis, Dora, and Eoy.
by the second wife. In 1854 Mr. McLaughlin came to Illinois and bought land in section 2, in Suez township. He now owns about a section of land in Mercer county, and 160 acres in Iowa, five latter are
situated about twenty miles north of the city of Davenport.
member
McLaughlin
is
McLauglilin
stai'ted
Mrs.
of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. without anything to aid him, but by perseverance and an untiring energy, he has made his life a success. a
out in
life
He
has many friends and is highly respected wherever known. William H., son of James A., and Anna Simpson, was bom in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1835. He was reared a farmer, and followed that pursuit until April 19, 1861, ten days after Fort Sumter was fired on, when he responded to the call of the government and enlisted in Co. H. 15th Pa. Inf acting as second lieu,
At
tenant.
the expiration of three months, the time for which the
regiment was enlisted, he 'returned home and remained until August, 1862, when he raised a company, which was attached to the 125th Pa.,
and designated as Company F. In the battle of Antietam he was struck by a fragment of a shell which made a severe flesh wound in the side of his face. He was discharged in June, 1862, and returned home. He was manied in December, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth Smith also a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. The names of the children in the order of their ages are as follows
Mary
E.,
Earl and Pearl,
who
:
Carrie
are twins.
,
Charles E., Archie E.,
In the spring of 1865
he emigrated to Mercer county and located on the S. E. J of sec. 28, Suez township. Mr. Simpson and his family are kind and hospitable. Their home is a happy one, and we hope the future through whose misty veil none can see may smile as brightly upon him and his loved ones as the past has done.
John A. son of William and Martha Marrow, was born in GuernDecember 8, 1828. He was reared a farmer. When twenty-three years old he left his native county and went to Eldorado county, California, where he remained about five years, during which time he was engaged in mining and various occupations. In the spring of 1856 he returned to Ohio, and in the spring of the following year came to Mercer county, Illinois, and located on section 32 in Greene ,
sey county, Ohio,
SUEZ TOWNSHIP. township.
641
In January, 1862, he enlisted in Co.
G. 30th
111.
Inf.,
and was with that regiment at Fort Donelson, Siege of Corinth, Brittain's Lane, Eaymond, Champion Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, and Kene-
saw Mountain. He was taken prisoner at Peach Tree Creek, and was in the hands of the euemy about two months, when he was exchanged. He was discharged January 22, 1865. In 1869 he opened a coal mine
The producing capacity of which is In 1870 he removed to his farm in forty township. Mr. Marrow was married in 1866 to section 5, in Suez native of Fountain county, Indiana. The names Miss Mary Ogden, a
on
farm in Greene township. thousand bushels a year.
his
of his children in the order of their ages are as follows
John
"W.,
'Mary
J. (deceased),
and
Estella.
He and
:
Samuel
his wife are
0.,
mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian church.
Heney Beidgee.
a
portion of the early ancestors of the Bridger France during the religious persecution. The family were driven from other branch of the family came from Normandy with William the One of the descendants of Conqueror, and Cast their lot in England. this family was Henry Bridger (deceased), who was born in Sussex county, England, near the town of Hastings, October 25, 1798. In October, 1820, he came to America and located in Albany; after remaining a year he went to Troy. He was married in that city to Ehzabeth Terrey, October 7, 1822. Miss Tferrey was a native of Suffolk county. Long Island. spring In the of 1836 Mi'. Bridger emiIllinois. In November of that year he on the N. E. J of Sec. 35, Greene township. In June, he removed to Suez township and bought land in section 2,
grated to Mercer county, entered a claim 1841,
where two of his sons
now
reside.
The names of his children, in the Mary E., Julia M.,
order of their ages, are as follows: "William H.,
Henry T., Frances A. (wife of Hon. D. W. James C, Philip T. (now residing in Chariton county, Missouri), and Annie E. (wife of James Page, of Suez). The death of the father occurred December 17, 1873, and he was
Barbara A. (deceased), Sedwick,
of Suez),
N. E. J of Sec. 2. George M. Evans, son of George D. and Mary (McCague) Evans, was born in Eipley,' Ohio, March 9, 1830. Left an orphan at an early age, he was reared by relatives in Adams county. At the age of seventeen he began attending school at South Salem, where he remained about two and a half years. Between the ages of seventeen and twenty he taught school about six months. He was married June 22,
buried in the family burying ground, situated on the
Euhama Mclntire, a native of Adams county. Shortly marriage he embarked in the mercantile business in Kipley,
1853, to Miss after his
which he continued until the spring of 1856,
when he came
to
Mercer
HISTOEY OF MEECEB AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
642
of that year he engaged in business at he opened a store in Aledo. In 1880 he Norwood since that time removed to his farm northwest of Norwood, his business being conliis first wife died December 1, 1854. ducted by his partner. He was again married Febi'uary 19, 1863, to Miss Barbara J. Allison, a His third native of Pennsylvania, who died December 2.3, 1873. marriage occurred June 6, 1876, Miss Mary "W. Carson, a native of Ireland, being the next connubial partner. Mr. Evans has two children living, both of whom were born to him by his second wife. Their names, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Mary E., aged He is a prominent eighteen, and Robert A., aged sixteen years. member of the United Presbyterian church, with which Ite united in 1853 at Ripley, Ohio. Mr. Evans is a man of kindly manner, and the stranger being thrown upon liis hospitality is treated with great county, Illinois.
In the
fall
;
courtesy.
John Laffekty, whose portrait appears in this book, son of John and Ann Laft'erty, was born July 28, 1816, in Trumbull county, Ohio. In the spring of 1840, he, in
company with
his brother, William, emi-
grated to Illinois and bought land in the N. E. J Sec. 21, Suez township. Mr. Lafierty was married June, 1843, to Miss Grizell Stewart,
The fruits of the union are eight children, whose names are as follows James H., Harriet A., Nancy A., William A., John S., Susan E., and Mary E. He is a member of the United Presa native of Indiana.
:
byterian church, with which he united in 1850. of
by
his neighbors as
an excellent
citizen,
Mr. Lafferty is spoken and possesses the love and
esteem of all. A spirit of liberality has ever chacterized his actions, and to all charitable, educational, and religious purposes he has given with a willing hand.
John Mauk, son of Peter and Catharine Mauk, was born in 1814, His father, Shenandoah, Virginia. Peter Mauk, was born January 4, 1775. His family are of German origin. For many years Mr. Mauk was employed as an engineer on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. In 1836 he emigrated to Warren county, Illinois. In 1840 he was united in marriage to Miss Amerett Tinkham, a native of Windom county, Vermont. The names of thenchildren, in the order of their ages, are as follows Martha A., Benjar in the picturesque valley of the
:
min (deceased
in his fourteenth year),
Mary
E.,
Anna
L., Alice, Peter,
George B.
In 1838 he came to Mercer county, and settled in Suez township. In 1841 he removed to Davenport, Iowa, and was employed as an engineer on the ferry boat plying between the cities of
Davenport and Rock Island. In 1841 he returned to his farm in Suez township. lie was for several years engaged in the dry goods business
SUEZ TOWNSHIP. at Bridger's
Comers.
Mi\
Mauk
643
died at his residence June 19, 1879,
and his departure was mourned by many fi-iends, often received favors at the hands of the deceased.
William P. Morgan, son of Sankey and
bom
in Bedford county, Pennsylvania,
some
whom had
of
Ann (Brown) Morgan, was He received 18, 1839.
March
In 1858 Mercer county, Illinois, and located on section the family emigrated to Morgan married in Mr. was 1868 to Miss 19, in Suez township. fruits native of Ohio. The of this union are Martha J. Atchison, a Pie enlisted August 9, seven children, six sons and one daughter. He was discharged October 18, 1862, in company E, 102d HI. Inf. Mr. Morgan is a member of the United Tennessee. 1863, at Laveme, in which he united 1868. He is also justice Presbyterian church with his early education in
a log school-house in Pennsylvania.
of the peace.
EiCHAED C. McClellan, son of Richard and Susana McClellan, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1838. Mr. McClellan received his education at what
is
now known
as the
Washington county. In February, 1865, he enhsted in the 87th Penn. Inf., and was with the regiment until mustered out. He was married October 26, 1866, to Miss Martha
Jeiferson
College,
in
The
union are five chilwhose names, in the order of their ages, are as follows Nathaniel R, Evart S., Clarence R, Minnie Gr., and Armadilla S. Mr. McClellan is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he McCutcheon, a native of Ohio.
fruits of the
dren,
:
united in 1866.
Gus Bkuington, son of
and Adeline Bruington, was born in He was married in 1871 to Miss Annie Lafferty, a daughter of William Laiferty, -Sr., one of the earliest settlers of Suez township. Mr. Bruington, although quite young, has surrounded himself by all the luxuries and comforts the country affords, and has before him a bright Alfi'ed
Suez township, Mercer county, Elinois, September 22, 1846.
and prosperous future.
Joshua H. Brown, son of Benjamin and Lucinda Brown, was bom town of I^orth Henderson, July 6, 1841. His father was one of
in the
Mercer county. Mr. Brown received his educaNorth Henderson. July 22, 1862, he entered the service of his country in Co. H, 84th 111. Inf., and remained in that regiment until June 16, 1865. On January 1, 1867, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary (Dilley) Eodgers, a native of the pioneer settlers of
tion in the public school of
Mercer county, and daughter of William Dilley, of Ohio Grove township.
The names of
follows:
his children, in the order of their ages, are as
VinnieR, Cyrus D., Gus
B.,
and Lucinda M. (deceased in
III8T0EY OF
644
MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
In August, 1878, Mr. Brown was nominated for
infancy).
sheriff at
In the following November he the republican convention, at Aledo. was elected, receiving as many votes as both his greenback and democratic opponents.
Mr. Brown
is
a
member
of the Universalist church,
of Suez.
Heney
Henry and Elizabeth
T. Beidger, son of
Bridger, was
bom
In 1836, the family April 28, 1832, in Kenssalaer county, 'Sew York. moved to Mercer county. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Bridger enlisted in
He remained in the service of his country about 111. Inf. one year, being discharged on account of disabilities. In December, 1867, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah The fruits J. McLaughlin, a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania. of this union are three children Amy M., "William J., and Edna E. The family are attendants at the Methodist Episcopal church. TiKiJiAs G. Beown, son of Harison and Martha Brown, was bom Co. E, 102d
:
in jSTorth
Brown
Henderson township, Mercer county, March
25, 1836.
Mr.
received his early education in a log school-house that stood on
North Henderson township. In December, 1862, he enlisted 111. Inf., and was with that regiment in every engagement until mustered out of service. He was discharged June 7, 1865, In February, 1869, he was united in mai-riage to Miss at Chicago. Louisa Coleman, a native of Ohio. The fruits of this union are two It will be seen that Mr. Brown was one children, Nellie and Peter F. His father, Harison, of the first white children bom in the county. spoken, of elsewhere in the work, is one of the few surviving pioneers section 6,
in Co. E, 102d
of Mercer.
William
L.,
son of James and Jane Stewart, was
county, Indiana, in 1827.
bom
in Union
In 1835 the family emigrated to Ilhnois,
and his father bought the claim owned by George Blake, in section 21. In 1858 he was married to Miss Harriet Dryden, a native of Ohio, who March 7, 1861, he was married to Miss Elizabeth M. died in 1859. Caldwell, a native of Shelby county, Ohio. The names of his children in the order of their ages are Nancy J., Mattie E., Mira L., William J., Mary J., Ettie F., and Earl O. In August, 1862, Mr. Stewart enlisted in Co. E, 102d 111. Vol. Inf., and remained with that regiment until the close of the war. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1858. In politics he is a republican. His father, James Stewart, now residing in Alexis, was one of the earliest settlers in Suez township, and assisted in preparing some notes for the historical association. Thomas J. Geeenwood, son of John and Catharine (Filony) Greenwood, was born in Suez township, Mercer county, September 23, 1849. :
kJ^^X^
^^,^4^
SUEZ TOWNSHIP. In 1866 he left the quiet life of the farm and attended school at the Lombard university.
647
went to Galesburg and He remained here one elected justice of the peace for a term of four In 1881 he was year. In 1878 he was elected assessor for one term, and in this years. office, as in all others which he has filled, he gave excellent satisSeptember 32, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss faction. Mr. Greenwood Jennie Goddard, a native of Warren county, Illinois. owns a fine farm of 120 acres, on sections 10 and 15, and we predict He is a prominent republican, for him a bright and prosperous future. Mr. Greenwood is a and takes an. active part in political affairs. member of I.O.O.F. lodge, 526, at Alexis, with which he united in He has many friends throughout the country, and is August, 1880. highly respected by all. John Dingwell was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in March, 1814. At an early age he came to America, and followed the star of empire westward to Illinois, locating in North Henderson township, Mercer county. In 1840 he bought a farm near ]!^oi*wood, in Suez township. In 1849 he went to Galesburg and began a course of study in the academy at that place. At the end of two years he returned to Mercer county, and in 1852 was married to Mrs. Mercy Crabtree, a native of England. In the same year he bought land in section 3, in Suez township. The names of his children are: Jennie E., (deceased in her twenty-fourth year), William G. (now residing in Suez township), and John (deceased in infancy). Mr. Dingwell died Nov. 4, 1873. The iiineral services were performed in the United Presbyterian church, at Viola. In his early life Mr. Dingwell had been a Covenanter, but later united with the United Presbyterian denomination. Heket W., son of David and Elizabeth (Snyder) Mauk, was born in Harrison county, Indiana, June 14, 1830. When twenty-four years of age he came to Mercer county, and in 1866 purchased land in section 11, in Suez township. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E. 102d 111. Inf., and was with that gallant regiment until June, 1865. He was married January 4, 1871, to Miss Annie Smith, a native of Warren county, Illinois. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are: David E; (deceased), Freddie G. (deceased), Ora B., and Alta M., who are twins. Robert Campbell, son of Matthew and Hannah Campbell, was bom November 26, 1822, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. In 1848 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, and in 1850 he bought land in section 30, in Suez township. His father's family are of Scotch and Irish descent, and his mother was born in the land of freedom. In 1844 he was united in marriage to Miss Eachel Morgan, a native of 37
IIISTOEY OF
648
Pennsylvania,
Amanda M.
who
MEEOEE AND HJ^NDEESON COUNTIES. In 1875 he was married to Mrs.
died in 1874.
Oantrall.
The names of
their ages, are as follows:
Hannah
his children, in the order of
E.,
Matthew
F.,
Ann
E., Frank-
lin P., Helen C, Kobert I., Martha J., Mary.K, Lydia M., Sarah L. the lastnamed is by the second wife. (deceased), and Eugene E. member of the Baptist church, and his wife is a a Mr. Campbell is ;
member
of the old school Presbyterian church.
He
has a farm of 120
acres of excellent land in Suez township. Geoege, son of George and Mary Bruington, was bom in BreckIn 1852 he emigrated to Mercer enridge county, Kentucky, in 1821.
county, Illinois, and bought land in section 24, Suez township.
Mr;
Bruington was married in 1842 to Miss Dowel, also a native of Ken-
The names of
tucky.
their children, in the order of their ages, are as
He is a member of no Benjamin, James, and Amanda. toward and his fellow men. God church, but tries to do his duty of WiUiam and Catharine (Hutchison) James H. Beownlee, son county, Pennsylvania, May 1, Brownlee, was born in Washington
follows
1828.
:
His family are of Scotch
origin.
He
in the public schools of his native county.
received his education
In 1853 the family came
and locating in Mercer county, purchased land in section His father now resides in Labette county, 31, in Suez township. Kansas. Mr. Brownlee was married September 20, 1855, to Miss Martha J. Barclay, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. Their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Etha L., Blanch M. (deceased), Elmer F., Ulysses G., Albin B., Ennis R., Nora K., and Eoy. In the winter of 1855 he bought land on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 31, and he is n6w the possessor of a one-half section of fine land. Mrs. Brownlee is a member of the United Presbyterian church, having united early in life. The family are highly respected by all, and many and true are their friends. Maetin Pease, son of Pelatiah and Nancy Pease, was born in 1824, in Waldo county, Maine. In 1837 the family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and located on section 20, in Suez township, the nearest postoffice being Spring Grove. He saw the men building the fii'st school-house in the township, which was of logs, and stood on section 21. In 1847 he was married to Miss Martha A. Pollok, daughter of Eobert Pollok, one of Mercer county's pioneers. The fruits of this marriage are seven children: Alonzo U., Nelson S. (deceased), Edwin (deceased), Charles E. (deceased), Mary I., Martin A., and May. Mr. and Mrs. Pease are both members of the United Presbyterian church, with which they united in 1860. In 1860 he bought land in section 20, and now owns a fine farm of 150 acres. On to Illinois,
SUEZ TOWNSHIP.
649
October 24, 1880, his house took fire from a defective flue, and burned Loss $200, and no insurance. In 1881 Mr; Pease to the ground.
handsome residence on the same foundation. He has many is respected wherever he is known. Joseph Pease, son of Pelatiah and Nancy Pease, was born in Knox The family on his father's side are county, Maine, February, 5, 1822. In the family emigrated to Mercer county, origin. 1837, English of in Suez township. claim October 14, 1845, he was bought a and erected a friends
and
united in marriage to
Miss Caroline Libby,
who
January 24, 1853, he married Miss Sarah
died
Stewart,
March
16, 1852.
who
died Sep-
March 15, 1866, he was again married to Miss The names of his children are: Zorah E. Laura G., Nancy F. (deceased), Joseph S., Campbell B.,
tember 27, 1864. Christiana (deceased),
Sprowl.
John A., Pelatiah, Ausley, Elizabeth J., Sarah L. (deceased), Mary Mr. Pease is a member of the United PresbyL., and George W. terian church, with which he was united in 1876. He is one' of Mercer county's pioneers,
and did his part toward paving the way for
civil-
ization.
John A., son of Joseph and Sarah Pease, was bom in Suez townJune 23, 1858. He was married February 14, 1878, to Miss Susan Laiferty, daughter of John Latferty, of Suez township. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, with which ship,
they united in 1879.
A. Pease, son of Joseph and
Mercer county.
May
Sai'ali
Pease, was born in Suez town-
He was
married January 23, 1879, 8, Miss Maggie A. Wallace, a native of Warren county, Illinois. They have one child, whose name is Guy C. Mr. Pease owns land in secship,
1859.
to
where he, with his pleasant family, resides. James H. Laffertt, son of John and Grizelle Lafierty, was born
tion 16,
m
May 24, 1844. He remained at August 8, 1862, when he entered the service of his country, in Co. E, 102d HI. Inf and remained with the regiment until June 9, 1865, when he received his discharge. On February 28, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Porter, a native of Pennsylvania. The fruits of this union are Frank S., Mattie G., John (deceased), and Guy C. In 1874, Mr. LaflFerty engaged in the stock business and keeps on hand from fifty to one hundred head of short horn cattle, while at his farm the writer had the pleasure of being shown some very handsome animals, a few of which were recently imported from England. His farm is admirably adapted to the business, and this Suez township, Mercer county.
home
until
,
:
fact,
together with the enterprise of the proprietor, will, render his labors highly successfiil.
doubtless,
:
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
650
John
L.,
AND HKNDEESON
COUNTIES.
son of lienry and Jane McLaughlin, was
bom
in
Mercer
His father and mother were both of His mother was a niece of Gen. Potter, of EevolutionIrish descent. In 1856, he emigrated to Illinois, and in 1857, bought land ary fame. His father died in September, 1881, in section 2, Suez township. aged eighty-six, and was buried in the Norwood cemetery. Mr. McLaughlin was married in 1844 to Miss Martha J. Angelo, also a The names of the children born to them are native of Mercer county. Cassius C, Willis J., Mary M., and H. (deceased), Sarah J., James members of the United Brethren .church, at Both are Josephine. founty, Pennsylvania, in 1817.
Suez.
Gkoegk W. Sedwick was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, His father's given name was Washington, and his mother's Elizabeth. When thirteen years of age he went to Williamsport, Ohio, and entered machine shop, for the purpose of learning the trade. After working here two years he went to Mount Jackson and worked two years more under instruction. At the end of that time he went to New Castle, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1861. In that year he was married to Miss Caroline Peeble, a native of Bavaria. Their children's names are as follows Willis D., Harry L., and an adopted child, I>illie R. In the spring of 1861, Mr. Sedwick came to Mercer county, Illinois. In 1864 he bought land in section 16, in Suez township. lii he sold his farm and engaged in the mercantile business at Suez, 1870 which he continued until 1874, when he closed out his stock and bought a farm in section 9, where he now resides. He and Mrs. Sedwick are both members of the United Brethren church. The Brownlee family are of Scotch origin. David S., the subject this sketch, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, January 1, 1820. of His father's name was David, and his mother's Betsey. In 1839 his father and family emigrated to Warren county, Illinois, and located near Little York. In 1842 the subject of this sketch came to Mercer county, and for about a year was engaged in breaking prairie and threshing. In 1843 he bought land in section 16, Suez township. In 1873 Mr. Brownlee was elected supervisor of Suez township, in which capacity he served for several terms. He was married in 1846 to Miss Margaret Pollok, daughter of Robert PoUok, one of the earliest settlers in Mercer county. His first wife died November 23, 1872, and was again he married January 11, 1877, to Miss Maria Montgomery.
,a
:
May
27, 1881, his second wife died.
witli
children, in
A., and Ida Mr. Brownlee is a member of the United Presbyterian church, which he united in 1848.
the order of their ages, are as follows
M.
The names of his Robert B., Addie
:
SUEZ TOWNSHIP. De. James F. McCtjtchan was born in His early life was spent on the farm.
1833.
651
Adams When
county, Ohio, in
twenty-two years
Washington, Iowa, and graduated from May, 1861. Immediately after completing his During his studies he enlisted in Co. H, 2d reg. Iowa Vol. Inf. connection with that regiment he became personally acquainted with In the fall of 1863 he was made captain of Gen. James B. Weaver. Co. D, 9th reg. Iowa Vol. Cav., and acted in that capacity until
of age he entered college at that institution
in
Previous to his promotion, however, he particiengagements with the 2d Iowa, among which was the battle of Fort Donelson, where that regiment won for itself a name The doctor was disthat will go down into the pages of history. charged in May, and was married in August, 1865, to Miss M. J. S. The names Graham, a native o'f Washington county, Pennsylvania. the close of the war.
pated in several
of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows
:
Mary
were born November 13, 1866; A. Joseanna, born December 14, 1870; Alma 0., born June 12, 1876; and Clara G., born April 2, 1881. In the fall of 1865 he entered the office of Dr. Webster at Monmouth, and was under that gentleman's instructions one year. In the fall of 1866 he became a student at Keokuk, Iowa, and received his diploma in the spring of 1868. In that year he located at Norwood, and since that time has practiced in that vicinity. In conversing with the doctor the writer found him to be a gentlemen of more than ordinary intelligence, iluent in conversaEdna and Sarah Edith
tion,
and progressive in
(twins),
all
things.
James M. Lee, son of John and Eliza Lee, was born in Centre county, Pennsylvania, in May, 1836. In the spring of 1857 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, where he worked at carpentering until the
August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 102d reg. and was with that regiment until the close of the war. He was married November 22, 1866, to Miss Harriet A. Laiferty, daughter of John Lafferty, of Suez township. Their children's names are: John A., Miriam E., Marietta, Lela I., and Ethel A. They are both members of the United Presbyterian church. spring of 1861.
m.
Vol. Inf ,
HISTORY OF MEECER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
652
GEEENE TOWNSHIP. GEOLOGY. CONTMBnTED BY
DK.
J. V.
FHAZIER, OP VIOLA.
Greene township is traversed throughout its length from east to west by an irregular, broad and elevated plateau or water-shed, the drainings from which on the north bear a north and westerly direction to the Edwards river, while on the south the water courses bear south
and westerly to join Pope creek. The Edwards river, coming from the
east, flows just north of and along the northeastern portion of the township, for two and a half miles, when it enters the township about midway of the north line of it passes beyond our townon section 6. Pope creek enters the township at near the the southeast corner and passes in a westerly direction entirely through it on its southern border. The Donohue and Skunk runs, as also two or three unnamed deep-cut water-ways, fed here and there by springs, carry the surface waters from the north half of the township into the Edwards river, while North Pope, Collins, or "Nigger" run, with two or three deep ravines, serve to drain the south half into Pope
section 3, running thence nearly west until
ship's line
creek.
These streams and water-courses, while furnishing an abundant
sup-
ply of water, at the same time shape the surface of the country and '
determine the quality of the soil. Not more than three-fifths of the township is prairie. Along the immediate valleys of the larger streams there is a deep black soil, rich in humus, and in some places covered by heavy growths of timber, while upon the ridges bordering the water-courses are the so called "barrens." ries is
The
soil of the prai-
mostly deep and of a blackish or chocolate colored loam, with a
yellow or light brown clay subsoil.
The
soil
of the "barrens"
similar to that of th^ prairies, only lighter colored
and
is
less in depth,
becoming of a
light brown or yellowish color along the sides and over the tops of the ridges, on account of the character of the sub-
soil
which comes near the
The
surface.
surface deposits of the township comprise the ordinary sub-
divisions of the quartemary period, alluivium, loess, and
diift.
The
alluivium deposits are mostly confined to narrow belts along the larger streams. Some of this land is so low as to be too much subject to overflow for growing cereals, but affording excellent meadow and
grazing grounds.
GREENE TOWNSHIP.
653
found sparingly, capping some of the high along Pope creek, but not suificient in quantity to require special
The points
loess deposit is
notice.
Drift.
—The deposits of this subdivision consist of a series of brown
and blue clays, mixed here and there with sand, gravel and small peb-' Quite bles, which are spread over the entire surface of the township. a number of boulders of igneous or metamorphic rocks lie scattered along the borders of the streams and in the valleys of most of the temporary water courses.
Goal Measures.
—^The
stratified
rocks exposed in this township
all
belong to the coal measures and include the lower groups, from coal
No. 3 of the Illinois section
They coal,
down
to near the base of this formation.
of limestone, sandstone, clay, shale, and and are supposed to reach a thickness of from 100 to 150 feet. consist of various strata
A
boring on section 14, near Viola, reaches 130 entirely
feet
without passing
through this formation.
There have been three seams of coal found and more or less worked"' in the township, sively mined.
although No. 3 and No. 1 have been the most exten-
Coal No. 3 has been found only on sections 31 and 32.
The mines of Mr. Martin and Mr. Morrow are on this seam, while about twenty-five feet lower down coal No. 2 was formerly worked by Mr. Martin by a drift into the hill. The discovery of the thicker and more profitable vein No. 3 above caused its abandonment several years ago. Coal No. 3 at Martin's bank varies from three to five feet in thickness, is safely and profitably worked, and afibrds one of our very best fuel coals.
Coal No. 2 of the Illinois group, in all the exposures thus' far in the township,
made
has shown too thin a vein for profitable mining at
varying from one and a half to two feet in thickness. This seam has been found at several points, notably on the Gilmore farm,
present,
W. I
of Sec. 23, on the Morey farm, N. E. I of Sec. 27, and at Mar-^ bank in the S. W. J of Sec. 31. Besides the mining formerly done on this vein on Martin's bank, the openings on the Gilmore farm and on B. F. Morey's old farm afibrded a fair quantity of fuel coal, but S.
tin's
were never operated except for the use of the owners' families and of their neighbors.
by stripping the
At
the two last
named farms
som&
the coal was mined
soil, clay and slate overlying it, but the increasing' depth .of the overlying clay and shale as they neared the higher ground rendered its mining unprofitable by this process, and the promise of a poor " roof" over the coal discouraged the owners from running a drift
into the hills.
HISTORY OF MERGER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
654:
From geologists
shales overlying coals No. 3 and No. 2 our amateur have gathered many of the fossils peculiar to the coal
the
measures of bryozora,
lima
this
these
of
part
sections
the
furnish
state.
Besides
conularia,
retifero, spirifer lunitus, attryrus subtitito,
several
species of
haniproartes creuistro,
productus nebrascensis,
The greater portion of the coal prosomewhat famous, comes from coal our township is duced, for which This seam varies in thickness from three No. 1 of the Illinois section. pleurophorus solenifornius,
etc.
and a half feet, the general average reaching about four feet. The deposit of this coal seam stretches across the township from east to west, being a part only of the great Edwards river seam. It has been found and extensively mined on sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and The principal shafts now in operation are N. B. the N.W. J of 11. Frazier's, on the S. E. of section 2, Eussell Park's and H. Boone's on section 3, Wm. Blaine's, W. P. Collins' and Guthrie's shafts on section 4 Bell Brothers' on section 5 Geo. Pinkerton's and Hegg's works on section 6. This vein of coal probably underlies a very consideraand a half
to four
;
;
ble portion of the township, particularly along the northern
half,
but
found at all, under the higher water shed of the township, all the openings heretofore made being located in the valleys of the streams, fully 150 feet below the plateau upon which Viola stands. This vein shows, in some locaUties, a peculiarity wortliy of mention. Starting from the east side of the will be found at a considerable depth, if
we find but little admixture of slate, there is a gradual development of this material westward until we reach section 4, where it constitutes a parting strip of about four inches, about midway of the seam, and from thence west thickens out so rapidly that on section 6 it forms a parting varying in thickness from eighteen to twenty inches. While this layer of shale between the upper and lower coal does not impair its quality seriously, still it renders mining tedious and expentownship, where
on account of the
sive
necesssity of taking care of so
much
refuse
matter. Potters^ Clay.
—A
test of
some of the whitish or pale blue
clay
found above coal No. 1, proves it to possess excellent qualities for the manufacture of stoneware. Several barrels of it were shipped, a few years ago, to a firm in Iowa who pronounced it, after a thorough trial,
worthy of the attempt
to
erect a factory near
by
it.
Some
negotiations were entered into with the manufacturer alluded to and parties here, but the enterprise
A superior deposit tile
and
deposit
finally
abandoned.
has been developed within the past few years. This below coal No. 2, and the heaviest body of it is found
fire-brick is just
was
of clay, suitable for the manufacture of sewer
;
GEEENE TOWNSHIP.
655
The Monmouth Manufacturing Company, purchased forty acres of this land and have of Monmouth years past, as high as 150 tons per year of their shipped, for several day, the greater portion of which they use in making lire-brick and in heavy sewer tile. They claim it to be the best clay in the west for on the S.W. J of Sec. 35. Illinois,
their pui-poses. lA/ine.
— Some of the
been burned for
blue limestone found above coal No.
and yielded a
impurities needs to
amount so obtained
1
has
on account of be sorted and screened before using, and the
is
'fair
quality of lime, but
comparatively small, rendering
its
manufacture
scarcely profitable.
BuiMmg
Stone.
nois section, is of
and
soft
when
—The sandstone lying
just
above Coal
l^o. 2,
Illi-
a light color, varying from a dull white to yellow,
first
quarried, but hardens
several quarries of this
rock in
tlae
on exposure.
There are
township, some of which are yield-
In some of the quarries it can be any desired size. This stone is found on section 33, near F. McGaughey's house on the N. W. J of Sec. 26 on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 34 and inferior qualities at other places. The best and most extensive quarry is that of H. Gilbert on section 34, ing a fine quality of building stone. taken out in blocks of almost
;
;
fi-om
which has been taken a large portion of all the sandstone for and use in heavy masonry about Viola and the surrounding
cutting
country.
The limestone which overlies Coal No. 1, of the Illinois section, is impure Mmestone, varying from eight to fifteen feet in depth, with about two feet of a very solid blue limestone just below. In some localities we find a flinty limestone interposed between the blue and gray. The blue limestone is of small value for building material, as it soon falls to pieces on exposure to the atmosphere. This drabcolored rock is extensively quarried on sections 3, 4, and 5, and is held m high esteem for building purposes, many hundreds of tons having beell hauled out into other portions of the county for economic uses. The rock is found mostly in layers from two to eight inches in thickness, the layers growing thicker gradually from above downward. Some of the lower layers can be broken into almost any desired sizes, up to ten or twelve feet square. The large slabs that form the floors and roofs of the cells in the county jail were quarried on section 4, as also the large slabs lining and covering the vaults of the Aledo a drab-colored,
bank.
From the shale above the coals of Greene township and the overlaying limestones are gathered nearly every species of our Mercer ceunty coal measures fossils ; in fact, the fossils found in this township
HISTOET OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
656
are the typical fossils of the coal measures in the county.
tedious and uninteresting for .
many
of your readers were
It
we
would be
to
name
a
tenth part of these interesting relics of a by-gone period of our earth's
growth, which have only in recent years possessed anything of interest or significance to human understandings ; but we will say, in general terms, that in addition to those already noted above, we find some species of the nautilus, the goniatite,
the straparolus, murchisonia,
pleurotomaria, bellerophon, productus,* and several varities of crenoidiae,
Of
more
or less broken and fragmentary.
fossil fernSj
some of them very well preserved, we have
fragments of the i-hododenden and
species, while
roots of the latter (stigmaria), are
common
sigillaria,
several
with the
trophies of our amateur
collectors.
That many of the monster mammals of the quartemary period home in our neighborhood and roamed over the then marshy and fern-clad plains, which now constitute the high rolhng prairie and grass-covered valleys of Greene township, there can be but small doubt. Their bones, which were buried here in that distant age, are now and then recovered from their unmarked burial grounds, and stand as witnesses of their former occupancy of the soil. In my cabinet are a part of a tooth of the mastodon, and a large and well-preserved tooth of the elephas primogeneous (?) found on section 3 in this township. The locality where found bore evidence of having been in former times a marsh or swamp, and the evidences from the place and its surroundings are strongly suggestive that the monsters whose teeth now grace my cabinet died where the teeth were found. once had a
EARLY SETTLEMENT. The
first
actual settler in
what
is
now known who came
of the 4th P.M., was David Williams,
as T. 14, R.
2,
west
in 1836 and entered
S. W. J of Sec. 14. In the following year came Nathan McChesney, who located in the eastern part of the township, %nd Thomas Weir, who located in section 9. In the spring of 1839 John Collins, formerly a resident of Columbiana county, Ohio, came from the eastern part of the county, where he had located in 1837 near the present site of Joy. Mr. Collins located on the W. i of N. E. i of
a claim on the
Sec. 15.
He
erected a log cabin about twentj' rods east and on the
opposite side of the road from the present residence of his son,
William P. The last vestige of this rude habitation has disappeared, and immediately over the spot daily passes the "iron steed, swiiler than eagles
fly."
In the same year came John Cowden,
who
located on the N.
W.
J
GEEENE lX)WN8Hrp. "William Brownlee,
who
657
located on the N. E.
J of Sec. 17; of Sec. and Elijah Stewart, 14 ; John Linn, who J who bought the claim of David Williams. John Carnahan, Sr., forof See. 17
;
located on S. E.
merly of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, came and located on section 18. His sons, "William and David, and his son-in-law, Frank Anderson, took claims in the "William
same
Knkerton,
section.
Sr.,
came
in 1840,
and
also settled
on section
18.
John "Walker also came at a very early day. The Park family came George McFeixen, Matthew Doak, and Henry Griffin were in 1839.
among the
also
the
first
early settlers of the township.
Charles Durston was
white child born in the township.
Although the strong armed pioneer experienced many hardships, and difficulties, his life was not destitute of sunshine. His
privations
was as dear to him as though it had work in the "clearing," he would loved ones about him, and was rewarded for his
rude log cabin, with its inmates,
been a palace. retire to rest toil
After a hard day's
with his
by a night of sound sleep "
Unbroken by the wolf's long howl, Or the panther springing by."
Being neighbors and companions in a wilderness cut off from ization, tlers,
a genial spirit of friendship generally, existed
among
civil-
the
set-
and a neighbor was as welcome to share the rude comforts of the
Nor did the settlers lack for amusement. "Corn huskings," "spelling schools," "taffy pullings," and "shooting matches," were frequent, young and old participating, and on the "puncheon floor" the young men and blushing maidens tripped the pioneer's cabin as a brother.
"light fantastic toe" as merrily,
if
not as gracefully, as the more
accomplished dancers of the present day.
"While the traditional
"back woods' fiddler" patted the floor with his number ten "cowhides," and made the log cabin ring with such melodies as the "fisher's horn-pipe," and the "devil's dream." If a "new-comer" desired to build a house, he had the services of an the settlers in the surrounding neighborhood at his disposal. Car-
was then in its simplicity, a broad-ax, an auger, and a saw constituted a set of cai-penter's tools, and out of a pile of logs of various sizes a cabin was soon constructed, the cracks "chunk and dobbed," with a kind of mortar made of clay and prairie grass. A chininey and fire-place made of the same material, and the house was pentering cross-cut
ready for
its
occupants.
One of the worst enemies the settlers had to contend with was the prairie fire. Hunters would frequently set fire to the tall grass, which.
IIISTOEY OF
658
MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
would readily ignite the prairie would soon be a sea of the unlucky farmer who had not taken the proper These fires were sometimes precautions to protect his property. arrested in their flight by the settlers, who would turn out and "tight them. " Mr. W. P. Collins states that he, in company with his father, brother, and several neighbors once fought a fire from Saturday until Sunday night, without food, water or sleep. The manner in which this was done was to plow a furrow in front of the fire, and then burn the grass between, being cai-eful in the beginning to prevent the grass on the opposite side from igniting. in the
fall,
flame, and
;
woe unto
The people
also expeiuenced great difficulty in getting breadstuff.
Mills being scarce, they were frequently, in ease of bad weather, compelled to manufacture their
corn while on the ear.
own
Com
meal, which was done by grating the
bread and pork constituted the
bill
of
fare.
William Terry was also one of the earliest settlers in Greene townhaving came in 1836, from New York state. He entered in aU about ±40 acres of land, 160 of which was entered in his son's name. .Mr. Terry is now nearly eighty-four, and is apparently as rugged as when the writer first saw him a score of years ago. His mind is as clear and his memory as retentive as in his boyhood. He is familiarly spoken of as "Uncle Billy." During an interview with this venerable gentleman, the writer listened to many amusing incidents illustrative of pioneer life. When Mr. Terry came to Mercer county, there was but one other settler in G-reene township. Game of all kinds abounded He states that he has seen as many as fifty deer in a drove, browsing on Pope creek bottom. Lynx and wolves were also very plentifiil. One evening, while driving his cows down to the creek bottom, he heard a rustling in the bushes near at hand, and on walking up nearer to ascertain the cause, a huge black wolf sprang at him, with glaring eyes and open jaws. Uncle Billy sprang across a little stream that ran near by, and started homeward at a rate which he thinks was the fastest on record at that time. He arrived safely at home, minus his hat. On the following morning he went back to the scene of the fright and found from its tracks, that the wolf had pursued him as far as the water and stopped. He was returning home one evening fi-om Bridger's comers, where he had been transacting some business which had not gone to suit him. This rendered his feelings very unamiable, and as he was passing through Pope creek timber, his mind was very suddenly diverted from his financial aflfairs by the appearance of a large gray wolf, immediately in front of him and right in his path. He stopped for a moment, and the wolf raised himself on his haunches. ship,
GEEENE and
sat glaring at
Billy's
him
in
But Uncle from toward the animal, and it politely
a very threatening manner.
combativeness would not allow
the path.
He
seized a club, started
him
659
'rOWNSHII'.
him he
to flee, nor to turn
he kept one eye Mr. Terry states on Ms that part of the county did their in trading settlers at Henderthat the where they paid high county, as as twenty dollars per Knox sonville, other and commodities in proportion. flour, His family for barrel several weeks on bread made from for wheat ground subsisted in once first religious services The Mr. Terry mill. attended in a cofiee in the cabin of Mr. James Mann, held in North Henderwere Illinois People then drove to church with ox teams. son township. Hopkins Boone, now a resident of Viola, was the second settler in Preemption township, having located on Edwards river in the fall of Mr. Boone first made a trip to Illinois in 1830 and had decided 1835. make his home in the southern part of the state. But on returning to after the close of the Black Hawk war he found that locality too thickly settled to suit his ideas of a new country, and he accordingly came farther north. At that time and for several years subsequent the county, was divided into three voting precincts, his being called the Eichland Grove precinct. The polling place was then at the residence of a Mr. Parker in what is now Eichland Grove township. On election day in 1836 Mr. Boone, in company with a neighbor, walked to Mr. Parker's to cast their votes. On their arrival they found fifteen or twenty settlers from other parts of the precinct wlio had congregated there for the same purpose. They had no printed tickets, and as not a soul of them knew the names of the electors, it was impossible for them to vote, and after laughing and joking considerably over their predicament they returned to their respective homes. Mr. Boone states that at that time there was no road leading north and south except an Indian trail, which could be traveled only on horseback, and which lay between Monmouth and Rock Island. He states that there had been a state road laid out irom Beardstown to Eock Island, but as there had been no work done on it through Merstepped aside,
allowing
to pass, but
states that
wolfship until he disappeared in the distance.
cer county it could not
be traveled by wagon. had raised a crop the settlers were obliged to get their provisions from Knox and Warren counties. In order to reach Monmouth by wagon they were obliged to go west to the Mississippi and there take a road running from New Boston to that place, which made a roundabout journey. Until after they
For several years after locating at Farlow's Grove their nearest mill was one situated on the Cedar fork of Henderson creek in Warren
IH8T0EY OF MEECER AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
660
was but little wheat raised the settlers were obliged to subsist principally on corn bread, and occasionally on "hog and hominy." As game was plentiful a piece of venison or a wild turkey Mr. Boone states that a drove of wild frequently broke the monotony. and some of them were shot by the river in 1836 hogs was seen along
As
county.
there
the settlers.
Mr. Boone erected the did work for settlers for
He
first
many
saw-mill built on Edwards river and
miles around.
one of the four remaining pioneers of Mercer county. He is a distant relative of the famous Daniel Boone, and like him, in his younger days, excessively fond of life in a wild country. He says the is
happiest days of his
life
were spent in a log cabin.
In early times he
could stand in the door of his rude habitation and look far up and
down
the river and across the country for miles, seeing nothing but
prairie,
with here and there a belt of timber
;
hiUs adorned with
flowers of every hue, between which glided the silvery waters of the
and here and there herds of deer feeding on the plain. Ci^dlization in its onward But what a change time has wrought. march has blotted out all traces of the cabin, and where the bounding deer dwelt and the wild flowers bloomed, are school-houses, dwelhngs and iields of grain. The canoe of the swarthy savage is seen no more darting up and
river,
down
the stream, while in the distance can be heard the shriek of the
locomotive and the clanging of the church
He aud
is
like
many
bells.
others has stepped out of the busy whirlpool of
living in quiet retirement.
that he assisted in paving the
way
He
life,
has the satisfaction of knowing
for civilization
and
for progress, and
memory loves to dwell on the past, which for him been marked by many hardships and dangers, yet has not been
in his later years his
has
vsdthout its pleasures
ORGANIZATION. Greene township assumed organization in 1854. The name of Greene was suggested by John Collins, with whom General Greene of revolutionary fame was a great favorite. The first town meeting was held in a school-house that stood on a hUl in what is now the eastern part of the village of Yiola. John Collins was chosen chairman by acclamation, after which Uri Smith was chosen moderator, and Henry Hoagland, clerk pro tem. The polls being opened the following oflBcers were chosen by ballott Elisha Miles, supervisor; Henry Hoagland, town clerk William P. Collins, assessor Alexander McGauhey, :
;
collector
;
John
Frazier, overseer of the poor
;
;
Samual E.
Russell, John
GEEENE TOWNSHIP.
661
H. Pai'k and David Somerville, Jr., commissioners of highways; John Griffin and Henry Hoagland, justices of the peace William T. McGauhey and W. P. Collins, constables Jeremiah Boyer, and David Alexander M. Stewart, Yan K. HarSomerville, Jr., pound masters ;
;
;
riott,
and C. Doty, overseers of highways.
VIOLA. The
village of
Viola was laid out by Ford, Shepard and Perkins in
Air Line railroad was being surveyed was one of the points selected for a The name was conferred upon the infant village by Judge station. PerMns, and is said to have been suggested to him by one of his daughters. In 1856-7 the judge erected the large brick hotel, supposing that a But owing to the collapse of prosperous town would soon surround it. the railroad scheme the great building stood almost alone in its glory for several years after, and proved to have been a very unprofitabte
As
1856.
that time the old
through the country, and Viola
investment to the builder.
The
first
business house erected after the laying out of the village
was that of Dyer Ford, father of M. M. Ford, one of the proprietors of the town.
Soon
after,
the Crosby brothers erected a building and
The first drug store was The postoffice was established in the village in 1856 at the residence of Samuel Perry, Mr. Perry ofliciating as postmaster for a short time, resigned, and was succeeded by Dyer Ford. The names of the successive postmasters down to the present opened up a stock of general merchandise.
opened by Mr. Balkam.
B. F. Warner, H. Pond, resigned, E. T. Crosby, resigned, E. L. McKinnie, removed, and V. E. Harriott. The latter named gentleman was appointed in 1880, and has discharged hisduties faithfully and satisfactorily. time ia the order of their appointment are as follows
resigned, E. S. Fugate, resigned,
:
IST.
For a period of nearly twelve years after the laying out of the but little growth or progress was made, but after the comple-
village,
branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad in began to show some signs of life, and entered upon an era of prosperity and growth which surprised the most sanguine. In 1869 Park & McKinnie erected a handsome drug store. In 1870 Crosby Phares erected a building in the same block. In 1871 H. B. Frazier
tion of the
1869,
it
&
a handsome two-story store building 22 X 60 feet, and has since added twenty feet in length. In the winter of 1869-70 John G.
built
on the corner of Since that time he has added two other
Gilbert erected a store building
Shepard and Eighth streets.
and masonic
hall
handsome store-rooms, making the entire building 64x64
feet.
The
HISTOEY OF MEECER
662 first
stock of hardware
was put
AND HEKDEE80N in
by V. K.
COUNTIES.
Harriott, in the old hotel
In 1869 an elevator was built by Mack, Eeynolds & Co., of Galesburg, which was operated by the Manning brothers. In 1880 E. J. Morgan also erected a large grain elevator west of the former The capacity of one, which is now owned by Finkterton Brothers.
building.
this building is
20,000 bushels.
During the winter of 1880-81, 400,000 bushels of corn were shipped from Viola, which we presume was not exceeded at any point The village was incorporated March 19, 1870, Dr. J. in the county. Y. Trailer, E. J. Morgan, Henry Allen, P. L. McKinnie, and W. K. During the twelve years of her inGarwood being the first trustees. coi-porated existence Yiola has had a licensed saloon within its limits During that time king alcohol held undisputed sway, but two years. and with his polluting breath sent misery and wretchedness, want and With his subtle power he tore the despair into many households. dimpled arms of the laughing child from about its father's neck, and Thanks to the unceaschanged him from a loving father to a demon. ing labors of the temperance people, he was checked in his devihsh career. They declared, through the ballot, that the saloonkeeper must and he go, has gone, let us hope, forever.
NIGGER RIDGE. For several years previous to and during the war, the people in the western part of the township are said to have been large stockholders in the underground railway. depot or station was established in the neighborhood, and many a dusky slave, fleeing from the cruelty of the master's lash, was by those kind-hearted people assisted on his way toward the star in the north, and owing to such humane acts, together with the fact that the people in the vicinity were almost unanimous in the most radical abolition principles, the neighborhood won the name of Nigger Ridge. Rather an uncouth nickname it is, yet one of which they may justly be proud. With it are mingled the recollections of the child being torn from the arms of its dark-skinned mother and sold at the auction block, of the cruel lash, of the savage
A
'
bloodhound, of the four long years of war that struck the shackles from the arms of millions of slaves. FIRES.
In June, 1865, the residence of Dr.
V. Frazier took fire from a defective flue, and was burned to the ground; loss, $1,500. In 1866 the drug store of E. S. Fugate took fire, burning the noiihwest corner of the building, and destroying his books and papers; J.
^^^^'^^'?>^-.^^7'^^
:
UEEENE TOWNSHIP. loss,
Owing
about $800.
665
to the timely assistance of the citizens, the
was saved from entire destruction. In 1878 the residence of B. N. Peck took
building
fire,
and, with almost
The dwelling was
totally destroyed.
entire contents,
its
and
insured,
Mr. Peck received the entire amount.
EPISODES. In February, 1881, the postoffice istered letters,
was
entered,
amounting to $100, taken.
and stamps and
reg-
The perpetrator was never
captured.
July
3,
1875, a large crowd assembled at Yiola for the purpose of
celebrating the Fourth, that
day coming on Sunday.
During the
after-
noon a c;"Owd of miners got into a melee with the police, and a general
row ensued, in which some bravery and a gi'eat deal of cowardice was manifested. Titus Snyder, Samuel Park, and one or two others having been authorized to act as policemen, contended for a time with a howling
mob
of infuriated drunkards, and, although severely handled, they
succeeded in leveling half a dozen of the raffians to the earth, after
which quiet was restored. In the
fall
of 1876 George Parrot, a traveling salesman stopping at
the village hotel,
On
tried to eifect
Co.
committed suicide by taking morphine.
November 17, 1878, a burglar named Lothringer an entrance into the dry goods store of H. B. Frazier &
the night of
George Goding, a brother of one of the firm, was sleeping in
and was suddenly awakened by the cracking of end of the building. He seized his revolver and crept quietly back until he felt the cold air coming through the hole that had been made in the glass in the panel door. The head and shoulders of the burglar soon appeared, and he was in the act of crawling in, when Goding fired, the ball taking efiect in his breast. He turned and ran across the street, where he fell and was captured. He was
the store at the time, glass in the rear
afterward sent to the state prison.
ORGANIZATIONS.
—
Was organized in 1855 by the and was at that time known as the Twin Grove The names of the first trustees elected are as follows
The United Presbyterian Ghv/rchEev. Matthew Bigger, congregation.
John Mitchell, chairman;
W.
P. Collins, secretary; trustees, S. E.
and W. P. Collins. The membership then numbered twenty-eight, and was organized under the care of the Associate Keform Presbytery at Monmouth. John Collins, John Mitchell, Sr., and Samuel Eoss were members of the session. The Russell, J. B. Mitchell,
38
::
HISTOEY OF MEECER AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
666
was the Eev. D. C. Cochran, who was installed in There has been since the organization of the united with them. The present membermembers 325 about society members number of attending largest 110. The services at ship is present pastor is the Eev. The W. 130. S. McClanany one time was The present session is composed of the following-named nahan. members Richard Gardner, J. C. Pinkerton, Leonard Hogg, Richard The present trustees are Aitkin, James Stewart, and S. E. Russell. Ashenhurst and E. Russell. The Sabbath John S. W. C. Breckenridge,
first
regular pastor
the spring of 1857.
:
school in connection
is
in a very flourishing condition and numbers
one of the largest and most prosperous in the county. The church building was erected in 1857; The entire cost of the in 1876 additional improvements were made. building was about $4,500. Methoddst Episcopal. This society was organized in 1867. The first trustees being Delos Crosby, Jonah Mora, James M. Walker, E. J. Morgan, Elias Beachlor, George Griffin, and O. R. Morey. The church building was completed in 1870. The first pastor was the Rev. Theodore Hoagland. Owing to very imperfect records the data in regard to this organization are very meagre. The society was first organized by the Rev. J. Fleharty, who held meetings in the old brick school-house, and through whose earnest efforts many converts were brought into communion with Christ. GongregatioTMl Church. ^This society was organized in 1857, by the Rev. C. H. Eaton, who acted as the first regular pastor. The church building was erected the same year. The first trustees were B. C. Perkins, Joseph Schofield, George Bolton, Thomas Merriman, John A. Hoff'man. This organization was in a very flourishing condition until about 1865-6, but having been originally composed of members who had previously belonged to other denominations, it began to decrease in number and soon became practically extinct. about 100 members.
This congregation
is-
—
—
—This
was organized April 22, 1872, in the old Congregational church building, and was made up principally of persons who had formerly been members of the Edwards river congregation, and the old Congregationalist chiu-ch at Viola. The first pastor was the Rev. E. Robb, licentiate of Auburn, New York, seminary. The first elders were Russell Park and Hopkins Boom. In 1878 the Presbyterian.
society
society erected a church building at a cost of about $2,700.
building
is
pleasantly located, surrounded
by a natural
This
grove, and
is
an ornament to the village. The interior of the building is handsomely and furnished to correspond. The congregation is in a prosperous condition, and is at present under the supervision of the Rev. R. H. Fulton. finished,
GEEENE TOWNSHIP.
66T
—
About four miles west of Viola a society was and was called the Bethel Free Presbyterian Church. J. E. At the time of. organization the membership numbered twenty. Whittim was the iirst pastor, and the first trustees were James McClure. The church was knowni "William M. Carnahan,. and John Carnahan. until 1866, when slavery had name ceased to be an issue above by the Wesleyan changed to Methodist, and since has gone was name the and Bethd Church.
organized in 1854,
by that name.
Lodge No. 577, A. F. and A. M., was organized July 16, 1867, Master, J. B. Longley ; Senior "Warden, with the following ofiicers :
Morey
Junior "Warden, S. B. Atwater
Treasurer, Russel V. E. Harriott Senior Deacon, "Warren L. Smith ; Tyler, M. K. Flory. Following are the Junior Deacon, Eobert Park names of the charter members Allen Eobinson, W. L. Smith, M. K. Flory, Edward Lynes, John Baxter, Levi McLaughlin, Eussell Park, B. F. Morey, J. M. Erne, Eobert Park,V. E. Harriott, S. B. Atwater, S. K. Moore, "W. D. Morfbrd, J. B. Longley, Allen McLaughlin, EichThe Lodge was conducted under dispensation until 1868, ard Cooper. when they received their charter. Tlie names of the present officers are B. F.
Park
;
Secretary,
;
;
;
;
:
as follows
Mauk
;
"Worshipful Master,
:
Secretary,
V. R. Harriott
Deacon, J. E. Tyler, J. B.
H. B. Frazier
B. C. Bowers
Junior "Warden,
;
;
Senior "Warden, P. F.
Eussell Park Smith Junior Stewards, Eeuben Perry, M. K. Flory ;
Treasurer,
Senior Deacon, "W.
;
L.
;
Greenwood The present membership of the lodge number ;
;
Smith.
forty-three.
SCHOOLS. The
first
school in the township
during
its
existence,
school building in the hill
ing
the village of Viola, north of the present site
steam mill, and was used until 1856,
when
was erected, about forty rods southwest of
until 1871,
erect trict
a
when
new and
Collins, in
was kept up by subscription. The first public township was erected in 1842, and stood on a
in the eastern part of
of the
was taught by Elizabeth
her father's (John Collins), residence, in 1840, which,
the rear part of
a two story brick buildit,
the large increase in attendance
larger building.
which was occupied
made
it
necessary to
According]}^, the people of the dis-
held a meeting, for the purpose of ascertaining the sentiment in
regard to Dr.
J.
it, and it was decided to proceed at once with the work. V. Frazier drew up and submitted to the 'meeting a plan for the
proposed building, which
was adopted, and Delos Crosby employed to The grounds selected upon which to erect the building are in block 114, where two lots were purchased, at a cost of about $500. The building, one of the best in the superintend the construction of the same.
66S
IIISTUEY OF
MEROEB AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
county, was completed in 1871, and school opened in the
fall
of that
Miss Sarah Hayes being the first principal. For reasons which might be mysterious to some, and transparent to others, the accounts of the expenditures on the building were very imperfectly kept in fact they were not kept at all, and the people of the district are to-day year,
;
An investigating commit-
ignorant of the cost of their school edifice.
was once appointed to look into the matter, but their labors were rewarded by the same success that usually attends such efforts. They were obliged to guess at both the cost of the building, and the disposal "We will state that their opinion that was made of the public funds. tee
in regard to the former, but will withhold it in reference to the latter. According to their estimate, the building, including grounds, cost about $7,000. The building is two stories in height, the main building, .54x32 feet in size, and the wing 17x20. It is divided into four departments, which are designated in alphabetical order, beginning at" A. Mr. S. P. Wiley, of Aledo, is the present pjrincipal, and is con-
alucting the school to the entire satisfaction of the people of the
district.
THE CEMETERY. The cemetery is located about a half a mile north and west of the The ground was donated to the United Presbyterian church by John Collins. The first burial that took place here was the remains of John Kennedy. It is now used as a public cemetery and has village.
recently been enlarged. It is
admirably located on gently rolling ground, and
by a grove of forest trees. In by the surroimding beauty, by John
was chosen. The cemetery
surrounded is
struck
the hallowed stillness, broken only by
the twittering of wild birds, and cannot but realize tion
is
visiting this burial place one
how
well the locar
Collins, the donor, is buried here.
in connection with Bethel church was established in 1866 on land donated by William and Porter Carnahan. It is located in section 18,
and
is
used
is
a public burial place.
THE VIOLA VINEYARD. Prominent among the places of vineyard owned by
J.
interest in
M. Erne, contiguous
Mercer county
is
to the village of Yiola.
the
In
1876 Mr. Erne purchased twenty-two acres of timber land, joining the village on the north and east, and by ceaseless labor and excellent man-
agement he has removed the timber and largest vineyard in the county.
He
is
carries
now
the proprietor of the
on the business
in a scien-
and skillful manner. The hillsides facing the southeast are ornamented by rows of vines, numbering in all about 6,000, and consisting
tific
GBKENE TOWNSHIP. of about
tliii'ty
varieties of grapes.
Ot)!>
In 1880 these vines produced about
tons of fruit.
fifty
In addition to these he has about 600 apple trees, among which He also has about about twenty varieties of apples are represented. fifteen different varieties
is experimenting with German prunes and several other which have heretofore been unknown in the American
He
cherries.
of strawberries, six of raspberries and three of
kinds of fruit vineyards.
Among
the novelties to be found in his vineyard
Crab," which
is
tined to figure tree
indebted to Mr. Erne for
among
prominently
its
is
the "Viola
name, and which
is
the line fruits of the country.
des-
The
from which the grafts Ivere taken was discovered by Mr. Erne in
and seemed to be a cross between the tame The fruit resembles the Koman stem in shape and color, and Mr. Erne thinks it superior to any fruit of the This fruit is supposed to be transcendent. crab genus in existence. Mr. Eme is carefully cultivating this novelty and thinks his labor will be rewarded by his being known as the discoverer of a line species of the timber south of Yiola,
apple and wild crab apple.
fruit.
He
is
also
experimenting with seedling grapes and the result of his
experiments are several
new
varieties of that delicious
which he has not yet conferred names. fin§ white,
in very
and a fine copper colored
compact
clusters.
He
ripens early in July, called the
fruit,
fruit,
upon
He
has developed an extra and also a kind that gi-ows
has also developed a seedling peach that
Early Mercer.
Mr. Erne deserves great credit for his perseverance and untiring diligence in
developing this fruit enterprise.
large quantities of
wine of an excellent
He
also manufactures
quality.
GREEN BOWER NURSERY. This enterprise,
managed by James Ferry,
miles southeast of Viola.
is
situated about four
For many years Mr. Ferry and
his father have devoted a great deal of their attention to fruit growing, and in 1869 James opened his nursery. It is handsomely situated and the
and shrubs so tastefully arranged as to present a pretty view. The land on which it is located, consisting of about twenty-two acres, is rolling, the hills sloping Mr. Ferry keeps on to the south and east. hand about sixty varieties of apple trees, and a dozen of raspberries ; trees
in blackberries in
he makes a specialty of the "snyder" and "killina;" grapes of the "concord." Of strawberries he keeps about ten
varieties. Aside from these are found all kinds of ornamental trees. The nursery is well protected on all sides by a natural grove of oak
HI8T0EY OF MEECEB ANU HENDEESON COUNTIES.
670
together with the enterprise
we
tor,
see
and with these natural advantages, and excellent judgment of the proprie-
also well drained,
It is
trees.
no reason why
it
should not be a long-lived success.
THE STEAM
MILL.
Early in the spring of 1869, an elderly gentleman, of suave manon the streets of Viola, introducing himself to some of
ner, appeared
the citizens as William Cannon.
His business in the
village
was
to
ascertain the feeling of the people in regard to having a steam mill
added
to their list of enterprises.
After finding the sentiment favorable
he very modestly stated that he would need a little pecuniary aid in constructing the building, and proposed that in case to his project,
him $2,500, to proceed at once with the work. Enough kind-hearted gentlemen were soon found to make up the
the citizens raised
desired amount, and as security they were given a lien on the property.
the expiration of two years, the time when the money was to have been refunded, the double-barreled firm of Cannon & Cannon collapsed, and the wily creditors pounced down on the property. After gaining possession of the same they were informed that other parties held claims on the mill amounting to nearly $5,000. After liquidating these liens the property was sold to L. S. Hunter, the present proprietor, for $1,800. Just how much these philanthropic gentlemen realized fi"om the speculation, except that they had been swindled, is "not known.
At
WAR
RECORD.
In sending out troops to aid in the suppression of the Greene was not behind her sister townships. She furnished
rebellion,
troops for
the 8th Kansas, 17th Illinois, 30th Illinois, 45th Illinois, 65th
83d
Illinois,
84th Illinois, 27th Illinois, 102d Illinois, 124th
140th Illinois and 53d
Illinois,
and 12th
of her country she laid her sacrifice.
gone out
full
of
life
and
health,
Cavalry.
111.
Some
Upon
of her brave sons
had returned,
sick
Illinois, Illinois,
the
alter
who had
and emaciated from
the effects of hardships and exposure, to their old
homes
to die with
their loved ones about them, while the graves of others are scattered
over the
soil of Tennessee, of the Carolinas, of Georgia, on the banks of the Mississippi, and on the shore of the moaning sea. The tales of
their deeds of heroism
have been "enshrined in song ;" a stately shaft of marble has been erected to their memory, and their epitaphs are written on the hearts of the
American people.
GEEENE TOWNSHIP.
671
BIOGRAPHICAL. the many prominent men of which Mercer county can none are more deserving of the respect of her citizens than Dr. Dr. Frazier is a son of John and- Nancy (Veach) Jesse V. Fraziee. Frazier, and was bom in Hubbard, Trumbull county, Ohio, February Jesse remained on the farm with his father until eighteen 15, 1824.
Among
boast,
to Youngstown, Ohio, and began a course academy, and with the exception of two winters, during In the which he taught school, continued his studies three yeafs. spring of 1845 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. years of age,
when he went
of study in the
B. F. Eichardson,
who
has since been
medical colleges in Cincinnati.
He
made a
professor in one of the
studied in the office of that gen-
when he and his father started for Taking passage on a boat at Pittsburgh they went down the Ohio to Cairo, thence up the Mississippi as far as Keokuk, where they found the river clogged with ice to such an extent as to stop further tleman until the spring of 1847, Dlinois.
Walking across on the
Iowa side, they row them across the channel to where the ice was sufficiently solid to permit them to walk ashore. This, although a very perilous operation, was accomplished without accident. Having made their way to the Illinois side, they started toward their destination on foot, and arrived at Viola on the second of March. They bought a farm one and a half miles from that village, and while the father returned to Ohio for the family, Jesse progress of the boat.
walked to Burlington, where they hired a
attended to putting in their crops.
ice to the
man
to
Shortly after the arrival of the
went to Rock Island and resumed his medical studies in the office of Dr. Winslow S. Peirce, now of Indianapolis. In the fall of 1847 he attended lectures at McDowel's medical college in St. Louis. In the latter part of 1848 he began practising in Millersburg, and in February, 1849, received a diploma from the Rock Island medical college. Duiing his studies in these two cities he distinguished himself as a student of more than ordinary talent, and in his final examination acquitted himself with the highest honors, and received the most flattering, encomiums from his fellow students and professors. In September he was stricken with a fever which defied the contents of an apothecary store as well as the skill of any human physician, and for family he
which there was no antidote nearer than the gold mines of California. He accordingly prescribed for himself a trip to that country. In com-
pany with his friend Dr. Peirce he took a boat to New Orleans, and there took passage in a steamer bound for Panama. Shortly after landing in Gorgonia, he in company with several others stepped into a restaurant for dinner.
Having partaken of the bountiful
repast,
he
HISTORY OF MEKCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
672
put his hand in his pocket and made the startling discovery that his money was gone. Ilis pocket had heen picked. His feelings may
be imagined on finding himself penniless in a strange land whose inhabitants spoke a language unknown to him. He went to the American consul, located in that city, and stated his case and produced his diploma. Having convinced that official of the truthfulness easily
of his story, he received the promise of a commission as surgeon on the The first vessel to vessel that would depart for San Francisco.
first
come
in
was the
laden with coal.
' '
Sea Queen, " a British vessel from Dundee, Scotland, After being unloaded this vessel was cleaned up,,
bunks and berths put in and made ready for carrying passengers. This completed she soon hove anchor and "departed for San Francisco, in which port she landed on the evening of January 9, 1850. On his arrival here he was prostrated by a fever contracted during his stay in Panama. After remaining a short time he managed, with the assistance of a friend, to get to Marysville, where they lived in a tent until his recovery, when they went to a mining camp known as Rough and Ready, in Nevada county, and began work in the mines. The Doctor remained here until September when he sold his claims and bought two ox teams with which he engaged in hauling supplies from Sacramento to the mines. In the spring of 1851 he again entered the mines, and remained until January, 1852, when he received an appointment as first clerk in the state comptroller's office, by his old friend Dri Peirce, who had been elected to that position. Ill health soon compelled him to abandon that pursuit, however, and he resolved to try his fortune in Los Angelos, where he embarked in the live stock business, which proved to have been a very lucrative one, and in which he exhibited great financial shrewdness.
He
continued dealing in stock
until
January, 1853, by which time he had accumulated about $10,000, and had resolved to return to Illinois. treacherous partner, however,
A
vetoed that decision by absconding with
but about $500 of the doctor's money, and that was consumed in paying detectives and vainly searching for the miscreant. Undaunted by this terrible misall
he went to Sonora and again entered the mines. In 1856 the doctor was chosen by the republican element of the county as a candidate for the legislature, and although that party was in its infancy, and so decidedly in the minority as to render his election hopeless, he entered the contest with the same vim and enthusiasm that has ever characterized his actions. He "stumped" the entire district and came
fortune,
within eighty votes of being elected.
York and
May
1,
1857, he sailed for
arrived in that city about the last of the month.
spending several months visiting the principal
cities
of the
New After
east,
he
GEEENE TOWNSHIP. returned to the sucker state, wliich
a prominent
member
has since been his home.
673
The
of the scientific and historical associa-
doctor
is
tion of
Mercer county, of which organization he was the first president, member of the state medical association. He was married in
also a
1859 to Miss Salina P. settlers
of the county.
Cowden, whose father was one of the pioneer
He
is
the father of five children, four of
whom
Kate M., born August 10, 1863; Charles Edward, born August 12, 1866; Pearl, born September 3, 1870 (died October 12, The Doctor located in 1870); and Lena, born September 30, 1873. Viola in March, 1861, and since that time has devoted his entire attenAlthough a politician of great foresight tion to his professional duties. and sagacity, he has never beefti an office seeker, and contrary to the wishes of his many friends, he has furthered the political interests ot others rather than those of his own. Hugh B. Feaziee, son of John and Nancy (Veach) Frazier, was bom in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1835. In 1847 the family removed to Mercer county, where Hugh assisted his father on the farm in the summer and attended a district school in the winter, until 1854, when he went to Rock Island and attended school during the years of 1854-5. In the fall of 1826 he went to Detroit, Michigan, and attended school four months at Gregorie's commercial college, irom which institution he graduated. In 1858 he went to Kansas and .bought land near Olathee, intending to devote his attention to farming, but becoming dissatisfied with the monotony of farm life he returned to Illinois, where he remained until August, 1862, when he enlisted as a private in Co. D, 83 111. Inf., and was with that regiment during all its weary marches, all its hardships in camp and on the battle-field. He was soon promoted to the position of sei-geant, then to 1st sergeant, finallj'^ to 2d lieutenant, and acted in that capacity until the close of the war. He relates an incident that occurred near Bowling Green, Kentucky, which, like many other occurrences of a like nature, is not found in general histories. He in company with his father-in-law, Lieut. Eobb, and five other soldiers, were detailed to guard a train on the Louisville & Memphis railroad en route for Bowling Green. The train was thunare hving:
twenty miles an hour, when it suddenly left and plunged into a steep embankment, and almost simulta^
dering along at the rate of the track
neonsly with the crash
came a volley of musketry from the hill above, accompanied by oaths and a demand for all " on board to surrender." Two .of the union soldiers were shot dead the first volley, but the remaining five seizing their arms returned the fire, killing four rebels, one of whom was the captain, after which the guerillas, for such they were, beat a hasty retreat.
A
telegraph wire was cut and an engine
674
HISTOKY OF MEBCEB AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
telegraphed for which arrived within an hour and the train proceeded Lieut. Eobb afterward received a very compUmentary on its way.
from Gen. Rosseau, congratulating him and his brave little band In June, 1865, the regiment was mustered out that saved the train. and returned to Chicago, where after receiving Tennessee, at Nashville, In October of the same year Mr. Frazier, their pay they disbanded. brother-in-law, V. R. Harriott, embarked in the in company with his dry goods and grocery business in Viola. Since that time Mr. Frazier has been one of the most active business men in the county and has exhibited excellent business qualificatibns and great iinancial skill in all his undertakings. Mr. Frazier was married on July 4, 1864, to Miss Mary Robb, a daughter of Lieut. Robb, and is father of six ehildi'en John, Fred, Ada H., jSI^annie A., Edwin R., and Sadie R. Mr. Frazier is a member of Masonic Lodge, No. 677, with which he united August 24, 1871, and is worshipful master of that lodge, also a member of Horeb Chapter, No. 4, at Rio, and Everts Commandery, No. 18; at Rock Island. Mr. Frazier started out in the world with nothing in the way of wealth, but possessing an ambitious disposition, he has accumulated a large competence, besides winning for himself the reputation of being a successftil business man. William P., son of John and Eleanor Collins, was bom in the town of East Liverpool, Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1828. John Collins was a merchant in that village, and continued business until the spring of 1837, when he came west to Illinois. "With his family and personal effects loaded on a flat boat, without sail or rudder, he floated down the Ohio river as far as Cincinnati. A buggy box, which was fastened on the roof of the cratt, and the wheels, suspended from the sides by ropes, attracted attention on the voyage, and in passing steamboats was the subject of frequent jests. They were often asked At if they intended, in case the river went dry, to proceed on wheels. letter
:
Cincinnati the clumsy vessel was exchanged for two barrels of
flour,
and the family took passage on a steamboat, and arrived at New Boston, without having encountered any mishaps worthy of note, in May, 1837. On landing, a gang of red men, loaded with fish and trinkets, came on board the boat for the purpose of trading with the whites. This circumstance reminded them that they were in a wild country. As the trials and hardships of the early settlers during the pioneer period will be portrayed in the general history, part of Mr. Collins'
we
will pass over that
and speak of his career since he arrived at the years of manhood. Mr. Collins was man-ied in 1857 to Miss Mary R. Bradford, and is the father often children, nine of whom are livings Ella M., Clara A. (deceased), Lottie E., William R., John B., Efiie J., life,
GEKKNE TOWNSHIP.
675
He is a prominent Samuel E., Charles H., Mary E., Mattie Bell. United Presbyterian church, with which he' united of the member of the Viola congregation. Mr. Collins has acquired a By excellent He has advantages for stock raising, and property. large mostly that business. attention to Having come west when turns his wilderness, almost a he has lived see cities and villages to Elinois was the log cabin and the wigwam. Indian "Where he take the place of once saw the bounding deer, and Kstened to the wolf's long howl, are heard the shriek of the locomotive and the chiming of church bells. His father and mother now lie in the cemetery, north of Viola, and Hand in hand their quiet resting place is marked by a granite shaft. they walked down the journey of life, sharing its sori'ows and its joys, and after a long career of usefulness Mr. Collins grew weary and laid down his burden by the wayside. Mrs. Collins remained on earth but a few years after, and they now lie side by side in death, leaving as a several years previous to the organization
hard labor
and
skillful financiering,
legacy to their descendants a noble example, which, if followed, will
them the respect of the entire community in which they live. Moses K. Floey, wagon manufacturer, son of Jonas and Catharine Flory, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, March 1, 1832. In 1839, the family removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and located in what is now North Henderson township. For a few years after locating here win* for
his father this mill,
ran a saw-mill, located on
he did work for the
Pope
settlers for
creek.
many
While operating
miles around, his being
from the eastern part of the county to the Mississippi. Moses received his education in an old log school-house that stood about a mile south of the residence of James Bridger. This building was one of those traditional structures, with a puncheon floor, clapboard the only mill
and hewn
seats. In 1844 Moses, then a mere lad, went to and worked a season in the lead mines. In 1848 he went to Ohio, and worked two years at carpentering, near Toledo. -Eetuming in 1850, he began working his sister's farm, which he continued three years. In 1854 he again resumed carpenter work in company with John Longley, of Eivoli township. In August, 1861, Mr. Flory enlisted in Co. A, 30th 111. Inf and was with that regiment in the battles of Belmont, Fort Henry, Donelson, Raymond, Jackson (Mississippi), Fort Gibson and Champion Hill. He was taken prisoner at Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862, and was taken to Memphis, where he was kept twenty-eight days, thence to Tuscaloosa, where he remained three months, after which he was removed to Macon, Georgia, where he was kept four months, and was then taken to Richmond, where he was paroled October 19, 1862, and sent to Washingroof,
Galena, Illinois,
,
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNITES.
676
ton, thence to Springfield, Illinois, St.
Louis,
whence he was sent
and from there
to
Benton
to rejoin his regiment,
at
barracks,
Memphis.
During a part of his imprisonment, he was under the care of the notorious Captain Wirtz, whose name will go down as the archfiend of American history. After doing duty at Rock Island eight months, he was discharged,' and again returned to his old home, having faithfully and bravely discharged the duty to which his country called him. In 1866 Mr. Flory located in Viola, where he built a wagon shop. Being naturally endowed with an inventive genius, he invented a revolving hay rake, upon which he received a patent in 1872. He began manufacturing for the wholesale trade in that year, and has no Mr. Flory is a trouble in selling all he has the capacity to make. prominent member of the A.F.A.M. lodge, No. 577, at Yiola. Joseph A. Goding, son of Amos and Lucinda Goding, was born near Farmington, Franklin county, Maine, February 2, 1848. He received his education in the public and state normal school at Farmington, graduating from the latter institution June i. 1868. In October, 1869, he came to Chicago, and taught school six months near Duriton, in Cook county. In the summer of 1870 he came to Mercer county, and began teaching in the Brickyard " school-house in New Boston township. He was married May 14, 1872, to Miss Sarah -E. Noble, daughter of E. J. Noble, one of the pioneer settlers of New Boston tovraship. After his marriage he returned to his native state, and farmed two seasons on the old homestead, teaching in the winter. In 1874 he again returned to Mercer county, and was employed as principal of the Millersburg public schools. He taught two years and three months in that village and then came to Viola, having been made '
'
After teaching two years he bought an interest in the dry goods firm of H. B. Frazier & Co., and has been engaged in that business until the present time. The names of Mr. Goding's children in the order of their ages are as follows: Lena, Clara, Bertha, Delia, and Maurice R. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united in the principal of the schools in that village.
fall
of 1876.
Van E. Harriott was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1831. When he was ten years of age the family removed to Laporte county, Indiana, where they remained until 1846.
In that year they
removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and located neai- Norwood. Van worked on a farm in Greene township two seasons and then went to breaking prairie with an ox team, whicli he continued for several seasons. In the spring of 1859 Mr. Harriott, in company with a
number of acquaintances,
started across the plains with an ox team,
:
GREENE
677
TOWNSHIl'.
Peak in July, after a long, tedious journey. Soon company was formed, of which Mr. Harriott was Not being fortua member, and the party began work in the mines. nate in locating their claims, a part- of the company returned to Illinois and arrived
at Pike's
after arriving
in
there a
In 1864 Mr. Harriott enlisted in the 140th reg.
September.
111.
hundred days. From Dixon thence to Memphis, where they did
Yol. Inf., which regiment enlisted for a
they were sent to Springfield
;
&
Charleston railroad for about three guard duty on the Memphis months. At the expiration of that time the regiment came to Chicago, and from there were sent to Missouri, where they remained two weeks, Mr. which they returned to Chicago and were mustered out.
after
Harriott
was married in 1862
to
Miss Mary R. Frazier, a native of
The fruits of the iinion are four children Sherman county, Nebraska), Lillian A. (wife of
Trumbull county, Ohio. Jesse C.
(now of
Mr. Harriott united Frank E. Kitzmiller), Salina M., and Arthur Y. with the Congregationalist church in 1877, and is also a Mason, having been initiated into the Yiola lodge.
its
mysteries in 1865, and has twice been master of
In 1865 Mr. Harriott embarked in the dry goods and
grocery business in Yiola, in
company with
his brother-in-law,
H. B.
Frazier.
In 1869 the firm dissolved, and. Mr. Harriott entered the
hardware
atid
In 1871
grocery business in the brick hotel building.
Mr. Harriott closed out his business and engaged in farming on land half a mile south of the village,
which he had bought in 1868.
During
he was engaged in various pursuits until the fall of 1880, when he again embarked in the dry goods and grocery business in company with M. K. Flory. He is now in the grocery
the years that followed
business in
company with John Ashenhurst, and the firm
lucrative business.
Mr. Harriott
is
is
doing a
the present postmaster at Yiola,
and discharges his duties in that capacity to the entire satisfaction of the people.
Francis A., son of
Henry and Sarah Hoagland, was born
Bedford, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1838.
in
New
In 1846 the family emigrated to Mercer county and located in Greene township. His father was the fii'St justice of the peace in the township, and, with the exception of a few months, held the position until the time of his death, which occurred in 1880. Frank remained at home with his parents until September, 1861, when he enlisted in Co. G, 30th 111. Inf. He was with that regiment during the battles of Belmont, Brittian's Lane, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Corinth, Grand Gulf, Champion Hill, Raymond, siege of Yicksburg, and in the Atlanta campaign. He states that during the siege of that city the picket lines were only about forty yards apart, and the boys in blue and those in gray exchanged remarks
HIS'rOEY OF
6t8
MEECEK AND HENDERSON
aH familiarly as though they foes.
He
also
C0UNTIE8.
had been neighbors and
friends instead of
participated in the battle of Jonesboro and
other severe skirmishes.
He was
discharged at Springfield,
many
Illinois,
which he returned home and resumed his labors on the farm. For many years after he was engaged in breaking prairie. He was married September 21, 1881, to Miss Jane A. Storey, and now resides on a farm he recently purchased in section 23 in Greene in August, 1685, after
township.
John W. McCeeight, son of Matthew and Elizabeth McCreight, was born in Adams county, Ohio, December 29, 1 828. In 1851 Mr. McCi-eight came to Mercer county and located at Sunbeam. In 1854 he purchased land in Section 31, Greene township. In February of that year he was married to Miss Rebecca E. Nevius, daughter of William I. Nevius, one of the pioneers*^ of Mercer county. It is supposed by the early settlers that Mrs. McCreight was the first white female child born in the county. The names of the children bom to the couple are Joel S., Walter E., William S., Henry A., Eflie L. (deceased in her infancy), Lora N., and Louisa B. Mr. and Mrs. McCreight are members of the United Presbyterian church, having :
united with that organization early in
life.
Robert Guthrie, son of Andrew and Susan Guthrie, was bom in Dumbartonshire, Scotland, August 16, 1844. In 1849 the family emigrated to Canada, where they remained until the fall of 1864, when they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and settled in the southem part of Preemption township. He was married March 1, 1870, to Miss Isabella Stewart, a native of Scotland. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows
Susie A., Minnie B. (deceased),
Guthrie
is
a prominent
member
:
Jennie
Andrew W., and
S. (deceased),
Charles
Mr.
S.
of the United Presbyterian church,
with which he united in 1869 at Viola.
He owns
a fine farm of 350
and 5 in Greene township. RoBEET M. PiNKEETON, SOU of Joscph and Yiolet (Scott) Pinkerton, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1841. In 1850 the family removed to Mercer county, and located on section 6 in Greene township. In 1859 Robert was afflicted with a severe attack of the gold fever, and consequently started for Colorado territory, with an ox team the party," consisting of several wagons and men, arrived at the foot of the Rocky mountains after a long, tedious journey of sixty-three days. Mr. Pinkerton first entered the Gregory mines, forty-four miles west of Denver, and joined in the great struggle for wealth. He remained in the mountains until the fall of 1862. During his stay there he traveled over the ground where Leadville now stands, little dreaming of the acres in sections 4
;
,
GREENE TOWNSHIP.
679
hidden under his feet. On returning home he turned farming and coal mining on his father's farm, which he continued until 1863, when he bought a farm in section 6 and began Mr. Pinkerton was man-ied in 1863 to Miss business for himself. Caroline J. Breckinridge, and is now father of six children Archie M.,
fabulous wealth his attention to
:
In 1877 he removed Guy, Robert C, Allie V., and Maggie Z. Since that to Yiola, and embarked in the grain and lumber business. time his brother "William joined him in business, and the firm purCecil,
chased the elevator formerly
owned by
E. J. Morgan.
Mr. Pinkerton which he recently united, and also a prominent member of the Methodist EpisApril 4, 1882, he copal church, to which he has belonged since 1866. was elected supervisor of the township, and being a man of excellent judgment will make an efficient officer. Matthew B. Kennedy, butcher, son of John and Margaret Kennedy, was bom in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, March 14, 1839. "When ten years of a_ge, the family emigrated to Morgan county, Ohio, is
a
member
of the I.O.O.F.^ lodge No. 336, at Aledo, with
where they resided until the spring of 1856,
when they removed
to
Mercer county, Illinois, and bought land in sections 19 and 20 in
In 1857 the father died, leaving a family of four The old gentleman was the first to be
Greene township. children, Brice
being the eldest.
buried in the Viola cemetery. family until Inf.,
May
3,
1861,
when he
Brice remained at
home with
the
enlisted in Go. F, 17th reg. HI. Vol.
and was with that regiment at Fort Donelson. Shortly after this he was taken sick, and was sent to Cairo, Illinois, where he was
battle
detailed at the soldiers'
home
for a time,
and then made provost-guard. when he again joined his regi-
He remained
here about five months,
ment, then at
Lake Providence, Louisiana.
ment
He went
with the regi-
and sent to Memphis, where he remained about two weeks, when he and a friend stole away, got aboard of a boat and again joined the regiment. He was discharged November 3, 1863, and returned home and resumed his labors to
Vicksburg, and was again taken
ill
He contracted heart-disease while in the service of his from which he has not yet recovered. Mr. Kennedy was married in 1866 to Miss Bell J. Camahan, a native of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and is the father of six children, whose names, on the farm. country,
of their ages, are as follows: Nannie A., Maggie L., David C, George M., John C, and Ralph "W. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1859. Frank E. KrrzMiLLER was born in Mansfield, Ohio, July 19, 1848. in the order
When he was county, Ohio.
years of age the family emigrated to Williams Frank remained home with his parents until February
five
HISTOEY OF MERCER AJSD HENDERSON COCNTIES.
680
22, 1863, when he enlisted in Co. B, 38th Ohio Vol. Inf., and was with that regiment in the battles of Mission Kidge, Jonesboro, and Kaleigh, also the Atlanta and Carolina campaigns, and the siege of
Mr. Kitzmiller came to
Savannah.
Illinois in 1867,
Morris, where he remaihed until the spring of 1869,
and
located in
when he came
to
Viola and opened a paint shop. He remained in the painting business until 18T9, when he was employed as clerk for the firm of H. B. FraHe was married June 7, 1870, to Miss Lillian zier & Co., in Viola. Harriott, daughter of V. E. Harriott, of Viola. children, in the order of their ages, are as follows
Eay, Bert, and Harry. He is a with which he united in 1870. No. 236, at Aledo.
Edwin
T. Crosby,
member
:
The names
of his
Leland V. (deceased),
of the Congregational church
Also a member of I.O.O.R, lodge
son of Carlos and Emily Crosby, was
bom
in
When Edwin
was two years- of age the family removed to Pekin, Illinois, where his father was engaged ia the drug and jewelry business until 1856, when he removed to Viola, and, in company with his brother, Delos, embarked in the dry goods and grocery business. The firm of Crosby Brothers was one of the When Edwin was seventeen years of age his first in the village. father died, and he was thrown upon his own resources to make his way in the world. He began clerking, and worked for different parties Peoria, Illinois, October 21, 1847.
in that capacity until 1870,
when
he, in
company with Martin
Phares,
embarked in the grocery business. He was made postmaster in that year and held the office until 1875. His business Although compelled career has been one of success and prosperity. to contend with many disadvantages, he has gradually worked to the top, and through his financial shrewdness and energy has placed him-
now
self
of Galesburg,
among
the foremost business
men
of the county.
Thomas Leaey, farmer, son of Dennis and Mary (Downey) Leary, was born in county Cork, Ireland, in 1822. When twenty years of age Thomas emigrated to Canada West, where he remained two years, after which he went to New York. Afi;er remaining one year in that state, during which time he worked in a brick-yard in Buffalo, he removed to Ohio, where he assisted in laying the track on the Sandusky & Mansfield railroad, which was the first road built in, the state. In August, 1846, he turned his face westward and arrived in Chicago in the latter part of that month. At that time the city was but a struggling village, and little did he dream that he would live to see a great city of 600,000 inhaj)itants rise as if by magic on the ground that was then covered by water, rushes, and prairie grass. Mr. Leary worked three years on the Illinois canal, after which he went to Indiana, and remained about
JVIAi^YC.(PEARCE) BF^OOK',
GREENE TOWNSHIP.
683
of 1856 he came to Mercer county, and bought Greene township. Mr. Leary was married in 1848 The Miss Mary Dwyer, a native of Ireland, who died in 1864.
In the
ten years.
fall
land in section 12, to
names of the children, in the order of their ages, are as follows Mary A., Joseph P., Daniel (deceased), Catharine, Cornelius (deceased), He and his family are members of the John, Bridget, and Ellen. :
which he united very early in life. Mr. and is highly Leary is commimity. furnishes entire He an example of the respected by of how and hard labor a young man with nothing energy, resolution, and a firm will may carve himself heritage strong hands a but a pair of
Eoman
Catholic church, with
one of the leading farmers in the township,
;
and a good name.
William M. Finkeeton, dealer in lumber and grain, son of Joseph and Violet (Scott) Pinkerton, was born near Warren, Trumbull county, When twenty years of age William came to Mercer Ohio, in 1828. winter of 1848-9 he made his home with Judge GilIn the county. district. In the spring of 1849 he Greene township, and began farming. He was present at the organization of the township in 1854, and remained in the township until 1877, when he removed to Mercer Mr. Pinkerton township and located on land he had bought in 1856. was married October 30, 1850, to Miss Eliza Carnahan. The Camar
more and taught, school in that
bought land in section 16, in
lian
Adams ,
been in the United States since 1770, when the grandMrs. Pinkerton emigrated to the "new world" and located in
family have
father of
county, Pennsylvania.
revolution.
He was
a soldier in the war of the
Mrs. Pinkerton's father was born February
2,
1792, in
The names of Mr. Pinkerton's Willard S., John Ward ages, are
AUegheney county, Pennsylvania. children,
in the
order of their
:
James and Julian (both deceased), Mary L. (deceased), Maria M., Alice M., Abraham L.,.and Jennie V. Willard married a daughter of Jeremiah Boyer, and the eldest living daughter, Maria, married John J^eff, now a resident of Bayard, Iowa. Mr. Pinkerton is a member of the Congregational church, with which he united in 1 875 in Aledo. In 1862 Mr. Pinkerton enlisted in the 83d 111. Inf. and was (deceased),
with the regiment
Donelson.
The
when last
it
made
the gallant fight in defense of Fort
eighteen months of his service was spent in
detached service in a corps of topographical engineers connected with the headquarters of
Gen. Thomas, at Nashville. Mrs. Pinkerton took charge of financial affairs at them
During
his absence
home and conducted
and successfully. On his return he entered more and success has ever attended his efforts. He has one of the finest farms in Mercer county and is now enjoying skillfully
largely into stock raising,
39
,
'
MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
IIISTOEY OF
684
the fruits of his
In November, 1881, Mr. Pinkerton removed to company with his brother Robert, he entered the
toil.
Viola, where, in
grain and lumber business, having purchased the elevator owned by other parties, and the firm of Pinkerton Brothers are doing an extensive grain
and lumber business.
Dr. Ebenezer L. McKinnie, physician, was the son of Ebenezer and Puhamah McKinnie, and was bom in the village of Cadiz, Harri-
son county, Ohio, February 24, 1848. The family resided in that county until 1856, when they emigrated to Ogle county, Illinois, where
they remained about nine months, and then removed to Millersburg, Mercer county, where they resided a year and removed to Crawfordsville,
Ebenezer received his education in the high school at that
Iowa.
place and immediately after completing his studies he began .teaching
which he continued until 1869, when he came Viola and began a course of medical study in the office of his brother, In 1871 he purchased the stock Dr. P. L. McKinnie, now of Holine. in the adjacent country, to
of drugs
owned by Park
& McKinnie and
embarked
in that business.
In 1880 he received his diploma from the College of Physicians and
Keokuk, Iowa, and began the practice of medicine at had a very lucrative practice. The doctor was married in October, 1870, to Miss Mary E. Moore, a native of Sui'geons, at
Viola, where he has since
Mahoning
county, Ohio.
He
is
a
member
of the United Presbyterian
church, having united with that society at Crawfordsville, Iowa, in 1865.
Oliver Ellis, farmer, son of Manoah and Deidema Ellis was bom in Berkshire
county, Massachusetts, in 1808.
father's side are of
The family on
the
English origin, his great grandfather having emi-
He
grated from that country at an early day and located on Cape Cod.
had
five sons,
sketch
who
one of
whom was
the grandfather of the subject of
spent his younger days on the sea.
When
this
Oliver was
six
years of age his father emigrated to Crawford county, Pennsylvania.
Here Oliver resumed distant
from his
Mary Hill, to them,
his education in a log school house two miles
father's cabin.
Mr.
namely
:
was married in 1830 to Miss The pair had four children bom
Ellis
a native of Pennsylvania.
James, Olive (now Mrs. "Wilson), Calkins, Phoebe and Amelia (wife of Oeorge Griffin), who re-
(wife of Jerry Mathews),
cently died from injuries sustained from being kicked
Mr.
Ellis
by a horse. In 1850 emigrated to Illinois and bought land in section 12 in Greene
township. For many years he performed his labors with oxen. By hard labor and economy he has accumulated a respectable portion of the world's goods to maintain him in his declining years. Russell Park, farmer, son of John H., and Elizabeth (GottshaU) Park, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October
;
GREENE TOWNSHIP. 23, 1831.
and his
685
His father was born in Pennsylvania August 19, 1803. He wife were both members of the old school Presbyterian
now
lie in the cemetery at Farlow's Grove. one time a merchant in Milton, NorthumThe old gentleman was berland county, Pennsylvania, but in 1839 decided to try his fate on He accordingly loaded his earthly the broad prairies of the west. possessions into a country wagon and set out on his journey toward the setting sun, arriving in Mercer county in August of that year, and
church and their remains
at
bought a claim near
Edwards
river for $160, erected a cabin thereon
and began the laborious task of improving his farm. his sons
By
the aid of
he had accumulated and was, at the time of his death, the
owner of 520 acres of land. discovered
on
The
his fann, in 1840,
first
and
known in the county was 1845 he began to develop a
coal
in
The Farlow's Grove postoffice was removed to his residence in was the first postmaster in Greene township, which position he held until the oifice was established at Viola. Russell Park when twenty-one years of age purchased eighty acres of land from his father in the S. W. J of Sec. 3, built a house, and was married November 17, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander and Margaret Heniy. They are parents of the following named children James, Eussell, Mary, Elizabeth, Maggie, William A., Joseph D., Mary, Emma, Eachel, William Henry, John Alexander, and Julia E. of the these William A., John A., Mary E., and Joseph D., are dead. James is married to Miss Agatha Budlier, and Maggie to Stephen Farwell of Preemption township. In 1865 Mr. Park sunk a coal shaft near his house, and in 1873 a second shaft, opening up "a four-foot vein of very fine coal, from which he has taken as high as 60,000 bushels per year. Mr. Park has increased the original size of his farm to 300 acres, which he and his son carry on in connection with his coal business. He is a member of the masonic order, and with his mine.
an early day, and he
:
Miss Elizabeth Without any educational advantages more than was afforded by the district school, he has made himself an intelligent and successful business man. He has been four times elected to the office of supervisor, and was recently appointed to fill the place of the incumbent, who is about to remove. Mr. Park is a man of worth in the community; kind, sociable and fair in his wife united with the old school
Colhns was his
dealings,
he
is
first
Presbyterian church.
school teacher.
respected
by
all.
William Stuaet (deceased), the subject of this sketch, was bom in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1814. In 1844, he came to America, making the voyage from Liverpool to New Orleans in a sailing vessel.
From
New
Orleans he came up the river to
New
Boston,
HISTOKY OF MERCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
68 (l
Being attracted by the
thence eastward across the country. prairies of
what
is
located on section 19.
township, he purchased a claim and Mr. Stuart was married in 1846, to Miss Jane
Patterson, also a native of county
were born
to the couple, all of
Donegal, Ireland.
whom
subject of this sketch died
August
Three sons
and whose names, in Joseph, A. C, and Amzi.
are living,
the order of their ages, are as follows
The The
fertile
now Suez
6,
:
1881, of dropsy of the heart.
ceremonies were performed at his residence, and the remains interred in the Norwood cemetery. The large tract of land accumulated by the deceased, during his industrious life, is now under funeral
the supervision of his worthy sons.
George L.'P\ Robinson, attorney and teacher, son of William C. and Fanny (Bouene) liobinson, was born in Stockbridge, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, September 27th, 1832. His father had, in his _y()unger days, been a teacher by profession, having been a precepter in the Attleboro academy, Massachusetts. He removed from there to Rutland county, Vermont, in about the year 1810, and engaged in the manufacturing business and continued about four years, and subse.quently removed to, and remained in, the birth place of the subject of this sketch, who, having received the advantage of a New England academical education, commenced teaching
when
among
the Berkshire
hills,
mere youth, and having had the advantages of parents highly accomplished in both music aud literature, and also inheriting a gift of a
nature in that direction, early sought, with precocious intention, the favored vocations, for which he seems to have been so admirably
Coming
to Illinois when the school system of the west was he has for long years been prominently identified with those interests, and having enjoyed first grades from every superintendent in the county, also having acquitted himself with great credit in adjoining counties, and although a pioneer teacher, is live, progressive, and awake to the advancement that has, and is being made, in our present admirable school system. When the war broke out, Prof. Robinson, although denied the privilege of becoming a soldier, was none the less active in furthering, by every means in his power, the triumph of right over wrong, as his record fully shows. It is no won-
adapted.
in its infancy,
der,
when we
on the superintendent's record, that his and adjoining counties, where he is the third term with the same success that has ever see his standing
services are being sought in this
teaching for
attended his
effort.
Joseph Pinkeeton, farmer, was bom in Chester county, Pennsylvania, January 9, 1798. His father, William Pinkerton, was also a native of tliat state.
His mother's maiden name was Hannah Kennedy,
also of
GEEENE TOWNSHff.
687
His grandfather, "William, was a native of Londongrandmother on his father's side was Elizabeth Pennsylvania. The maiden name of his grandof also Criswell, Agnes McMahon, was a native of Scotland, and his Kennedy, mother was from Tyrone, Kennedy Ireland. When the subject ot grandfather Pennsylvania.
derry, Ireland; his
was twenty-eight years old his parents removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, and there his father died, at the age of eighty-two, He purchased a farm in the and his mother, in her eightieth year. in Trumbull county, and was married in Howland, in town of Berzetta, Violet native of Chester county. to Miss Scott, a March 23, 1827, born twelve children to him. Their names, in the order had Here he William M., James S., Hannah are: L. (wife of Joseph of their ages, (wife of.Eichard Jane G. Cabeen), Mary E. (wife Carnahan), John C, George W., Eobert M., Alice L. (wife of Hiram of Eobert Cabeen), Dunlap), Thirza A. (wife of Newton Dunlap), Margaret R. (deceased in her fourteenth year), and Amanda Y. (wife of Otis Morey). All of this number came to Illinois by teams, in 1850, and only the eldest daughter has removed from Mercer county, she being in Kansas. In Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton were connected with the Presbyterian church, and subsequently in Illinois, but that organization becoming * extinct, they united with the Methodist church, at Viola. This venerable couple are widely known in Mercer county, and possess the respect of all. With them, the shadows of life are lengthening toward the east, and when the hour comes for them to lie down by the wayside, there will be many other 'mourners besides the sons and daughters- they have reared, and to whom they leave a noble this sketch
example.
John
C.
Pinkeeton, farmer, son of Joseph and Violet (Scott) Pink-
bom
Trumbull county, Ohio, September 27, 1833. In and located in Greene township, Mercer county. Mr. Pinkerton received his education in a district school. He remained at home, assisting his father on the farm, until twenty-one years of age, when he began breaking prairie with an ox team, which occupation he followed for about five years. In 1856 he bought eighty acres of land in sections 5 and 8, and began farming for himself He remained here until 1875, when he purchased the farm formerly owned by D. Y. Cowden in section 17. By hard labor and good management he has accumulated 200 acres of excellent land and a beautiful home. Mr. Pinkerton was marrie"d in the spring of 1859 erton,
was
in
1850 the family emigrated to Illinois,
to
Miss
Mary
J.
their children, in
WiUiam
J.,
John
The names of Herbert W., Eobert G.,
Jackson, a native of Pennsylvania. the order of their ages, are S.,
and Eaymond.
He
:
is
a prominent
member
of
HISTOEY OF MERCER
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 18T0, having
formerly been a Methodist.
John C. Gardner, farmer, son of Richard and Sarah Gardner, was When John born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in March, 1846. was seven years of age the family emigrated to Illinois, and located He remained at home and assisted his near Oxford, Henry county. father on the farm until March 23, 1864, when he enlisted in Co. C, 112th reg. 111. Yol. Inf., and was sent to join that regiment atKeneHe was with the regiment during the Georgia camsaw mountain. paign. The regiment moved from Atlanta to Decatur, where they remained ten days, when Hood drove the union forces back to Columbus, He also participated where they held the rebels in check for a time. in the terrible conflict at Franklin and also the battle of Nashville, after which they marched to the Tennessee river, driving Hood before them. Here they took transports and went to Cincinnati, thence to Columbus, and thence to Alexandria, Virginia, by way of Washington. They remained eleven days, and were then sent to Fort Fisher, ITorth Carolina. After this Mr. Gardner was with his regiment during the After a battles of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Fort Anderson. series of skirmishes the army arrived at Raleigh, and was there during the review. He was discharged in July, 1865, at Raleigh, vrith the 65th reg. 111. Vol. Inf having been transferred to that regiment a ,
short time previous. After his discharge he retui-ned home, and began farming in Mei-cer. 'Mr. Gardner was married December 24, 1869, to Miss Rebecca H. Carroll, a native of Milbrook, Mercer county, Pennsylvania. The names of Mr. Gardner's children, in the order of their He is a ages, are as follows: "William W., Edith B., and Harry C. member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united in 1869.
John G. Gilbert, son of Henry and Sally A. Gilbert, was bom in county, Ohio, June 12, 1845. In 1856 the family came John to Illinois, and bought land in section 35 in Greene township. remained at home, working on the farm, until seventeen years of age, when he enlisted in Co. F, 140th reg. HI. Vol. Inf., and was discharged October 27, 1864. In 1866 he began working at the carpenter trade In 1869 he emwith E. J. Morgan, with whom he learned the trade.
Muskingum
barked in business for himself, the first contract being the residence now owned by A. Park. Since that time he has erected buildings in Mercer, Warren, Knox, Henry, and Rock Island counties. His supe-
workmanship is testified to by all who have secured his services. In the winter of 1869-YO he erected a business house on the corner of Shepard and Eighth streets in Viola. Since tliat time he has conrior
,
GREENE TOWNSHIP.
689
the original corner building, and is now handsome store-rooms, forming a building 64x64 In 1878 he erected a handsome residence in the eastern part of
stracted extensive additions to
the owner of three feet.
the village,
where he
his mechanical
skill,
now
resides.
Among
the silent testimonials of
are the residences of Robert
Mauk
north of Viola), Mrs.
(at Suez),
Part (two miles
also those of S. E. Russell,
Mrs. Bissell, and the Presbyterian church at Viola; also the school
and two churches at Cable, the former being the finest of its Mr. Gilbert was married in December, 1873, to kind in the county. native of Tennessee, and is the father of two Ramsey, a Miss Lizzie and Harvey B., aged eight and six years. Vinnie He is R. children, building
a
member
No. 577,
of the masonic lodge,
united in 1869, also a
member
of
at Viola, with
Horeb Chapter,
JSTo. 4,
which he
at Rio.
John P. and Christine E. Krause, was born in Baden, In 1844 the family emi3, 1842. America, and located in Bennington, "Wyoming county, New grated to 'York. remained at home assisting his father on the farm until Jacob the fall of 1861, when he turned his face toward the setting sun and landed in Richland Grove township, where he farmed until August 8, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. C, 102d 111. Inf. and was with that galJacob, son of
Germany, near Munheim, June
,
regiment at Resacca, Cassville,
lant
campaign in
all its
Kenesaw Moun-
marches and hardships while defending the integrity
of the country's flag. 4,
whom
a
discharged June 14, 1865, at Chicago.
member
he Ora
is
L.
Tenney, a native of
the father of six children: Millie M.,
Jennie L., Maud M., and Clara A. of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he
"William S. (deceased), is
He was
1866, Mr. Krause was married to Sarah
Mercer county, by
He
church,
Chattahoochee Heights, Peachtree creek, and in the Atlanta
tain,
July
Newhope
L.,
united in 1869, at Oxford.
Samuel E., son of "William and Ann (Stuart) Russell, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, April 11, 1819. At the age of twenty-three he came to Illinois, and entered land in section 23, Greene township. For fifteen years after locating in Greene township, Mr. Russell worked
wagon making, having erected a shop near the site of his present In 1857 he abandoned that business and commenced improving his farm, and since that time has devoted his entire attention to farming and stock raising. Mr. Russell was married in 1844 to Miss Ann Collins, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of John Collins, one of the pioneer settlers of the county. In 1852 his first wife died, and in September, 1854, he was again married to Miss Effie Cabeen, of Ohio Grove township. The fruits of the latter union are seven children: Annie C, Maggie J., Mary (deceased in her ninth year). at
residence.
HISTORY OF MERCEB AND HENDEK80N COUNTIES.
690
Eunice, James E., Eichard, and "William C.
Mr. Eussell
is
a
member
of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1846, at what is now known as Sunbeam. When the Viola congregation was organized, he united with
them and has
since been prominently iden-
with that society, and has been one of the pillars of the church. During the rebellion Mr. Eussell used all his influence toward promot-
tified
ing the union cause, and has always been a staunch republican.
Through economy and industry he has accumulated a respectable portion of the world's goods, and is a citizen of worth in all respects. He is
not an
office seeker,
but on the contrary has refused being a candi-
numerous friends have urged him so to do. His deeds of good are done in a quiet, unassuming way, as he does not care to win the approval of the public, but derives his satisfaction from the consciousness of having done his duty. William C, son of James and Hannah Gillespie, was bom in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1829. In January, 1853, he came to Illinois and located in Mercer county. In 1854 his father came and bought land in section 12, Mercer township. In the spring of 1860 William went to Colorado where he engaged in the mining date
when
his
business, in Eussell's gulch, near Central City. until
December, 1861, when he returned
He
remained there
to Moline,
Illinois.
He
desired to enlist but the quota of Illinois being full at that time he
went to Leavenworth, Kansas, and enlisted in Co. H, 8th Kan. Inf. He remained with that regiment about sixteen months, when he was discharged on account of having very sore eyes. He returned to Illinois, and his eyes becoming better under medical treatment, he again enlisted in the 140th 111. Inf., and was with that regiment until they were mustered out. Mr. Gillespie was married February 22, 1871, to Miss Sarah M. Decker, a native of Mercer county. The names of their children, in the order of their ages, are: Hannah M., John C, and Ida E. He in a member of lodge No. 252, A.F.A.M., with which he united in 1865, at Aledo. Ammi Bissell (deceased) was the son of Porter and Margaret Bissell, and was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1833. In 1854 the family, consisting of the fathei", mother and six children, came to Mercer county. Amrai first bought land of John Geiger in section 1, in Greene township, and began farming for himself During the war he availed himself of the excellent opportunities the prices then afforded to either make or break, and began dealing in stock. During the remaining years of his life he dealt largely in live stock, and added every year to his large tracts of land. Mr. Bissell was married in May, 1857, to Miss Mary McKennan, and the couple had five children bon;!
,
GREENE TOWNSHIP.
names (deceased), John
691
William H. Mr. Cledh Bissell was an excellent financier, and by shrewd management he accumtilated a large amount of property, having at the time of his
to
them, whose
death nearly
He was
a
in the order of their ages are
L. (deceased),
:
Ethelbert, and
Frank.
1,100 acres of land, besides a great deal of stock.
man who would
trade for anything, and, although a close
was never accused of dishonesty, or of taking advantage of He died from the eifects of injuries sustained by being the poor. His death thrown from a horse, and was buried November 26, 1873. Mrs. Bissell now was deeply mourned by the entire community. resides in Yiola, where she recently erected a handsome residence, and dealer,
where she has a large circle of friends. William C. Beeckenkidge^ merchant, Viola, was born in Mahon-
February 18, 1843. Here the family resided until In 1854 his father died, leaving a In 1858 the family of six children, William being the second oldest. family came to Blinois, and bought land of John Geiger in sections 1 and 12, Greene township. In January, 1862, William went to Kansas, and soon after enlisted in a brigade that was being made up to send to New Mexico but that expedition being abandoned, they were consoliing county, Ohio,
William was fifteen years of age.
;
Kansas at Fort Leavenworth. They first went to Leavenworth thence down the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to Columbus, Kentucky, where they landed and marched to Corinth and joined the main army. This regiment participated in the battles of Murfreesborough, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Franklin, and Nashville. Mr. Breckenridge did excellent service for his country, and was twice wounded. He was discharged in January, 1866, after which he returned to Mercer county and resumed his labors on the farm. He was married in 1868 to Miss Ella Gardner, and is now the father of five children, whose names in the order of their ages are Frank O., Ina (deceased), Almy, Edna, and Sue. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, with which he united in 1866. In 1877, he began business in Viola, first putting in a stock of groceries, but is now a member of the dry goods firm of H. B. Frazier & Co. Benjamin F., son of Charles F. and Polly Morey, was bom in the town of McKean, Erie county, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1822. At tho age of nineteen he came to Warren county, Illinois, where he dated with the 8th
Fort Riley and then returned to the city of
;
:
landed with $4 in
money in his pockets, and an old suit of clothes, which constituted his entire stock of worldly possessions. He began working in a brick-yard in Monmouth. While in that city he was present at the trial of the notorious Jo. Smith,
who had been
arrested
HI8T0EY OF MEECEE AIJD HBNDEESON COUNTIES.
692
remained
murder of Gov. Boggs, of Missouri.
He Monmouth about three years, working at summer and teaching in the winter. He was a
for being accessory in the
in the vicinity of
various pursuits in the
member of the first board of supervisors in Warren coimty in 1854. Mr. Moray was married March 12, 1844, to Miss Philetta Higgins, a native of Vermont.
He was
a resident of
Warren county
until the
spring of 1861, when he removed to Mercer county and bought land In the spring of 1864 he was in sections 26 and 27, -Greene township. elected supervisor of the township, and since that time has acted in that capacity for twelve years, the last two terms being chairman of the board. In the winter of 1864 Mr. Morey was appointed by the townsliip to
He
attend to filling the quota of troops, in order to prevent a
draft.
Quincy vested with the proper authority and arranged matThe names of Mr. Morey's children ters so that no draft was made. in the order of their ages are as follows Otis R. (now a resident of Audubon county, Iowa), Orinda O. (wife of W. L. Smith, deceased in went
to
:
her
thirty-fifth year),
Ella (wife of Charles Park,
now
residing in Cloud
county, Kansas), Orlin, Oscar, Cornelius, Eunice, Lettie, and Dollie.
Mr. Morey is a member of lodge No. 577, A.F.A.M., at Viola, of which institution he was one of the first members. He is a member of no church but his wife and five of his children belong to the Methodist denomination. During his residence in Mercer county Mr. Morey has taken a prominent part in public affairs, and honesty and integrity have ever characterized his actions. William S., son of John and Martha (Wright) McClannahan, was born in Adams county, Ohio, Januarj"^ 26, 1836. His parents resided ;
when they removed to Monmouth, Illinois, where they located a farm part of which was within the corporate limits of the city. William assisted his father on the farm until 1856 when he began a course of study in the Monmouth College, from which institution he graduated in 1860, and in the fall of that year entered the theological seminary at that place. After having attended a term in that institution he was employed as principal of the West ward school. About this time he became convinced that duty called him to another field of action where muskets instead of ferrules were in vogue, and consequently after teaching a week he enlisted in the 17th 111. Inf. and set out for the theatre of war. He acted as orderly in in that regiment until August, 1863, when he was promoted to second lieutenant. Shortly after his promotion he returned to Monmouth, and resumed his studies in the seminary, which he continued until the in that state until 1855,
,
spring of 1864, when a company was organized, composed principally of students, and of which Mr. McClannahan was made captain. This
:
GEEENE TOWNSHIP.
693
company entered the 138th 111. Inf., and wei-e mustered out in SepIn the winter of 1864 he again resumed his studies
tember of 1864.
and completed them in the spring of 1865. He was then sent as stated supply to Dayton, Ohio, where he had charge of a congregation one
when he returned to Grandview, Iowa, where he took charge of and for two years was principal of the Grandview After remaining in Iowa four years, his services were Academy. year,
two congregations,
engaged by the United Presbyterian congregation at Viola.
He
has
been pastor of that church since 1870, and during that time has won Mr. McCannahan the love and respect of his entire congregation.
was married April 28, 1868, to Miss resides near
Mary
J. Potter,
whose
father
Wapello, Iowa, and the fruits of the union are sij ,
chil-
Victor A., Zenis whose names in the order of their ages are H., May M. (deceased), Enoch Potter (deceased). Amy, and Paul H. It is well to add that four members of the McClannahan family enlisted
dren,
:
in the service of their
three sons, the
country.
The
father, Capt.
youngest of which was the junior
of seventeen children.
The
McClannahan, and
member
father fell at Fort Donelson,
of a family
where
pre-
he had conducted himself with heroic bravery, and the dead who fell in that terrible conflict under the shadow
vious to his death
among
all
of the banner they
made
free,
none were more deeply mourned than
the gray-haired captain.
John B., son of Edward and Rebecca (Reasoner) Smith, was born Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1818. In 1848 the family removed to DeKaJb county, Indiana, where they resided eight years. In 1856 his parents removed to Mercer county and bought land in Mercer township. Mr. Smith was married December 26, 1839, to Miss Margaret Boyle, a native of Knox county, Ohio. The names of his children are Edward, Nancy Harriet (wife of Henry Nesbitt), Randolph D., Jane (wife of Mark Cannum), JohnE., Ephriam B., Louisa (wife of David in
Eobb), Perry A., Henry, "William ceased).
Two
(deceased),
Mary
Elizabeth (de-
of Mr. Smith's sons enlisted in the service of their coun-
Edward in the early part of 1862 in the 88th Ind. Inf Randolph D. in 1864 in the 45th 111. Inf Mr. Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united in 1842, and is also try,
,
member of the A.F.A.M. lodge, No. 677, at Viola. Mr. Smith has been constable in the different localities where he has resided for a
He is a citizen of worth, respected by all who know him. Wallace W., son of William and Rachel Pinkerton, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, May 6, 1842. Wlien an infant his father came to Illinois and entered a claim on section 18, in Greene township. the past twenty-five years.
HISTOET OF MEECEE ANT) HENDEESON COUNTIES.
694
subject of this sketch remained at home until the fall of 1856. In 1859 he went to Colorado and engaged in mining in Russell Gulch, near Central City, and remained there until the fall of 1861, when he
The
returned to
Illinois,
where he farmed
enlisted in Co. D, 83 HI. Inf.
Was
until
August, 1862, when he
with the regiment but one
year,
which he did detached duty, until the close of the war. In September, 1863, he and his three companions rode up to a house in A skirmish followed in which which were hidden seven guerrillas. Mr. Pinkerton was shot in the hand, tearing one finger from the They succeded in dispatchirfg six of them and the company socket. Mr. Pinkerton was that was coming up behind captured the seventh. discharged June 15, 1865, after which he returned to Illinois. During his residence in Illinois he has been engaged in farming and coal mining. He was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Carroll, who died in 1875. He was again married in 1878 to Miss Nancy Dilley. He is father of two children, whose names in the order of their ages are Kate and Myrtle. Mr. Pinkerton is, at the present writing, still a resident of Illinois, but is making preparations to start on a long journey toward the setting sun, and intends to cast his lot among the mountains of the west. EoswELL C, son of Koswell and Elizabeth Sexton, was bom in Herkimer county. New York, in 1803. His parents resided there.until he was nine years of age, when they removed to Meadville, Crawford county, Pennsjdvania. His father and mother were both natives of Connecticut. During their residence in Meadville his father was the proprietor of a hotel at that place, and it was here that the subject of this sketch received his education. In 1832 he went to Centerville, in the same county, and was married there in 1833 to Miss Mary Peck, a native of New York. He remained in Pennsylvania over twenty years after his marriage. In 1857 he came west and located near Oxford, Henry county, where he remained until 1860, when he came to Yiola and began keeping hotel in the Perkins building. The names of Mr. Sexton's children, in the order of their ages, are: William H., after
:
now
county clerk in Warren county
near Viola
;
;
Prior B.,
who
resides on a farm
Amelia, deceased in her eighteenth year
;
Dora, wife of
H. Southwell, present superintendent of schools in Rock Island county; Theodore F., who resides in Viola; and Dora, wife of L. Menold, also of Viola. Two of Mr. Sexton's sons enlisted in the service of their country, in defense of the principles they ever held dear. WiUiam enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. D, 83d 111. Inf and Theodore in March, 1865, in the same regiment and company. William was quartermaster of his regiment, and acted in that capacity until the close of ,
GKEENE TOWNSHIP.
The family are
the war.
all
695
prominent members of the Presbyterian
Mr. Sexton and sons church, with which the father united in 1828. and are worth, universally The old great respected. of are all citizens and can look back over the pathway and console themselves with the thought that for
people are well advanced in years, of
life
with pleasure,
their sons spotless
and daughters they leave as a legacy a noble example, a
name.
George
"W., son of
Joseph and Violet
in Trumbull county, Ohio, January
his father's
(Scott) Pinkerton,
1839.
3,
When
was born
eleven years of age
family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois.
George
re-
mained at home on the farm until August; 1861, when he enlisted in a company at Kock Island which was attached to the 14:th Mo. Inf., and In the battle of that place the company was was sent to Lexington.
and shortly afterward were paroled and sent to St. they were discharged. Mr. Pinkerton returned home and Louis where until July, remained 1862, when he again enlisted in Co. D, 83d El. that regiment until it was mustered out in July, 1865. Inf., and was with Ukban D., son of Merritt A. and Betsy G. Lathrop, was bom in Chenango county, New York, December 5, 1848. When two years of age his parents emigrated to Waukegan, Illinois. After remaining here about three months they removed to Bureau county. Soon after his father began work in the ministry-, as a local preacher, in the United Brethren chuj'ch, and since that time has devoted about twentyfive years of his life to ministerial labor. Urban remained at home on the farm until February 6, 1865, when, although a mere lad, he left school and enlisted in Co. A, 151st 111. Inf., and was discharged in February of the following year at Springfield, Illinois, after which he returned liome and resumed his labors on the farm. The following winter he went to Linn county, Iowa, where he began a course of study in the college at that place. In February, 18Y2, having received his license from the Wesleyan Methodist church, he took charge of a circuit in Bureau county. In 1878 he received a call from the Hopewell and Hamlet circuit in Mercer county, and he accordingly located in the parsonage at Bethel three miles west of Viola. Mr. Lathrop was married October 15, 1871, to Miss Sarah C. Cartwright, a native of Indiana. The fruits of the union are five children, whose names, in taken prisoners,
the order of their ages, are as follows
:
Arme
E.,
Elmer K., Urban C,
John M., and Ora E. Mr. Lathrop is president of the Illinois conference, to which he was elected the third term, in the fall of 1881. John, son of Samuel
and Nehusta
Griffin,
Lee, Berkshire county, Massachusetts,
March
at
home
Avith his
parents until
was
bom
in the
He
town of
remained seventeen years of age, when he went 29, 1795.
•
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUN'HES.
696
New
York, where he was apprenticed to learn the weaving followed that business until nineteen years old, when he was drafted, and, with a New York regiment, sent to Brooklyn to Athens,
trade.
He
Heights, where he took part in the war of 1812.
He
was married The family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, in the spring of 1841, and bought land in section 13 in Greene township. He lived on his farm until June, 1865, when he was called away, leaving a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn his departure. His widow, Mary Griffin, still resides on the old homestead. She was born in Pittstown, New York, June 17, 1798. She united with the Methodist Episcopal church in She states that the family 1821, and has ever adhered to the faith. Farlow's Grove, a distance of four miles, to attend frequently walked to in 1816 to Miss
Mary Hoag,
a native Columbia county.
The names of the children, in the order of their William H. (deceased), Henry G. (now a resident county, Illinois), James M. (deceased), Sarah (deceased), of Henry (now wife of Anson Calkins, of Henry county), Mary E. Huldah G. the Septimus, and George (deceased). (deceased), The grim harvester has robbed her of many of her loved ones, and she will probably soon
religious services.
ages, are as follows
:
example for those who survive her. Charles W., son of John and Elizabeth Southern, was bom in
follow, leaving a noble
When
county, Virginia, in 1829.
thirteen
years of age his
Giles
father's
family emigrated to Cedar county, Iowa, where he remained until 1850,
when he came
to Mercer county, Illinois, and bought land in section Greene township. Mr. Southern was married in 1851 toMissKuth 21, Hoover, a native of Ohio. The names of their children in the order of their ages, are as follows Catharine E. (now the wife of George Martin), Sarah E. (now the wife of Taylor Ashenhurst, residing in Adair county, Iowa), William L., and Levi M. Mr. Southern devoted his entire attention to farming until March, 1865, when he enlisted in Co. A, 83d Ills. Inf. He was discharged September 11 in the same year. Mr. Southern has served as commissioner of highways six years and is an efficient officer. William, son of Thomas and Hannah Terrej, was born in Smithtown, Long Island, May 17, 1799. In 1808 his father's family removed to New York city. In 1811 William went to Troy and remained one year, after which he went to Vermont, where he remained until the latter part of 1814, when he returned to Troy, and while there witnessed the peace celebration, that took place in January, 1815. While in that city he was engaged as a clerk in a hardware store, which he continued until the fall of 1836, when, owing to the state of his health he resolved to try a change of climate. Although his physician told :
GKEENE TOWNSHIP.
097 I
him he could not live two years he still survives, and for one of his age He came to Buffalo by canal and there took a is hale and hearty. When oif North Point on Lake Erie a schooner bound for Chicago.
them and all the heavy articles, including a stock belonging to Mr. Terrey, was thrown overboard. This him without anything to speak of, and after reaching
severe storm struck of hai'dware
mishap
left
came out to Mercer county and bought a claim in what is Greene township, borrowing money at twenty-live per Mr. Terrey was married cent with which to make the purchase. December J 2, 1824, to Miss Barbara Yanalstyne, a native of New The fruits of the union was four chilYork, born December 16, 1806. Mary E. dren, all of whom are dead, and whose names are as follows (deceased February 22, 1826), Isaac B. H. (deceased September 11, 1833), Catharine A. (deceased May 11, 1837), and Emily, (deceased July 24, 1840). James William, adopted shortly after the death of Mary His wife, Barbara, died in August, E., was bom February 17, 1826. 1866. He was again married in October, 1868, to Mrs. Chloe H. In 1843 Mr. Terrey was elected county Burrill, a native of New York. assessor, which office he held six terms. In 1849 he was elected county treasurer and served four years in that capacity. When he first Chicago he
now
section 36,
:
assessed
Keithsburg there were but three houses in the village.
Waeeen
L.,
Rhoda Smith, was born in Medina The family, consisting of his father,
son of Uriah and
county, Ohio, April 27, 1842.
mother and five children, emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1851, and located on section 27, Greene township. His father, in early times, took an active part in public aifairs,
and was deputy
sheriff during the
Warren remained at home, assisting his father February 15, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. B, 65th
years of 1856, 1857-8.
on the farm until HI. Inf.
that
In 1864, he re-enHsted at Louisville, Kentucky, and was with
regiment during
all
the terrible battles in which
it
took part.
He
was mustered out July 15, 1865, at Greensborough, North Carolina. He was married August 30, 1866, to Miss Orinda Morey, daughter of B. F. Morey, Esq., of Greene township. The fruits of this union are three children,
namely
:
Arthur W., Charles
L.,
and Nellie
L.
Mrs. Smith
died January 25, 1882, in her thirty-fifth year, leaving a large circle of
Mends and relatives to 'mourn her loss. Mr. Smith is a member of the A.F.A.M. lodge. No. 577, of which he is a charter member, and was the
first
Senior Deacon.
Episcopal church, with which
He
is
also a
member
of the Methodist
he united in 1867. Geoege W., son of John and Emeline Morris, was born September 25, 1853, near Keithsburg, Mercer county, Illinois. In 1879, he purchased the farm commonly known as the Cohran farm, in section 16,
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
698
consisting of eighty acres.
Previous to that time, he had made
his
He was
married March 13, 1879, to Miss Anna Johnston, daughter of William H. Johnston, of Preemption township. The names of their children are George L., and Franli. Mr. Morris
home with
is
his father.
a farmer of enterprise and industry, and
we
predict for
him
a bright
and prosperous future. Edwin, son of John and Emeline Morris, was born in Cuyahoga
He came west with his father in 1851, and county, Ohio, in 1849. has always devoted his attention to farming and stock raising. He was married December 12, 1877, to Miss Emma J. McFate, daughter Mr. Moms, although quite of Samuel McFate, of Greene township. young, has accumulated 160 acres of excellent, land in sections 10 and
15.
Lucius E., son of Israel A. and
Medina county, Ohio, December
Emma
24,
Jane Smith, was born in In the year 1850 the
1844.
family, consisting of the father, mother, and four children, emigrated to
and located on section 27, Greene township. and the mother, Emma J., were members of the United Presbyterian church, with which they united after coming to The subject of this sketch remained at home until March, Illinois. 1864, when he enlisted in Co. I, 83d Ilh Inf serving with that regiment until mustered out, after which he served two months in the 61st, being discharged in September of the same year. Married in AprU, The names of 187ii, to Miss Harriet F. Thompson, a native of Iowa. Mercer county,
Illinois,
Israel, the father,
,
children,
their
order of their ages,
in the
are
as follows: Edith,
Mr. Smith now resides on section
Lyman, and Leonard.
28,
in
Greene township. Jt)Hiv Morris was born in Somersetshire, England, May 27, 1816. His father and family came to America in 1840, arriving at New York on July 3. They came to Ohio, where the subject of this sketch bought a farm near Cleveland. On March 1, 1847, he was married to Miss Emeline C. Hicks, at Zanesville. In 1861 Mr. Morris and family came to Illinois, by way of the lakes to Chicago, and thence by teams to Mercer county, locating near Keithsburg. His father died here in 1856, in his sixty-eighth year. After residing in Mercer county five years, Mr. Morris moved to Warren county, but again returned to Mercer in 1865, and bought a farm in section 9 in Greene township, to which he has added, by purchase, other land in the vicinity of Viola.
Their children,
M., Edwin and
named
in the order of their ages, are: Vic-
Edmond (who
are twins), George W., Clara, Eugene (deceased), Elwood J., IdaS., and Cora M.; besides the above named, three sons and one daughter have been buried in infancy. toria
Jy, /u, ch-zi^Aj^^-'
COMPANT
COMPANY
NINTH REGIMENT.
E,
E,
701
OTNTH EEGIMEMT.
Regiment was one of the
six regiments organmonths' service. The regiment was mustered into service April 28, 1861, and ordered to Cairo, where it remained during the three months' service in the brigade commanded
The Ninth
Illiiiois
ized at Springfield for the three
by Bridadier G. M. Prentiss. July 26 the regiment was mustered into the three years' service by
U.S.A. About 500 of the three months' men re-enlisted and on September 1, 1861, the regiment numbered September 5, 1861, the regiment was ordered to Paducah,
Capt. Pitcher,
for three years,
1040.
During the winter expeditions were made and elsewhere in to Milbum, men of the ninth, under Three hundred command of Maj. Kentucky. surprised and attacked a force of 200 rebel cavalry Jesse J. Phillips, county, Kentucky, killing eight, wounding several, Saratoga, Lyon at and taking thirty-six prisioners, besides many horses and equipments. On February 5, 1862, the regiment moved up the Tennessee river to Fort Henry, and was in the 1st Brig., 2d Div., Army of the Tennessee, Col. John McArthur commanding the bi-igade and Gen. C. F. Smith commanding the division. The brigade moved up the left bank of the Tennessee river, driving the rebels from Fort Heiman and capturing all camp equipages and stores there. February 12 they moved to Fort Donelson, and were engaged in that battle with eight companies, sustaining a loss of 35 killed, 166 wounded and 6 prisoners. The part taken in this action by Col. McArthur's brigade, of which this regiment formed a part, has no place in any official report of that action. His brigade, which formed a part of Gen. Smith's division, was detached to the support of the first division, commanded by Brig. Gen. McClemand, and was engaged on the right of our anny during the fighting of Saturday, February 15, where most of the severe fight-
where
passed the winter.
it
Mayfield, Yiola, Calloway Landing,
ing took place.
February 22 they
March
moved up
February 27 they
Clarksville.
March
the Cumberland river and occupied
moved
to
Nashville, and returned
embarked for Paducah and up the Tennessee Landing, where they disembarked March 19. The regiment was engaged at the battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, and sustained a loss on the 6th of 61 killed, 287 wounded and two prisoners. Out of the twenty-six oflScers of field, staff and line, twenty-one were killed or wounded. Th$ second brigade was commanded by Brig. -Gen. John McArthur and the division by Brig. -Gen. W. H. L. Wallace. 1.
to Pittsburg
40
6 they
702
IIISTOKY
OF MERCEE AND HENDEKSON COUNTIES.
During the advance upon Corinth the brigade was commanded by and the division by Brig. -Gen. Thomas A.
Brig. -Gen. J. R. Oglesby
On
Davies.
the evacuation of Corinth the division, attached to the
army corps (Ma,j.-Gea. John Pope commanding), pursued the retreating enemy to Booneville, twenty-five miles south. They remained in camp at Corinth from Jure 13 to August 16, and at Eienzi, fifteen The brigade was engaged at miles south of Corinth, until October 1. the battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, and sustained a loss of nineteen killed, eighty-two wounded and fifty-two prisoners. After the engagement the regiment was ordered, one battalion to Danville and one to Rienzi, from whence they were ordered to Corinth November December 13 the regiment was ordered out on a reconnoissance 27. The brigade to Gemtown, Saltillo, Tupelo, and Marietta, Mississippi. third
(9th reg.
111.
Vol.
Inf., 81st
two guns of Tanrath's
Ohio
battery),
Inf., 1st batt. Stewart's HI. Oav.,
commanded by
captured seventy-eight prisoners and a large
Col.
and
Aug. Mersey,
number of
horses and
mules.
As
originally organized,
Alexander G. Hawes, of BeUeviUe, was
captain of Co. E, which was largely raised in Mercer county.
D. Craig, of Aledo, was Belleville,
was second
lieutenant.
William
and Eoswell B, Patterson, The first and last named served
first lieutenant,
of in
their respective oflices until the experiation of their terms in 1864.
Wm.
D. Craig was promoted June
8,
1862, to the ofiice of
first assist-
ant surgeon, and retained that position until the expiration of his term,
August 30, 1864. Near the expiration of their teiin, the regimeat was reorganized and consolidated, and Thomas C. Kidd, of Springfield, was chosen captain of Co. E,
Thomas
F. McClintock, of Aledo,
first
lieutenant, and "Wm.
David D. Bigger, of Henderson, was surgeon Charles B. Fleming, of Keithsburg, was second lieutenant of For some Co. A, and was afterward promoted to first lieutenant. time before and after the consolidation, the regiment followed the fortunes of Sherman's bummers, as they were styled, through to Savannah, and north through the Carolinas. In all the 9th is credited wilii being in 110 battles and skirmishes. Thirteen of Mercer county's, best citizens, members of Co. E, gave their lives as a sacrifice for Iheir P. Reese,
second lieutenant.
;
country's salvation.
COMPANY
COMPANY
C,
V,
TWKNTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
703
TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
company was made up lai-gely of men from Millersburg and The rest of tlie company was from Bond county. It was vicinity. organized August 23, 1861, and mustered into service the same day. George "W. Keener, of Bond county, was elected captain, Thomas L. Vest, of the same county, first lieutenant, and James A. Dugger, of Dugger was, upon the resignation of Millersburg, second lieutenant. of the first lieutenant, promoted to each posithe captain, and again captain he was serving when he was killed, tion, and in the office of James H. Comer, of Millersburg, served awhile as July 16, 1863. second lieutenant, and James Manies and John McAllister, of the same place, each served as first lieutenant. This company was, however, considered a Bond county company, and in the main was Seventeen members, formerly officered by men from that coimty. residents of Mercer county, were either killed or met their death from This
army. The 26th regiment was partially organized at Camp Butler, August 31, 1861, and were ordered to Quincy for the protection of that place. Their first arms were as primitive as could be desired, being simply hickory clubs. During the latter part of the year they changed their munitions of war to something but little better, the old English musket. These did quite well, however, as they were not called upon to put them into active use until three other companies (the original number being seven) were added. The marches, engagements, skirmishes and privations, from that time forth, were all that the most heoric could desire. At New Madrid the regiment was first engaged, after which Fort Pillow, siege of Corinth (Co. .G of this regiment being the first to enter after evacuation), luka, siege of Jackson (where Captain Dugger was killed). Mission Ridge, were scenes of confiiet in which the regiment was engaged. At the last named place the regiment sufiered greatly, losing in killed and wounded one-tenth of the regiment. On June 1, 1864, there were only 515 men present ready for duty, of whom 463 re-enlisted as veterans. After a home furlough the regiment went on the Atlanta campaign, thence to Savannah, and finally through the Carolinas,.and participated in the grand review at Washington. The general features of the marches and engagements disease contracted in the
are so fully given in this details
book, in the course of other regiments, that and repetition are not considered advisable at this time.
HISrOKY OF IVUSRCEE AND HENDEESON OOUN'riES.
704-
PREEMPTION TOWNSHIP. Than the township of Preemption, as the traveler now beholds it, would be hard indeed to conceive a place which affords scenes of greater beauty, homes indicative of more thrift, or resources more available and giving stronger assurance of wealth and luxury so diversiit
;
fied is its surface, so various its products. tile pi-airies, little
money
In the north are broad,
fer-
occupied by prosperous farmers, who have expended no Indeed, the gently undulatin beautifying their homes.
expend time and taste in ornamentado they reveal and enhance every touch of beauty given them. They have accordingly been studded with fine residences, set amidst ornamental trees and shrubs and full-blooming orchards their rich acres enclosed with neatly trimmed hedges, whose dark-green contrasts harmoniously with the broad fields of waving grain. In the south the surface is sharply broken and covered in places with a heavy growth of jack-oak and hazel, but well adapted to purHere also are found large quantities of excellent poses of grazing. The Edwards river affords perfect drainage coal and building stone. to the entire township, besides adding to its varied beauty of scenery by the deep gorges and precipitous ravines cut by its numerous tributine; prairies invite irresistably to
tion, so fully
;
iiries.
Very different, but scarcely less beautiful, must have been this favored section when, in 1835, John Farlow and Hopkins Boone, iu short succession, with their families, entered and set about preparing
Then
homes.
away
the prairie stretched
the gorgeous hues of native flowers
;
to the north, brightened with about him was the deep silence of
a large white oak forest and all the rudeness and lonliness of the untrodden wilderness. At their doors flowed the beautiful but treacher-
ous Edwards river,
its
banks now rising rough and
precipitous,
now
Instead of the busy sounds of labor, the cheerful voices of friendly neighbors, were heard the howl
spreading out into broad,
fertile
bottoms.
rattle of the rattlesnake. deer roamed the prairies and started from the instead of the cries of domestic fowl were heard the whir of
of the wolf, the cry of the wild-cat, the hateful Instead of herds of thickets
;
cattle,
qjiail, and the call of the wild and ducks covered the ponds in the Yet with all its rudeness, its beauty
the grouse's wing, the whistle of the turkey, while multitudes of geese
bottoms of the Edwards river. and promise must have foreshadowed to the mind of the pioneer the pi'escnt prosperity and wealth of .Preemption township. For nearly a year John Farlow and Hopkins Boone had no neighbors, there being
1'REEMPTION TOWNSIIU'.
705
them and Eock river on the north, and but one Monmouth on the south. and them between
no family between
came
In the following spring there families,
Pennsylvania, and
from
Boone,
into the settlement, with their
Eev. John Montgomery, a Presbyterian minister, and James
from
Indiana,
Christopher Miller and Eev. Joseph Jones
,
Barklej,
Gabriel
from any considerable settlement, for line of communication being an Indian trail leading only the no road, Eock Island, which could be traveled only on foot Monmouth to from there was no postoffice, no convenient market, no horseback; or on of aifairs did not long continue the natural adthis state But mill. attracted the location settlers and the increasing population vantages of they were
still
isolated
;
and production demanded increased
facilities for
the transfer of emi-
grants and the transportation of crops to market. In 1833 a road had been laid out from Beardstown to Galena,
fol-
main route to the lead mines located at the latter place. This road, however, was impassable by wagons on account of the river banks being so cut out by the swift currents of the streams, until in 1837 the county built across the Edwards i-iver, on section 34, a trestle lowing the
bridge,
The only other
covered with oak plank.'
road previous to 1840 was. the state road, leading
Mercer county, to a town in
Henry
county,
now
regularly laid out
from
defunct,
New
Boston,
named Eich-
mond. In 1838 there Clarke, section
David 1 and
came
Benjamin John Beirbeau, and Charles Minick, settling on and E. J. Farwell, on section 14. Only those who
verity.
into the northern part of the township
Little, 2,
went through the
trials
of these early times can appreciate, their se-
Now railroads intersect the
roads and
county in various directions hard good bridges make stations easily accessible mercantile ;
;
and which we
enterprise brings the products of the best mills
very doors.
Not
so at the early days of
factories to one's write.
Then the
must go long distances to mill with his gi^ist, and there wait his turn to have it ground. The particular settlers of whom we write, settler
Monmouth to mill, fording on their way both Pope creek and the Edwards river. To market their produce they must go miles away over the prairies to New Boston, or to the town of Stevenson, now Eock Island. Had the prices of their crops brought been proportionate to thei labor of getting them to market, or had the were obliged to go to the
cost of the necessaries ships, ately,
though
still
great,
life been correspondingly low, would have been much relieved.
of
neither condition existed
;
/
But ^=^Zi there was
a Baptist preacher.
their hard-
Unfortun-
witness the following schedule of
pnces: Wheat, twenty-live cents per bushel, to be paid for in goods
706
OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
ITISTOEY
(at wliat prices
we
shall presently see)
ten cents per bushel
;
;
corn, if
one could
sell at all,
dressed hogs weighing 200 pounds and upward,
$1.50 per hundred hogs of lighter weight at a less price. Mr. Boone learning that a certaia relates, as a fair illustration, this incident merchant at Andalusia, Iowa, was paying $2 per hundred for good ;
:
he and his hand spent a day at he had ready for market. Proceeding by a laborious route to Andalusia, he sold his pork, 450 pounds, for Recrossing the rivei- at Davenport, to Rock Island, he bought his $9. In 1837 these salt, paying therefor $9, or 460 pounds of dressed pork. settlers obtained a postoffice, located at the residence of Hopkins Boone, the second in the county, called the Farlow's Grove postoffice. The dressed pork, and needing some
killing
and dressing such hogs
salt,
as
postage was twenty-live cents a
The mail came
wheat.
horseback along the old Indian facilities increased, till
letter, just
at long intervals
now
the
trail.
office,
As
the price of a bushel of
and
irregularly, carried on
the county grew, the postal
removed
since to the village of
Preemption, receives and sends daily mails. With the growth of the farming interests, the development of the mineral resources has kept equal pace. population.
The demand for stone has steadily increased with The quari-ies have furnished the stone for most of
the the
and wells of the township. Shortly after the settlement of the township, coal was found cropping out in various places. It has proved to be of good quality, abundant in quantity, easily accessible. cellars
One
vein
is five feet
in thickness.
The depth
of the veins below the
surface vai-ies from twentj'-five to seventy-five feet.
This industry has
outgrown the demands of the township and surrounding country, and the railroad, built by Mr. Cable, finds lucrative employment in conveying to other points the surplus production of this and Richland Grove township mines. This brief sketch but very insufficiently indicates the great resources of the township. Perhaps the best indication of what is in store for its citizens in the future will be a statement of its present wealth, accumulated in less than a half century since the first far
settler pitched his tent within its limits.
The population has
increased
In 1881 the assessed value of lands was $362,743
to 1,410 in 1880.
;
$1,170; of personal property, $125,164. Butthiscanbe hardly more than an earnest of what is yet to be attained here in point of wealth. Besides all this there has grown up a busy village with excellent buildings and enterprising merchants. The first hotel, opened by of town
lots,
H. E. "Wright in
Hammond.
1
854, has given place to the excellent house of Mrs.
The business of blacksmith shop of Norton Griffith, established in 1853, the wagon shop, opened by W. C. Gray in 1855, has been augmented by the beautiful drug store of Dr. Jas. H. Sevier,
Robt.
"
PREEMPTION TOWNSHIP.
707 I
Wm. Hammond,
the extensive general store of
Mr. Brigg's grocery,
by Mr. Carver, tlie lumber yard, and the respectively by J. E. Otto, and D. W. Little.
the large mill operated
creamery,
controlled
must not be omitted the name of the veteran merchant, with Mr. "Wright to Messrs. Wharfirst general merchants of the township. the Crawford, ton & lands occupied by the early settlers upon the tract to the titles The Illinois and Mississippi rivers, upon the security of the between lying largely the prosperity and so peace of the settlement, depended which were not established without difficulty and the exercise of much deAt the time the cision and courage on the part of the pioneers. settlers came the land had not been oifered for sale, and there were no preemption or other laws to protect the settlers in their claims and improvements. Two classes of persons sought to take advantage of this to reap profits of the "frontiersman's sacrifices and labors,— the claim-jumper and the moneyed speculator. The former sought to obtain a claim upon land already occupied and improved by settling upon it; the latter by bidding against the settlers at^the public land sales. This conflict of claims had been the fruitful source of serious difficulties and the occasion of some murders. To prevent any such trouble, the settlers of Preemption and some other townships formed an association for mutual protection. One of their number, Mr. Hopkins Boone, was chosen recorder, and the claim of each settler duly recorded, according to its location on the prairie each settler, more-
From
this list
Mr. Phillip E. Stevens, successor
;
over, land.
being limited in the size of his claim to a reasonable
amount of
Previous to the sale of the lands of this township, two claims
In both cases the settlers at once sent a committee and ordered the parties to "leave the diggins." They left. The land of Preemption township came into market October 30, 1844, the last were "jumped."
of Mercer county to tlers
be
sold.
The fact that prior to this sale the sethomes under the preemption law, gave
of this township held their
—
name Preemption. For voting purposes, this section belonged to the Kichland Grove precinet. It is related that at the presidential election of 1836, the it its
but vainly had they come, no one knew who were the electors. Converting their disappointment into a resolve that some one in the settlement must take a newspeople of this precinct gathered to vote
;
for
paper thereafter, they had a neighborly chat and went home. That they were so far neglected by the soHcitous politician is most convincing proof of their
complete isolation.
The
first
election in the
township was held the following year, at Hopkins Boone's residence. The township organization was effected in 1854. The officers elected
:
HISTOHY OF MEROEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
ro8
and the successive elections are given in the following list, furnished by the courtesy of Mr. Thomas L. Johnson, appointed, at the last town meeting, clerk, in place of Mr. R. J. Stewart, during the at this
latter's illness
So
Town Cleek.
SUPEEVISOR.
David David David
1854 18.W 1866 1857 1838 1869 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864
Little Little Little
John Whitsitt John Whitsitt John Whitsitt H. Boone H.E.Wright J. C.Wright J. C.
Wright
A. N. Hicljok A. N. Hickok
1866 1867 1868
A.N. Hickok David Little
Wm. Wm. Wm. Wm. Wm. Wm. Wm. Wm.
H. Johnston H. Johnston H. Johnston H. Johnston H. JohnsTOn H. Johnston H. Johnston H. Johnston Wm. H. Johnston Wm. H. Johnston Wm. H. Johnston S. F. Everett S. F. Fverett
1870 1871 1872 1874 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882
The
life
J J.
Wright. H. E. Wrieht
Trego H. Trego
J W. Fletcher P. E. Stevens
W. Fletcher
D A D \D A D A
Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke D A Clarke D. A. Clarke D A Clarke D A Clarke
Wm. Wm. Wm. Wm. Wm.
AS.SE.SS0R.
H E
H
R.W.Kile J.
Collector.
A.N. Hickok James Connolly
B. F. Fletcher.
P.E. Stevens James Connolly James Connolly
J. S.
James ConnoUy .
.
B F B F
Robert Officer James Connolly James Connolly James Connolly James Connolly
.
James James James James
Haimmond
Hammond
S
W
Bradshaw James Connolly.
T
Connolly Connolly Connolly Connolly
J.
A
Briees
J Stewart R. J. Stewart R J. Stewart
Leander Leander Leander
R.J.Stewart
S. T.
Weaver.
A. Kendall. A. Kendall. J.
R
Fleiehpr Flptchpr
James Connolly. H Boone
.
Hammond Hammond Hammond
Mathews.
B. F. Fletcher.
Kendall Weaver.
L D
Stiles Stiles Stiles
Willard
L. D. WUlard. J. L. Smith.
Leander
Briees...
Stiles
R.J.Stewart R.
J.
Stewart
K.J.Stewart R.J.Stewart
of the pioneer
W.H.Johnston
Fred Anthony.
George Gray J. H. Dunn
F. F.
W. Rathbon. W. Rathbon.
was not undarkened by domestic
unbrightened by domestic joys.
The
minister of the
early found occasion to share the sorrows
sorrow, nor
little
and the joys of
settlement his neigh-
bors, to offer the consolations of religion to the bereaved, to extend his
congratulations and god-speed to those
who
heart and hand to subdue the wilderness, and
in marriage had united
make
it
blossom
as the
rose.
Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins Boone
first
claimed the pastor's tender
ser-
They,
too,
vices in the burial in this lonely place of their infant son.
were the first to hail the birth of a child, a daughter, who lived to grow up in the old homestead, to assist her parents in their hardships, and, with Mr. Geddes, to make another home. With all their hard labors, these pioneers still found time to woo and win the fair daughters of their neighbors. Scarcely the second winter passed since John Farlow built his cabin on the banks of the
Edwards
river, when (in a figure) the first wedding bells called to the marriage of Susan, daughter of James and Hannah Boone, to Dr. Joseph S. Mans, of Pekin, Illinois. In 1838 another daughter became the helpmeet of Mr. Alfred Perry.
:
PEEEMPTION TOWNSHIP.
'
709
Eapid and absorbing as has been the material development of this have not been neglected. Among
township, the claims of religion
was a Presbyterian minister, Rev. John Montgomery, of the first church in the community, organized pastor became who in 1839, with the following constituent members Grove Farlow's at and wife, Elder Robert Stewart, wife and two Linn John Elder the
first settlers
Elder Barrows and daughter, Samuel "Wlian and wife,
daughters.
Mr. Black and wife, and others.
Mrs. H. Boone,
Montgomery,
now
Thomas
church by
S.
He remained
college.
In
184-3,
John
deceased, was followed in the pastorate of the
Vale,
by Rev. L. B. Crittenden,
man from Princeton when he was succeeded
a very talented
until about
who
1846,
continued as pastor
till
about 1850.
Mr. John Whitsitt, who had been ordained as elder in 1845, removed his membership to Rock Island, where his In 1867, Mr. Whitsitt's energy procured a children were at school. Preemption. church-building on his farm adjoining the village of Here in 1868 a church was organized vdth John Whitsitt, Hugh Livingstone, and James Henry as elders, of whom the latter two were elected and ordained at this time, the first named having been ordained years before at Farlow's Grove. For many years this church flourished, having in its membership a number of the very best citizens of Preemption township. In 1881 an unfortunate controversy arose,, which has severely injured the organization. The society now hold services in Hammond's Hall. The church at Farlow's Grove still exists, though less vigorous than informer years. They have no settled Aboflt this time,
pastor but
have occasional preaching.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH. The
first
Methodist society in the township of Preemption was house of Mr. Benjamin Clarke, with
organized in the year 1841, at the six
members, viz: Benjamin Clarke (leader) and wife, David Little Andrew Gilmore, and Margaret Gilmore. They held their
and wife,
meetings at this place until 1846, when a house of worship was built, under the following circumstances Judge Savage, who had been in :
this section
of
means
looking after his real estate interests, observing the lack
development of either or both educational and reand beHeving, as do all intelligent men, that through
for the
hgious interests,
mediums only come true prosperity and the successful building up of a new country, he deposited in Rock Island $50 to be used in
these
building a house for church
This fact Mr. and school purposes. Savage communicated to John "Whitsitt, who soon after conferred with Mr. C. A. Spring, an agent of the American Sunday School Union of
HISTORY OF MEECEE
710
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
New
York, who was then here in the interest of that society. Through Mr. Spring's influence Mr. Lemuel Brewster, a benevolent gentleman in New York, was induced to build three houses here, one at Farlow's Grove in section 34, one at Preemption Comers in section 11, and one the $50 donated by Judge Savage was finally in Rock Island county used in improving and fencing the Union cemetery at Farlow's Grove. In this house at Preemption the Methodists worshiped until they erect> ed their present commodious church edifice on the southwest comer of David Little's farm in section 2, adjoining the village of Preemption, ;
The
in 1867.
old building
is still
standing as a memorial to the
The perusal of
(and
memory
may it of
its
for
many
years to come)
benevolent builder.
the following pages will be the evidence of
All-wise Ruler of
how
things crowned these early, yet feeble,
all
the
effiorts
Reverting in the history" of the Methodist Episcopal
with success.
church to 1865, we find it in charge of Rev. with 101 members and fourteen probationers.
Amos Morey
as pastor,
Rev. Mr. Morey
filled
up to 1868, when he reported three preaching places, 123 members and nineteen probationers, a church worth $3,000, and a comfortable parsonage. The pastors succeeding him were: M. P. Armstrong, W. M. Sedore, and J. E. Rutledge (each one year), J. Q.
this position
Adams
Thomas "Watson
(three years),
(two years),
who was
(two years), Charles Atherton
assisted in his last year
by Frank Doran.
At
the close of the conference year of 1878, the charge was divided, Rey-
nolds taking
the other appointments, leaving Preemption alone,
all
tacitly a station
without any outside appointments, ninety-six members
and three church buildings going to the Reynolds circuit, while nine members, one church and the parsonage were left with
fifty-
Pre-
emption.
In 1879 Rev. to this charge.
out by
W.
Thomas Watson was
He
died the
C. KJuapp
May
for the second time appointed
following, and his time was
and the Rev. B. C. Dennis.
filled
In 1880 brother
B. C. Dennis became pastor in charge, retaining the same three years, is the full extent of time allowed by the conference on one
which
During the broken year above referred to no change numeriwas made, but during the last three years of Brother Dennis' labors the membership has grown from fifty-nine to eighty-six. The Sunday school is in a specially flourishing condition, and at the present time (1882) larger than any ever before held in the township. The charge is one of the best patrons, per member, of the missionary and other benevolent societies of any church in the bounds
charge. icallv
of the conference,
if
not of the
the year 1881 were $3,000,
state.
Their missionary
and during the
last
collections for
two years the benevo-
;
PREEMPTION TOWNSHIP. lent collections
member, while
,
711
of the charge have averaged considerably over |11 per
home expenses
are
all
paid up promptly in advance,
grows out of the fact that a few of the leading liberal and wealthy men in the community appreciate the value of the church and the benefits of its benign influence. all
of which
from 1845 to 1865 nothing authentic could be no records earlier than the latter date, and the only paity now living who could give any reliable infoi-mation stubbornly refused to do so. Of
the church history
obtained, as there are
ST.
JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHUllCH.
Preemption township, the Conways, and a few others of the Catholic faith, settled in and around the southeast part of the township, and to thepi occasionally priests from Eock Island would come and minister, holding meetings at This was continued up to 1875, when the cabins of the early settlers. steps were taken to build a church, which was soon accomplished. On January 23, 1875, a subscription was drawn up by Daniel Mack, who subscribed $100. This was followed by several other $100 subscriptions. The Macks, the Conways, the McManises, the Dooleys, and the Lucuses, leading. Many of what might be termed outsiders and members of other churches also lent a helping hand to the enterprise foremost among whom was "William W. Johnston, who donated twentyfive dollars. On January 30, 1875, the contract to build a church, in size 30x42, of good material, with stone foundation, was let to Mathias Quite early in the history of
Odays, Brenens,
who completed the work the following July. On September 9, 1875, the church was dedicated by Eev. Father P. Eowles. The ediiice cost $1,600, which was promptly paid. In 1878 a vestry, 12 X 14 feet was added, at a cost of $166. The building Schnell,
I.
aow presents a neat and substantial appearance, and the interior
md
outfit
would do credit to an older and wealthier congregation. They now have a membership of about thirty families, and have serrices every alternate 'Sabbath. Their pastor is a resident of Keithsburg, and as both this and the Keithsburg church are one charge, reference may be had to the history of that church for the names of the past and present officiating priests. This, like all other Catholic church finish
property, is vested in their
bishop.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The first -clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal church who perormed mission labor in Preemption township, was Eev. Jacob S. chamberlain,
who was
called in the
month of December
to minister to
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUN'nES.
712
the spiritual wants of Mrs. Kachel Johnston, the wife of Joseph JohnThis was his introston, Jr., who was at the time on her death bed. field. Early in the spring of 1868, Eev. Chamberlain commenced active missionary work, which resulted in 1869 in the erection of the present church building on land deeded by Eobert Foster and wife to James Johnston, William Johnston, Thomas Armstrong, and Thomas Doouan, trustees, and desciibed as a part of Sec. 4, T. 15, E. 2 W., bearing date of June 1, 1869; consideration $100. Kev. Chamberlain closed his labors in this field, as missionary, in August, 1871. In October, 1872. Rev. Wm. Thomas Currie was appointed missionary in the same fields and continued his labors until October 1, 1875. On September 6, 187'±, permission was obtained from the standing committee of the diocese of Illinois to organize a parish, and on October 19, 187-1, a meeting was held in the church, a parish organized, and oificers duly elected, consisting of wardens and vestrymen, as follows: William H. Johnston, John Manes, and Thomas Doonan, wardens; Thomas L. Johnston, George Clark, and Robert Hix, vestrymen. The organization to be known as St. John's Parish, of Preemption, Illinois. Shortly after the termination of the labors of Rev. Mr. Currie, as missionary, the Rev. T. M. Thorp was called to the rectorship of the parish, but resigned in the spring of 1877. Rev. N. P. Chariot was elected as the rector by the wardens and vestrymen in May, 1877, and entered upon his duties as such July 1, 1877, and resigned, after a labor of five years, on July 1, 1882. The present membership is small, and but little interest seems to be manifested by
duction as missionary in this
them
in matters pertaining to religion.
MASONIC. Preemption Lodge, No. 755, A.F.A.M., was organized June 1877, under dispensation, and so held meetings
till
27,
October 21 of the
same year, when they received their charter from the grand lodge. The charter members were W. C. Gray, Henry H. Hayford, James H. Seyler, H. H. Hammond, Wm. Steinhauer, Geo. Bartlett, B. W. Thompson, J. B. Harris, jr., Wm. H. Hickock, Samuel Bailey, S. F. Everett, Geo. C. Gray, Leander Stiles, John Weiler. The following oflBcers were appointed under dispensation and elected when organized and chartered: Wm. C. Gray, W.M. James H. Seyler, S.W.; Joseph B. Harris, J.W.; B. W. Thompson, S.D.; Samuel Bailey, J.D.; S. E. Everett, Treasurer; H. H. Hayford, Secretary; H. H. Hammond, Tyler; Geo. C. Gray and John Weiler, Stewards. They now have a membership of twenty-six, with seven on ;
PREEMPTION TOWNSHIP. the
way
to
The lodge is in a flourishing condition, James H. Seyler, W.M. W. J. S.W.; H. H. Hammond, J.W. "Wm. Steinhauer, Ti-eas-
fiill
membership.
with the present
Armstrong, urer
;
713
board of
officers
;
:
;
W. W. Hickock,
Secretary.
Regular meetings are held on FriThey have lost Kansas in 1881.
day evenings on or before full moon in each month. one member by death, Bro. Geo. Bartlett, who died in
ORANGEMEN. Preemption Loyal Orange Lodge No. 132, was organized July 3, by Matthew Mayne, oif Chicago, with the following charter mem-
1876,
James Connelly, W.M.; Thomas Doonan, Deputy W.M. Wm. John Holden, Treasurer Wm. Wilson, ChapThomas Wilson, Tyler and Thomas J. Armstrong, James lain Gawley, James F. Johnston, Robert Wadgworth, George Wadsworth, bers:
;
Holden, Secretary
;
;
;
;
John Wadsworth, James R. Doonan, James AUwell, John H. JohnsThere is now a membership of forty. ton in all fifteen. :
The iirst year they held their meetings in the school-house of district No. 2, after which they built a hall on the farm of Joseph B. Johnston, D. W. Little is the on the twelfth of July, when they meet, as is to them a time honored custom, and with syiging, speaking and martial music commemorate the day when protabout two miles west of the village of
present secretary.
Preemption.
Their established holiday
estantism gained the
is
ascendancy in Ireland at the battle of the Boyne
in 1690.
SCHOOLS. The
Grove by Miss Boone, and Preemption corner, on section 11, in the house built by Mr. Brewster, spoken of in connection with the Methodist Episcopal church history. At the present writing there are a goodly number of wen patronized schools in the township. The houses are neatly built and present a very attractive appearance to the traveler as he turns first
school was taught at Farlow's
the second at
at
many
of the section
comers or cross roads.
BIOGRAPHICAL. In closing this brief sketch, some little mention must be made of the few noble men who were to some extent the founders of this flourisMng section. John Farlow remained here but a short time when he sold his claim to
James Boone, made a short move, died a few
years later,
and his family went,
where they
still
ftil
wife in 1858.
fices merit,
in 1847,
with the Millers, to Oregon,
James Boone died here in 1842, and his Hopkins Boone enjoys the prosperity his early
reside.
living in his comfortable
home
faithsacri-
in the village of Viola.
A
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
714 fuller
account of this worthy gentleman will be found in the history of Eev. Joseph Jones died here some years after his settle-
that place.
A daughter of his, now Mrs. Joseph Pitman, still resides Benjamin Clarke died herein 1844, and his family stiU resideon the farm iirst entered. David Little, now the largest land owner in the township, if not in the county, is still living on his first purchase. He was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1815, and came to America in 1834, and started without means except a pair of willing hands and a determined will. In addition to the accumulation of a large amount of propertj^, he has reared a very interesting and prosperous ment. here.
family of eight children, five only of sou, William F.,
was killed
whom
are
now living.
His
oldest
at the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, dur-
Of Charles Minick, and John Bierbeau, nothing was the successful and hardy pioimers may be mentioned Mr. J. Conway, who settled and now owns a large farm in the southwest part of the township. W. W. Johnston also came in an ing the late war. ascertained.
Among
become one of the large
early day, and has since
real estate owners not
only in this township, but also in Rock Island county. ston, too, will
be remembered as
among
Wm.
H. John-
the industrious and enterpris-
ing farmers of Preemption township and for
many years
its supervisor.
H« was
born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1819, came to this township iu 1848, and settled on section 16, where he now resides. Among the more public spirited and push-a-head men who came in an early day to this township, may be mentioned Mr. John Whitsitt. He settled here on section 2, in 1 844, and has devoted much of his time to improving and beautifying his home. He has, for a number of years, been turning his attention to breeding thoroughbred short horned cattle. Judge Wm. Wilmerton, whose name has been so familiar to his fellow citizens since his coming, in 1842, enjoys the honor and respect
A
full biography of liim will be found in its proper place. In closing, we desire to mention also some of the fine farms and residences which characterize the township. First among these we mention the beautiful home of Mr. Samuel F. Everett, who came from Ohio in 1852, and entered lands in sections 18. and 20. His house was
his straightforward course has merited.
erected at a cost of $6,000, and
and among the
is
acknowledged the
finest in the town-
Less costly, but very elegant, are the residences of Judge Wilmerton, George Smith, John Y. ship,
finest in the county.
Johnson, Thomas L. Johnson, D. W. Little. That so many residences are worthy of special mention leaves no room for farther comment, or prophecy as to its future prosperity.
William Wilmerton
is
an example of those
men who
stand out as
PREEMPTION TOWNSII^^ landmarks to rising though
begin in
life
715
young men to direct and invite to success, even most straitened circumstances. Many a poor boy
has worn the honors, civic or financial, 'ere gray hairs counted his
William Wilmerton was bom May 1, 1822, in 'New He is the son of Fenimore and Permila (Van Kirk) WilmerJersey. His father was a cousin to the celebrated American author, ton. His father died soon J. Fenimore Cooper, founder of Cooperstown. allotted years.
after his
(William's) birth, so that the
At
of the world.
with
family,
whom he
remained
common
then became a
boy was
till
the cold graces
left to
the age of six years he found a
home with
a Quaker
quite able to support himself.
He
laborer at whatever might offer, applying his
earnings to the acquirement of an education.
He
attended college
some years, gaining a good fund of general information. In the summer of 1842 he made his way to Preemption township, Mercer county, Illinois.
The
summer he
first
ble to general purposes.
spent in prospecting for a location suita-
He
taught school the
first
winter.
He
bought a surveyor's outfit and engaged in surveying for some time.
His
first
purchase was eighty acres of land, necessitating the expendi-
ture of all ofiice
he
He was
he had.
His business was largely of so
many
elected justice of
tlie
peace in 1846, which
over twenty years, doing a very extensive business.
filled for
banks.
making collections. This was before the days trusted by everybody and performed his
He was
business with satisfaction to all.
He
He
and
has accumulated his savings
also served four years as judge. his earnings
till
he now owns
more than 1,000 acres of land, a mark of his unusual success. subsequent to the
Just
war he was commissioned an attorney, that he might
proseent^^ldiers' claims without the certificate of a reg^ular attorney
Mr. Wilmerton was married December 10, 1850, A. Kelsey, a native of l^ew York state. They have three children Louisa (wife of N. J. McDonald, of Davenport, Iowa), Frank (real estate agent in, La Mars, Iowa), and William W. (at home). Prior to the war Mr. Wilmerton was democratic in politics since that Mving at'^wistance. to
Miss
Ewda :
;
time he has voted independently.
The family of John Whitsitt originated in Scotland, but his more were natives of Ireland. His father was Benjamin Whitsitt of county Fermanagh, in the province of Ulster. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Fitzgerald. He was a land proprietor, and also engaged in niercantile and milling business. There recent ancestors
were eleven children, of sketch
and his
sister,
whom
Margaret
only J.
now
are living the subject of this
(married to Mr. J. C. Morehead), in
In 1871, his father died at the age of eighty-four years, and mother many years previous, when forty-eight years of age.
Ireland. his
A
HISTOEY OF MEEOEE
716
AND HKNDEESON
COUNTIES.
still survives the eldest Mr. Wliitsitt in the country of their Mr. John Whitsitt, the second son, fourth child, was horn in He was reared Rosslea, Fermanagh county, Ireland, June, 7, 1816. with good advantages of education for business purposes, and also made familiar with farming and stock raising. He was married August 12, 1836, to Miss Eliza Henrey, a native of Monaghan county, In 1844 Mr. Whitsitt and family Ireland, and of Scotch ancestry. Orleans, for New where they arrived after a Liverpool from sailed forty-three days' passage, and from that place by river to St. Louis and
second wife
birth.
thence to
Rock
He
Island.
selected land in section
3,
Preemption
township, and bought the claim of Ezekiel Morey, and entered the same at the land office in Dixon. All the rest of his present premises of 600 acres, he bought, excepting forty, at various prices from time to The dairy business first occupied them, and their product was time. carried to Rock Island and shiJDped to Galena, then crowded with miners and abounding with wealth. When help was absent Mr. Whitsitt and wife have milked twenty cows per day, jjind it is not surprising that the energy and prudence thus exhibitgj^ brought wealth and Their brand of butter-always commanded the comfort in their train. market price, and their commission merchants, Messrs. Camphighest Smith, were always anxious to handle their article. In the bell & handhng Mr. Whitsitt began to make a specialty of course of ten years blooded cattle, and he was one of the .first in this region to appreciate the importance of this interest. He brought on' his farm some choice He has selections from Mr. Alexander's celebrated Kentucky herds. disposed of many fine cattle at private and public sale, and has at present some whose pedigrees are traced back to importe^gtock and entered in the American Herd Book, Vol. XIII. In 1875 lieliad on his place two-year old and coming three, cattle that weighed 1^00 lbs. and upward. Misses Elizabeth and Sarah, his two daughters, are hving
home near the village of Preemption. Benjamin, the oldest, who is married to Miss Elizabeth Bitty, is living near them on a part of the original home farm, and another son, Richard H. (married to Miss Henrietta Fitzgerald), also Uves upon a portion of his father's place. Both sons have had a due There were appointment from their father upon their outstart in life. and Mrs. children Mr. two additional to the above named born to with their parents in their happy
A son,
now deceased one was an infant, Robert, and the other a daughter, Mary Ann, who died in Illinois in her fourteenth year, and Whitsitt,
;
whose funeral-mound grows green beneath the orchard trees of her early home. Mr. Whitsitt has never been a politician, but has always held decided views upon the leading questions of the day. He was not
(^-t^cy^'^
U
nr-^^^^^^^i^y
PEEEMPTION TOWNSHIP.
719
a republican, but when the question of supporting the administration of his adopted country came up against the other issues of rebellion, the side of the union with his money and influence to up the quota of the township. His personal integrity and worth were always recognized by his neighbors, so that for four terms Mr.
W. was on
assist in filling
he was returned as supervisor of his township when the party with With which he was identified was always in a two-thirds minority. Mrs. Whitsitt, partner in all
who has always been
a devoted wife and mother, and and purposes of his life, he visited the home of her early years. Mr. Whitsitt's affections and duty
the plans
and the scenes
are fully given to the
country of his adoption.
with the Presbyterian church, that stands
They
are connected
on land donated by Mr.
upon a corner of his farm. Samuel F. Everett was born in Marion county, Ohio, February He is the son of Samuel F. and Sarah (Karr) Everett. His 12, 1834. father was a native of Vermont, of Scotch and Irish ancestry, whileMs mother was born in Meigs courfty, Ohio. He was reared on a farm where he enjoyed the advantages of good schools, finishing his education with a course at the Marion academy. In the spring of 1852 he came on a prospecting tour to Illinois. Liking the land, and other advantages being equal, he entered a half section in sections 18 and 20, Preemption township, Mercer county, and returned to Ohio. In the fall of the same year, in company with his mother, sister and sister's husband, G. D. Miller, he came by team to the new home. After his arrival here he at once began to make and improve his home, which is now one of the most pleasant in this part of Mercer county, having, in 1880, built a very fine and beautiful residence, at a cost of about $6,000. His real estate comprises 550 acres. June 4, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. McHard, a daughter of William and Mary McHard. She was born in Mercer county, Illinois, Januaiy 5, 1840, and is one among the first born here now living. They are the parents of two children, William K., and Sarah E. Mr. Everett's father died in Ohio about 1842, and his mother died at his home m this township in the winter of 1868. Mr. Everett is now actively engaged in farming and stock raising. He is now filling his Whitsitt
second term of supervisor.
As a man who not only merits but enjoys the respect and confidence David Andrew Claeke occupies no second place. He was born October 24, 1835, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his parents were married October 31, 1834. In 1838 they came to Mercer county, Illinois, and permanently located on Sec. 1, T. 15, of his fellow citizens,
E.
2,
Preemption, and there Mr. Clarke, David's father, died in 1844, 41
HISTORY OF MEKCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
720
leaving, besides his wife
whom
who
still
suiTives, five children, three of
David A. Maggie, and Mary (wife of Henry Ketzel, Those deceased were: Jane (who died in of Perry ton township). 1866), Henry B. (died fin New Orleans aged twenty years, during are living
,
:
the late war, a victim of the malarial fevers of a southern clime).
David A. now owns and occupies the old home farm of 360 acres, and He served the is actively engaged in stock raising and ferming. township eight years as clerk, and in 1876 was elected justice of the He is also a prominent peace, which trust and honor he still holds. member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and contributes largely of Himself and mother have his means for its support and prosperity. been longer residents in the township than any others now living His father, Benjamin Clarke, was bom in the within its boi'ders. county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1802, and was reared a fanner, followHis mother was also a native of Ireing that vocation through life. Mr. Clarke was mamed in 1864 to Sarah Ellen Little, daughter land. She died in 1865, and he has not since married. of David Little. Jesse Carver. In the colony founded by William Penn in 1682 One of these (John were three brothers by the name of Carver. Carver) settled in that part afterward set off as Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He became prominent in the colonial history of Pennsylvania.
Jesse Carver, the subject of these lines,
is
the son of John
Carver and the grandson of John Carver, and a descendant of the John Carver above noted. The Carvers were, of course, Quakers or Friends in early days.
Jesse Carver was born in Bucks county, Penn-
His education was limited to the common his avooation aU his years, havHe ing been sufficiently successful to save a competency for old age. was married August 23, 1838, to Miss Sarah W. Lewis. She was bom March 10, 1810, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. She is connected with the Elicott family, thoroughly written up in a book set apart to that family alone. After marriage Mr. Carver rented a farm near Buckingham, Pennsylvania. In 1851 he emigrated westward, settling in Preemption township, Mercer county, Illinois, where he entered land in section 14. In the following year he built and soon moved sylvania, January 29, 1816.
school of his day.
into his
own
Farming has been
house, a consummation sought for
longer a tenant but a lord.
He
has added to his
many first
No
years.
purchase
till
he
owns over 360 acres of good land. He has eight children Watson T., Letitia L. (now Mrs. Jackson Thornton of Millersburg), Eeadding L., Thomas E., Edward W., Winfield S., John M., and Marietta (wife of Harvey T. Trovillo). Eeadding L. Carver was bom in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, :
PREEMPTION TOWNSHIP. March
1843.
6,
He
county.
He
carried the colors
He
has spent the larger part of his
enlisted in Co. C,
102d
reg.
111. "Vol. Inf.,
721 life
Mercer
in
August, 1862.
through the war to the restoration of peace. He having three teeth shot out and his
at Eesacca, Georgia,
was wounded
mouth badly shattered. His career is the career of the 102d regiment. At his return he resumed farming, but soon engaged in the manufacIn 18YY, at the solicitation of many of his friends, sorghum. embai'k in the milling business, and he began buildto induced was he Preemption. year in His mill has grown from incipiency that in ing
ture of
and feed
to flour
mill,
general machine and repair shops, and grain
Mr. Carver was married June 19, 1872, to Mrs. Jane They have Geiger, a native of Ohio and daughter of "William David. "William D., Laura, Emma O., James E., and Jesse. five children elevator.
:
Prominent among the early church,
olic
settlers, and members of the Cathmay be mentioned Mr. Joseph Conway, who was bom
Ireland, in 1826. He was reared to the prineconomy and industry. He emigrated to America in the summer of 1846. He sailed from Limerick June 25 in the sailing ship Emma, and after a voyage of many weeks landed in Oswego August 20. Por the following six year# he applied himself to any honorable employment which would turn an honest penny. In the fall of 1852 he came to Pock Island, Illinois, and the following February put his axe on his shoulder and walked to Preemption township, and began to improve the land he had entered. The following June he received the patent for his land, signed by President Pierce. July 10, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Bridget Ayers, a native of Ireland. She died January 6, 1870, at the early age of thirty-nine in
county Clare,
ciples of
years, leaving,
early death.
besides her loving husband, six children to mojjrn her
The
children's
names, in the order of their
Thomas, Marguretta, Joseph Patrick,
birth, are:
and Mary Mr. Conway, since the death of his companion, has remained single. His estimable daughter is his housekeeper, and cheers his home by her pleasant and afi'able manner. "When Mr. Conway first settled on section 30 in this township he had but $200 money earned in this country, and when he landed at Oswego, New York, he had but one-quarter of a dollar. But honest industry has its reward, and he has long since been the independent owner of 680 acres ot Martin
A., Lizzie (deceased),
W.
;
land.
John Y. Johnston (deceased), came from the county Fermanagh, Mercer coimty, Illinois, in the spring of 1864, bringing with him his wife, Mary, and two children, one of whom was born to them while on the way. They permanently located in Preemption Ireland, to
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
722
on Sec. 9, T. 15, K. 2, where they reared a family of six Mr. Johnston died in January, 1870, and Mrs. Johnston cliildren. 1866. James Y. Johnston, their second child, was bom on August 6, river in April, 1846, while on their way from ITew the Mississippi Island. He was reared on the farm and educated in Orleans to Eock July 3, 1871, he was married to Miss Matilda, the common schools. daughter of John H. and Jane (Welch) Johnston. She was born in Preemption township, October 22, 1852. They are the parents of three children, whose names, in the order of their birth, are Nina A., Henry A., and Mary J. Mr. Johnston now owns and occupies the old home farm and other land adjoining, to the number of 236 acres, and is engaged in farming and stock raising. John Y. Joiixston is a son of William W. and Margaret (Lipton) Johnston, and was born in this township, April 1, 1857. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, with the additional advantage of a college course at Abingdon, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. March 10, 1881, he was married to Miss Rebecca Johnston, the daughter of William H. and Jane (Allen) Johnston she was born in this township, February 7, 1859. In 1881 Mr. Johnston built his present fine residence on his farm on the N. E. J of Sec. 18. His father is now living near Reynolds, in the northwest part of Preemption township, and is one of the wealthy land owners of this county, after having given to each of his sons a good farm. Thomas L. Johnston, farmer and stock raiser, is a son of WUham W. and Margaret (Lipton) Johnston, and was bom in Rock Island tovrasliip,
;
county,
Illinois,
November
16, 1848.
With the
exception of from
1852 to 1855, with his parents in California, his years have been spent in Preemption township, actively engaged in farming. His educational advantages were good and well improved. He remained at home with his father until about the age of twenty-six years, and was well rewarded by the gift from his father of a good 160 acre farm the N. E. J of Sec. 7, on which, in 1880, he built a fine, two-story residence at a cost of over $3,000. July 1, 1874, he was married to Miss Mary J. Goodner, a daughter of William D. and Edith J. (Griswold) Goodner. She was born in Indiana, August 7, 1850, and came with her parents to Mercer county, in 1863. They are the parents of four children: Edward W., Edith E., Maggie B., and an infant. Mr. Johnston is engaged in farming, but devotes much of his time to buying, feeding and shipping stock. William Connolly is a son of James and Elizabeth (Little) Connolly, and was born in the county Fermanagh, Ireland, May 29, 1832. In November, 1846, with his parents, he left the land of his ;
PREEMPTION TOWNSHIP. and sailing for America, landed in
bii-th,
Soon
winter of 1847.
723
New Orleans New Orleans
after their arrival in
early in the
they started
up the Mississippi river, landing at Eoek Island on April 4th of the same year. They soon after purchased land in Sec. 3, T. 15, R. 2 W., in Preemption township, where our subject still lives, and where his parents lived ber, 1881,
till
The
the time of their death.
He was an
aged eighty-two years.
father died in Septem-
enthusiastic
Orangeman,
and through his instrumentality a lodge of that order was organized at In the workPreemption, in this county, and one at Brooklyn, Iowa. ings of these organizations
he used largely of his means, having twice
Canada
at the
age of seventy-eight years.
children
:
The mother died in 1869 They were the parents of seven
in the interest of the order.
visited
Mary (now the
wife of Dr. Martin), James, Margaret
(now
Mrs. William Yye), William (the subject of this notice), Jane (wife ot
Thomas Burchby), Eliza (wife of Frank Johnston), and Sarah A. (wife William was man-ied February 14, 1861, to of WiUiam J. Ransom). Miss EHzabeth A. Moifett, a native of Fermanagh county, Ireland. Mr. Connolly's second marriage was on November She died in 1873. 12, 1874, with Miss Fanny Moffett, who was born in Rock Island
He
county, Illinois, April 24, 1849.
is
the father of eight children,
whose names in the order of their birth are Elizabeth, Robert,
and Lucinda, by his
:
first
Mary A., and Gilbert H., by his present mother to the whole family. Mr. Connolly
James W., William F., wife, and Edward W.,
wife, is
who
is
an excellent
taking great interest in
the education of his children.
David
W.
Little, the thrifty
Preemption creamerj^, Little,
good
and was
common
bom
is
and enterprising proprietor of the
a son of David and Elizabeth
in this township
March
28, 1861.
He
(Wiltshire)
received a
to which and Mount Vernon, Iowa. He was married December 18, 1874, to Miss Clara E. Goudy, daughter of William H. and Margaret (Smith) Goudy, of Mount Vernon, Iowa. She was born in Linn county, Iowa, April 6, 1853. They are the parents of four children William H., Elizabeth E., Benjamin F., and Margaret A. After his marriage Mr. Little engaged in farm-
school education while growing
he added several terms
at
Abingdon,
up on the farm,
Illinois,
:
ing,
manhim to
but since 1880 he has turned his attention exclusively to the
ufacture of butter. establish a
The prospect of
success in 1882 induced
branch creamery in Rivoli township, and he has extended
the buying of
cream into the adjoining counties. William Briggs, the subject of this sketch, was bom about 1807 in Ireland, where he spent his early life. When at the age of twentyfive he came to America, in company with his brother Thomas. They
HISTORY OF MTSRCKK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
724
landed on the British Islands, in Canada. They stayed there two months, and then went to New York, where he followed teaming and
first
He next moved to Illinois in 1846, first stopping at Koek from there he moved to Swedonia, where he found employment at fifty cents per day for ten years. In the meanwhile he bought a small piece of land but not having a team of his own, he was forced to hire one, for which he gave his own labor in exchange for the use He bought his first eighty acres of Levi Wasson and paid of a horse. trade. He next bought some government land from a man for it in who had entered it. He was married in New York in 1834 to Miss By this marriage they had five children bom to them, Isabella Clay. one only of whom was born in Illinois. Johr^ the oldest, married Miss Ann Armstrong, who is deceased. He was married a second They have one child living and one dead. time to Lena Colter. Henry married Miss Vina Smith, and they have one child. In Mr. Briggs' father's family there were five boys and three girls, all of whom were born in Ireland: Margaret, John, Richard, Jane, Mary, Murphy, Thomas and Robert. Margaret is deceased John lives in New Jane, wife of David Bates, Y'ork Richard died at Pleasant Hill resides in Ireland Mary married John Murphy Robert married in New York. When the war of the rebellion broke out Mr. Briggs Robert entered the service as furnished two soldiers from his family. a private and was promoted second lieutenant, and, at the time of his discharge, a captain's commission was forwarded by the governor. He was a brave oificer, and was with his regiment through aU the various weaving. Island
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
hattles with the western
ington.
He was
a
army, and was wounded
member
of Co. B, 65th reg.
at the battle of Lex-
111.
Vol.
Inf.
Thomas,
a merchant of Preemption, was a member of the 140th reg. lU. Vol. Inf commanded by Col. Sherman. He entered the service in 1864 at Dixon. After his return home he met with an accident, a misfortune ,
which necessitated the amputation of his arm. are
members
Mr. and Mrs. Briggs
of the Episcopal church, of Preemption.
Potter Kelly, son of Samuel and Sarah Kelly, was born in son county, Pennsylvania, in 1843. until sixteen years of age,
Run Academy,
in
He
attended a
common
Jefier-
school
a course of study in Glade After attending here two ses-
when he began
Armstrong county.
In the summer of 1866 he came west to Jackson county, Iowa, where he taught one year. In the spring of 1867 he came to Mercer county, Illinois, and began teaching one sions he began teaching.
mile south of Bridger's Corners, in Suez township.
Since that time
Mr. Kelly has pursued the profession of teaching in that and adjoining townships in Mercer county, and his labors have always been attended
by
success.
PEEE MICTION TOWNSHIP.
T26
Petek Cameeon was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1829. In his father's family there were nine children, His father was married about of whom our subject is the sixth child. a native of Pennsylvania, whose father Jones, Sarah Miss 1819 to came from "Wales in an early day and settled in that state. His father, John Cameron, was born of Scotch parents, on the highlands of ScotHe came to Pennsylvania a;nd settled near the Juniata river, land. where he died.
Mr. Cameron came to Illinois in 1850, in company They first settled in Ohio Grove township,
with a brother and- sister.
Ohio Grove and Abington, where he entered a land containing a quarter section. Before his government piece of milling and worked he followed with his father. this state removal to Pennsylvania, married in February was 26, 1861, to Miss Our subject whose parents had moved Crabtree, to Illinois a short Margaret E. arrival Mr. Cameron's here. By this union they have prior to time born them as follows Malinda (wife of Frank four children to had Humpstead, of DeKalb county), Lewis E., born January 25, 1866, George M., bom September 29, 1868, Clarence F., born November 2, 1872. When the war broke out Mr. Cameron entered the service and was engaged in all the battles with his regiment, from Chattanooga to near the line between
:
Hardeeville, (South Carolina),
and was wounded
at Resacca,
May
15,
Mrs. Cameron's parents on her father's side, were of English
1864.
and on hei» mother's side, Irish. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron are members of the Methodist church. Robert Hicks was born in Ireland, May 24, 1817, and came to America in 1844. He landed in New York and from there went to Buii'alo, Chicago, and Canada, and finally- to Galena, where he found employment in the mines in the winter, and in the summer worked upon a farm. Being industrious and saving, he laid up a part of his eamuigs and in 1856 invested in 160 acres of raw prairie land. He at once began to improve the same, to accomplish which he was forced to borrow money, for which he paid fifteen per cent interest. Mr. descent,
both
Hicks
is
a prominent
member
of the Protestant Episcopal church.
Otto was born in Berlin, Prussia, June 16, 1847. His early youth was partly spent on a farm, but before his majority he had learned the trade of shoemaker with his father. In 1866 he left th home of his birth and sailed for America, with a view of securing a home in a land of plenty. After his arrival he engaged as a hand in a briek-yar4, at Whitewater, Wisconsin, where he remained tintil 1868, when he removed to Davenport, Iowa, and there and in Rock Island worked in a lumber-yard till November, 1878. Then he came to Preemption to take charge of the station on the Eock Island & Mercer Julius E.
;
HISTOEY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
726
County
Here
railroad.
mission.
October
daughter of John
lie is
also
engaged in
selling
lumber on com-
1870, he married Miss Philepene Ehrhard, a Slie is a native of Rhein Baiem, GerEhrhard. 4,
She came to America in the fall of 1868, landing here Januaiy They have four children, August H., Ludwig L., Amelia T., and Edvrard J. They are members of the Lutheran church, of Eock
many. 1,
1867.
Island.
Among
may be mentioned born in central Pennsylvania, January 6, 1842. His early years were spent on the farm and in the common schools, beginning at the age of sixteen to attend the higher grade of schools. In his seventeenth year he entered the academy at Glade Run, remaining nearly four years". He then became a student at Jeiferson literary college, in the State of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with the class of 1865, receiving his diploma from the united Washington and Jefferson college. He then began reading medicine the leading physicians of Mercer county
Dr. James
with Dr.
PI.
Seyler.
Scott,
He was
of Cleveland,
lectures at Cleveland.
He
He
Ohio.
also
attended medical
finally entered the medical department of
the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received his degree of
M.D., in 1868.
After practicing his profession one year
manently located
at
removed
at Sharps-
Mercer county, Illinois, and perPreemption, wbere he has established an enviable
burg, Pennsylvania, he
to
In 1881 he* erected a
reputation as a successful physician.
fine brick
In November, 1874, he was man'ied to Miss Lauretta Criswell, daughter of Matthew Criswell, Esq., a native of Pennsylvania, but at that time a resident of Eock Island county. One child, Sarah F. was born to them in 1876. Dr. Seyler is a prominent member of the masonic fraternity, and he and
building which he occupies as a drug store.
,
members of the Presbyterian church. William Hammond is a son of Robert and Margery (Bird) Hammond, and was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1839. wife are active
His early youth was spent on a farm where he received a good common school education, which he finished with two years at Westminster college. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Co. B, 100th Pa. Vol. Inf., as first lieutenant, from which he was promoted to captain. He participated in the following battles Port Royal and Port Royal ferry, S. C. James Island, Bull Run and Chantilla, Va. South Mountain and Antietam, Md.; Fredericksburg, Va. Vieksbui-g and Jackson, Miss.; Blue Springs, Campbell's Stations and siege of Knoxville, Tenn; the :
;
;
battles of the wilderness, Spotsylvania, Spotsylvania court-house. North
Ann
river.
latter place
Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Va. and Mine explosion. At the he was wounded for the third time during the service, and ;
,
PREEMPTION TOWNSHIP.
727
was sent to Georgetown hospital, D. C, from which he was finally After the restoration of peace and his return home, he discharged.
some time in prospecting in several states, for a suitable place and in 1866 came to Preemption. He was at once impressed with the beauty of the country, and settled in Preemption, and for a short time engaged in the drug business but soon run into a general In 1877 he built his present store, selling out the drug department. fine brick store, where he is now engaged in a prosperous trade. March 12, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Olive M. Morey, a daughter of Ezekiel and Esther (Underbill) Morey, who were among She was born in Preemption townthe early pioneers of this county. They have one child living, Will D.; Bird U. ship, March 11, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Hamdied November 24, 1878, aged over four years. mond are prominent members of the Presbji'terian church. Geoege Smith is a son of Thomas and Mary (Potts) Smith. He was born in Ireland, July 2, 1827. In 1846, his parents, with their nine children, came to America, sailing from Belfast in the shijj Annie. They first settled in By^own, now Ottawa, Canada, where they remained six years. They then removed farther west in Canada, and spent
to settle,
settled in the
county of Bruce, west of Toronto, where the parents re-
mained until the time of their death.
George, the subject of this was the third son. He was reared like his father, a farmer, the same time receiving a good, common school education, as well
sketch, at
as early training in
the
way
of thrift and industry.
November
3,
1858,
he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Wadsworth, daughter of
John and Jane (Johnston) "Wadsworth. 1836, in the
the United States in
Emma
J.
They
1847.
family of eleven children, are:
She was born February
(wife of
are the parents of an interesting
whose names,
in the order of their birth,
Thomas Johnston, of Kock Island county), Mary E., George A., Sarah E., Jemima K.,
William J., Caroline V., Angeline M., Harriett E., Charles E., and Losada L. riage
11,
county Fermanagh, Ireland, and came with her parents to
Mr. Smith engaged in farming
home and removed
till
1865,
After his mar-
when he
sold his Cana-
Preemption For his first eighty acres he paid $2,000, for his second he paid $4,500, and for his last forty acres, bought in 1882, he paid $3,000. Mr. Smith is now (1882) actively engaged in stockraising and farming. The raising of pork for market has been with him a decided success. Himself and his estimable wife are members dian
to
Mercer county,
settling in
township, on section 16.
of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Daniel Mack is a son of John and Bridget (Conway) Mack, and was horn in county Clare, Ireland, in May 1849. His father died, and,
III8T0EY OF
728
MEECEE XSB HENDEESON COUNTIES.
early in the spring of 1853, he, with his mother and her family, sail for
America
in the sailing ship
landed in Philadelphia on
May
Mary
10, 1853.
Pleasant, and
all
set
safelv
In the spring of 1855 they
removed to Kock Island, Illinois, where our subject spent the next four and a half years clerking in a hotel and working at other odd jobs from which he could earn an honest penny, at the same time making the best use he could of all spare time in securing an education. Though he did not have the advantage of a college course of instruction,
he
is
one of those
among the emigrants their own resources.
men occasionally found who were by poverty thrown upon
practical, self-made
to this
coimty
After coming to Preemption township, in 1859, he engaged in breaking pi-airie, and became known as Dan. Mack, the In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H, 84th 111. Vol. prairie breaker. Inf and served his adopted country until the close of the war. While in the service he was wounded at Chickamauga, September 19, 1853. January 1, 1866, he was married to Miss Catharine Oday, a daughter of John and Margaret (Burk) Oday, who is also a native of IreThey are the parents of land, and came to America in about 1860. seven children, living: John W., Daniel, Thomas F., Elizabeth, "WOlThough Mr. Mack iam, James P., Joseph C, and three deceased. began a poor boy, he is now the independent owner of 510 acres of land in this township, and is actively engaged in stock raising and shipping ,
as well as farming. is a son of Robert and Margaret (Nickson) Foster. born in the county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1820, and was On reared on a farm, at the same time receiving a good education. March 17, 1845, with his brother John and others of his' father's family he left his native home for America, and about May 1 of the same year arrived at Rock Island, Illinois. The first summer was spent by him working in a brick-yard at Rock Island, while John
RoBEET FosTEE
He was
worked the first season in Preemption township for John Whitsitt, The brothers Thus they made their start " slow but sure." Esq. finally purchased land in section 3, in Preemption township, where Robert still lives, and where John lived till the time of his death,
December devoted
30, 1881, in the seventieth year of his age.
member
He
was a
of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he gave
liberally of his means, making it a point to give annually fifty toward the support of the church of which he was a member.
dollars
years before his death he gave a house and lot in Rock Island
Some to the
Methodist Episcopal Clmrch there to be used as a parsonage, and a short time previous to his death he willed to the missionary society of Eock Island property to the value of $2,000, the proceeds of which is to be
COMPANY
A,
THIETY-SEVENTH EEGIMENT.
729
missionary work, and during the
last year of his life to the missionary $100 fund. In 1869 Eobert tie marriage with Miss Elizabeth Kennedy, in a native of united was Ireland, whom by he became the father of twelve Fermanagh, sounty
ased in foreign
contributed in cash
ehildren,
whom are now living Abba M., and Robert D.
seven of
Walter, Sarah J.,
twenty years,
and the third son, aged
:
Matilda, John,
The
"William,
oldest daughter, aged
fifteen years, fell victims to that
some of his family in younger Mr. Foster and wife are consistant members of the Methodist
dread scourge diphtheria, as well as did jfears.
Episcopal church.
COMPANY
C,
THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
number of Mercer county men entered this company, which was organized in Warren county and was officered almost entirely by men from that county. The organization took place August 20, 1861, and the muster-in took place about one month later at Aurora. A day or two after the organization the regiment went to Quincy, Illinois, and thence to St. Louis, Missouri. Some of the principal battles in which this regiment was engaged were Bentonville, Pea Ridge, Perryville, Stone river, Chickamauga creek. Many other skirmishes and light sngagements were participated in by this regiment. Nine of Mercer 20unty's citizens died at the enemy's hands or from disease contracted Quite a
:
in
the service.
COMPANY
A,
THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Rock Island county company, and like many other comand regiments from adjoining counties, drew liberally on Mer-
This was a panies
The regiment was made up of squads from all Company A, to which the states. Mercer county boys attached themselves, was organized August 14, 1861, and a month and a few days later the regiment was organized md the men mustered into service at Chicago. The war had then 3egun to be a reality and troops were not kept in the state long for show or drill, but, as was the case with the thirty-seventh, were sent mmediately to the scene of action. The next day after the completion )f the organization this regiment was sent to St. Louis, and a few days ater to Booneville, Otterville and Springfield. On January 24, 1862, he regiment was in the battle of Pea Ridge and September 29 at Newger
county for men.
parts of
the state
onia, the battle
and from other
of Fayetteville soon after being the scene of an engage-
HISTOET OF MEECEE AND HENDBE80N COUNTIES.
730
ment
which
in
May
this
The regiment was mustered
regiment participated.
Twelve names on the monument the devotion of Mercer county's heroes to the old flag. out
15, 1866.
COMPANY Co.
I,
I,
of the lYth reg.
"Boston, Keithsburg
111.
spirits in
Yol. Iiif
and Aledo. S.
Aledo
attest
SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT. ,
was raised from men
Dr. E. P. "Wood, of
New
at
New
Boston
Geo. W. Sanders, Hindman were leading
of the regiment),
(afterward lieutenant-colonel
William Avery, E.
at
Bruington, and D. T.
Enos P. Wood was
organizing the company.
(April 20, 1861) elected captain, and a
month
later,
of the regiment, elected lieutenant-colonel;
second lieutenant (afterward captain); and Geo. afterward was promoted to the captaincy, as
Edward
W.
afterward
on the organization S.
Bruington,
Sanders,
first lieutenant.
who also Wilham
Avery succeeded from second
to first lieutenancy on the formation of A. Lorimer was promoted to second, then to first lieutenant, and was mustered out as captain of the company. Theodore Glancey was chosen second lieutenant April 2, 1863, and afterward, and until the expiration of his term, promoted to second
the regiment.
Wm.
lieutenancy.
The company
left
New
Boston April
19,
1861, for Monmouth,
At Monmouth they tarried ftjur days, and in the meantime were met by company F, of Warren county. April 23 they took the cars to Peoria, and went into camp, the camp being named Camp Mather. Company I was raised as a three months' company, but whither they marched.
men was already full and ovei-flowing when was generally understood before arriving there that such was the case, and nearly all were ready to enlist for three years. A few, however, declined and retui*ned home. May 24 the regiment was organized, and company I, with as brave a lot of men the call for the three months'
they arrived in camp.
It
as ever carried the musket, letter
was assigned the position
indicated by the
given above.
One item in the history of this company will be remembered as member of it remains. Though rough usage and privations incident to army life left their impressions, yet they were not sufi'ered long as a
to sink so deeply into the heart of the
kindness of the citizens of
Monmouth
rough soldier as did the during the four days of
act of their
and foremost people of the town opened their doors, their cupboards, and their hearts to the boys, and nothing was considered too good for them. Long years have passed and many stay in that city.
The
best
COMPANY of the incidents of the
SEVENTEENTH EEGIMENT.
I,
war have been
731
obliterated from the
minds of
the grim warriors, but these acts, which went down deep into the heart, are as fresh as though performed but yesterday.
The Seventeenth Regiment of
Vol. Inf., was mustered into the
111.
the United States' service at Peoria, Illinois, on May 24, 1861, and left camp on the Itth of June for Alton, Illinois, for the purpose of
more
fully
completing
organization and arming.
its
Late in July
proceeded from Alton to St. Charles, Missouri, remaining but one
day
it ;
WaiTenton, Missouri, where it remained in camp about two weeks: company A being detailed as body guard to General John thence went to
Pope, with headquarters at St. Charles.
Warrenton
St. Louis, and embarked on remained at Bird's pomt some then proceeded to Sulphur Springs Landweeks, doing gamson duty debarking there proceeding via Pilot Knob and Ironton, to ing Fredericktown, Missouri, in pursuit of General Jeff. Thompson, and
The regiment
left
transports for Bird's point
for
Missouri
;
;
;
joined General B.
M. Prentiss' command at Jackson, Missouri. They Kentucky and aided in the construction of Fort
thence proceeded to Holt.
They were then ordered
short time
to Elliott's mills
and returned to Fort Holt.
;
remained there a
They went from thence
to
Cape
and with other regiments were again sent in pursuit of Gen. Thompson's forces participated in the engagement near Greenlost one man killed and several wounded, and returned to Cape
Girardeau, Jeff.
field
;
;
Girardeau, doing provost duty until early in February, 1862,
Henry
when they
engagement and Fort Donelson, losing several men killed, wounded and taken prisoners. They then proceeded to Metal Landing, Tennessee river, and embarked for Savannah, Tennessee from thence to Pittsburg Landing and were assigned to the First Division, Army West Tennessee, under Gen. John A. McClernand were engaged in the battles of April 6 and 7, and suffered great loss in killed and wounded were ordered to Fort
;
participated in that
;
;
They were with the advance to Corinth. After the evacuation of marched to Purdy, Bethel and Jackson, Tennessee, and remained there until July 17, when the regiment was ordered to Bolivar, and was assigned to duty as provost guard. They remained at Bolivar until November, 1862, during which time they participated Corinth they
in the expedition to
luka, to reinforce Gen. Rosecrans, and afterward
of Hatchie. They returned again to Bolivar, and remained there until the middle of November. They were then at the battle
ordered to Lagrange, reporting to Ma-jor Gen. John A. Logan, and were assigned to duty as provost guard. Col. Norton being assigned to the
command
at that post.
Early in December they marched to
;
HISTORY OF >IEEOER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
732
Holly Springs
;
thence to Abbeyville guarding railroads, and thence
to
After the capture of Holly Springs the regiment was assigned to the Sixth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, under Maj. Gen. Oxford.
They then proceeded, via Moscow, to CoUierville McPherson. from there to Memphs, and the regiment was assigned to duty at They remained there until January 16, and then the navy yard. embarked for Yicksburg re-embarked and proceeded to Lake Providence, Louisiana, then the headquarters of the Seventeenth Army Corps, doing duty there until the investment of Vicksburg commenced. Arriving at Milliken's Bend, on or about May 1, they commenced to march across the Delta to Perkins' landing, on the Mississippi river thence to the crossing below Grand Gulf, advancing with McPherson's command-, via Eaymond, Champion Hills, Jackson, Big Black, and to ;
;
the final investment of Vicksburg.
After the surrender of that
city,
the I'egiment remained there doing garrison duty and making incursions into the enemy's country as far east as Meridian, and west as
far
Returning to Vicksburg they remained there until May, 1864, the term of service of the regiment expiring on May as Monroe, Louisiana.
24, of that year.
The regiment was ordered to Springfield^ Illinois, for muster-out final discharge, when and where those of the original organization
and
who
did not re-enlist as veterans were mustered out and discharged.
A sufiicient
number not ha^dng
them to retain whose term
re-enlisted to entitle
their regimental organization, the veterans
and
recruits
of service had not expired consolidated with the 8th lU. Vol.
were
finally
Inf.,
mustered out with that regiment and discharged in
and the
spring of 1866.
Seventeen names are engraved on Mercer county's soldiers' monuSome as having given up their lives for their country's warfare.
ment
of these were killed on the battle-field some were wounded, and, after long and painful suifering, died from the effects of wounds and some were victims of diseases brought on by exposure in the camp and on the march. ;
;
RICHLAND GROVE TOWNSHLP. EARLY HISTORY. Arasmith Grove was changed
to Richland
Grove
circumstances connected with the change were these
was building a house, and a
He
talk arose as to the
in 1837.
:
name
The
Josiah Jordan of the grove.
proposed to those present that, as some did not like the name
.
EICHLAND GEOVE TOWNSHIP. Arasmith, they there
and then change the name
733 to Kichland Grove.
The name was almost unanimously adopted, and has come down to In 1834 the township was a solitary tract of desert the present time. waste, not a single
The
house having yet been
built.
house was built by Abner Arasmith, in the S. W. J of The first store was kept by Asa McMurtry, and the second
first
Sec. 13.
The first blacksmith shop was kept by Willis Peckingpaugh. George Lorance and the second by Luther Barnard. Chancy Stanard, the hero of those early days, taught the in the winter of 1837-8, in a log-house (size 12x14 which stood on the Peter Metzler farm (S. E. i of S. E. J of Sec. school,
Chancy Stanard also conducted the
Sunday
first
by
first
feet) 14).
school, in 1837, near
same place.
the
Abner and Alvin Arasmith, and In 1836 Peter and John Metzler, George and John Love, Hugh Montgomery, Charles Norman, Sr., Henry Stowers, Henry, George and John Peckingpaugh, Thomas In 1835 Wesley Arasmith, Sr.,
Thomas
Sellers
Chires, Sr.
constituted the
settlers.
and Jr., William Parker,
Hugh McMullen, Almond
James Manning, Daniel Valentine,
Wilcox,
and Levi Shaw, came
to the
township.
James Glenn, Alden Perce, Chancy Stanard, Alfred Wm. Lowther, Jonathan Smith, and Albert Merryman settled here, and in 1838 Thomas J. Jordan, John A. Jordan, John Ehodenbaugh, Lucius Dimmock, L. F. Langford, Joseph B. Trego, John Morey, and Abner Vanmeter. Of those named who are known to be living there are John Metzler, George Love, Charles Norman, Sr., Henry Stowers, Thomas Chires, Jr., Alfred Dorsee, John A. and Thomas J. Jordan, Parker Tinney, L. F. Langford, Albert Merryman, John Ehodenbaugh, Joseph B. Trego, and John Morey. The graveyard west of Swedoua contains many honored dead of those early days, and as the early settler talks of his old associates, the tears will fill his eyes, thinking of the many happy days spent In 1837
Dorsee, Parker Tianey,
:
together.
VILLAGE OF SWEDONA. The village now known by the above name was laid out in 1838 by Abner Arasmith, now of Kansas. Being located on what was known as the state road,
between Knoxville and Kock Island, it became quite one time a population of about 500. The building was erected by Asa McMurtry. The name was
a thriving village, reaching at first
store
changed from Berlin to Swedona in 1869, and, as the the population consists largely of Swedes.
name
implies,
:
HI8T0EY OF MEECEK AND HENDEESON COtTNTIES.
734
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH, SWEDONA. The society of American Methodists was organized by Eev. Asa McMurtry in 1837. The leader was Chancy Stanard. Some did not The names are join for some time, but all remember the early days. Chancy Stanard, leader, Mrs. Stanard, WiUiam and Mrs. Lewis, Lucius Dimmock, Alvin and Mrs. Arasmith, Thomas and Mrs. Chires, Thomas Chires, Jr., Ann and Sarah Chires, Mary Love, Stephen and Mrs. Smith, Thomas and Mrs. Brittingham, Mrs. William Smith, John Rhodenbaugh, Stower's family (four), Mr. Consider,, and Mrs. Barney, Sr., Joseph Crawford, Irvin and Mrs. Stone. The building now occupied by the congregation was completed in 1848, although services had been held in it years previous to that date. •
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN (SWEDISH), SWEDONA.
The Lutheran church
society
communicants.
in 1858 with fifty
was organized by Rev. Jonas Swanson The church was built in 1859. This
until now it is one of the largest, if not There are now over 500 communicants, and they always have a large congregation. Mr. and Mrs. K. M. Chilberg, who are the oldtest Swedish settlers in the township, still hve near the church, and they look back with pleasure over the history of
society has continued to
grow
the largest, in the county.
the society.
UNITED BEETHREN IN CHRIST. The American Society of United Brethren was organized by the Rev. Abner Norman in the winter of 1871-2, with a membership of about thirty. The church building was erected in 1873. The Swedish Methodist Episcopal church society was organized by Rev. Victor Vitting in 1856 with a small membership. The church was built in 1860. The society has continued to grow and is now large and prosperous.
GEIFFIN BEOTHEES' TILE WOEKS.
On
the S. "W.
J of
Sec. 34, are situated the tile
operated by the Griffin Brothers.
works owned and
The works were
established in
1879, and since that time these enterprising gentlemen have been scarcely able to
The
meet the great and increasing demand
for their
is
nounced by Prof. Weber are sons of William E. Griffin, Esq. (deceased), who was yeai's supervisor of
tile.
of a very fine quality, and is proequal to any in the state. These gentlemen
clay underlying their land
for
many
the township.
[For the above matter, collected from John A. Jordan, we are
indebted to B. F. Eckley,
Esq.—Ed.]
:
RICHLAND GROVE TOWNSIiU\
737
CABLE. miners in the emand slope are operated here under the The aggregate capacity of the two mines supervision of Robert Lee. being about 80,000 tons annually, about 400 men are constantly employed, besides eight mining machines, each performing the labor of The coal is transported over the Mercer County railabout six men. road to Eock Island, and thence to surrounding towns. On the afternoon of June 5, 1844, a mass of angry clouds were seen gathering west of Swedona, which, owing to their peculiar appearAbout five o'clock in the evenance, attracted considerable attention. ing they began to move rapidly eastward, and in a few moments the storm burst with terrific fury upon the village and surrounding country. The air seemed full of electricity, the crackling of which sounded like Huge trees were torn off, a great many the discharge of musketry. bams and dwellings were badly damaged, and a number of people killed, among whom were Mr. Trego and son a few miles northwest of Swedona. This storm was probably the severest ever known in
The
population of this village consists chiefly of
ploy of the Cable.
A shaft
,
this locality,
but the country being very sparsely settled the fatality
was not so great as attends some of those whirling monsters of later
An
days.
eye witness states that for
subsided, streaks of
some time
after the
storm had
phosphorescent light were seen creeping over the
and the air had a peculiar smell resembling sulphur. The moved eastward strewing death and desolation in its path, and was last heard of in Henry and Bureau counties.
ground,
storm
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Among
the many men and women who in early times bade farewell and kindred and took up theii* abode in the wilds of Illinois, none are more deserving of the reverence of posterity than Samuel Clark, and his wife, Sarah Clark. The burden of life which tbey to friends
many years has been laid down by the and the venerable couple rest side by side in the peaceful sanctuai-y of the tomb. Samuel Clark was born near Londonderry, Ireland, in 1813. He emigrated to America in 1833, and located in Brooklyn, JSTew York, where he remained two and a half years. In had borne together through so
wayside,
1836 he came to Mercer county, and located on section 12. married in 1838 to Miss Sarah Huyck, of Dayton, Ohio. Five children were bom to the couple, whose names are as follows the faU of
He was
James G., Jennie (deceased .wife of Dr. Ansley), Louisa (deceased in infancy), Florence (deceased), and Florence (now residing in Swedona). Mrs.
Qark 42
died April
5,
1878, and Mr. Clark in
May,
1882.
MEECEE AND HENDEESON
IIISTOEY OF
738
Geoege Eokley was
He
1821.
bom
in
COUNTIES.
Richland county, Ohio, January
emigrated with his parents to Fulton county,
1834, and from there to Stark
and Knox
5,
Illinois, in
counties, in the latter of which,
November 23, 1843, he married Miss Melinda Cullenson. Together they removed to Eivoli township, Mercer county, in 1851, and finally to Richland Grove township, Swedona, where they now live. In August, 1862, Mr. Eckley enlisted in Co. C, 102d reg. lU. Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the rebellion. After the rebellion he was the leader in the long struggle against saloons in Old Berlin, and they were finally banished the place. His education is limited, but with
many
other early day
men he
has good general information.
ardent republican and supporter of republican principles. of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for
many
He
is
an
A member
years leader of the
Swedona. Mr. Eckley is a man of energy and firmness, and when he undertakes a work he is determined to carry it through. Mrs. Melinda Eckley was born in Knox county, Ohio, November 18, 1821, and came to Illinois with her parents in 1842, and marrying Mr. George Eckley November 23, 1843, her work has been to assist in They are the all that could make home pleasant and prosperous. parents of eight children, four of whom are living: Rebecca Jane, Margery Ellen, Susan Caroline, and Benjamin Franklin. If you ever visit Swedona be sure and call and see uncle George, who still lives on his farm west of the village. C. Beechee Beistol, was born in Oxford, Connecticut, September 14, 1798. His great grandfather was bom on the ocean, in 1714. He located in Connecticut when the New England states were almost a wilderness, cleared a farm and built a home where our subject and his father and grandfather were born. Early in life Mr. Bristol experienced a desire to enter the ministry, and he began studying for that purAfter having received an academical education, he entered the pose. Princeton seminary, receiving his diploma from that institution at the end of three years. He ofiiciated as pastor of various congregations until 1856, when he came to Preemption township, where he was sent as stated supply. He was married, shortly after completing his studies, to Miss Maria Henderson. Four sons and four daughters were the fruits of this union, two of whom died in infancy. One of his sons, Beecher, enlisted in the 60th HI. Inf and after two years re-enlisted as veteran. He is now located in Monmouth, as is also a younger son, Leavitt, who class in
,
Monmoutb college. This venerable gentleman has lived to a ripe old age, and can feel that he has not lived in vain. Dr. J. M. ANSI.EY was bom in "Westmoreland county, Pennsyl-
recently graduated from
vania,
May
21, 1833.
He
received an acadecDiical education at Glade
EICHLA.ND GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
739
run academy, after which he went tp Philadelphia, where he received After finishhis medical education, graduating from Jefferson college.
he practiced about five years in his native state, after and located at Swedona, where he now has In February, 1869, he was united in mara very lucrative practice. riage with Mrs. Jennie (Clark) Trego, daughter of Samuel Clark, one of the pioneers of Mercer county, who died in May, 1873. Two children were bom to this couple, Clark F. and Charley of these the latter
ing his studies
wMch he came
to Illinois
;
died in infancy.
James G., son of Samuel and Sarah Clark, was born in Richland November 7, 1840, and is consequently a production He received his education in the district schools, of Mercer county. He is the eldest of a attending his first term at Oxford, Illinois. He was family of five children, whose names are given elsewhere. Grove township,
Emma K. Engle. The names of born to this worthy couple, are as follows: Charles A., Mr. Clark was elected supervisor in Grace, Jennie, and Samuel. He is highly 1879, andis now serving in that capacity a third term. spoken of by his neighbors, and we 'believe has established a character and reputation that are above reproach. James S., son of Jesse and Ann Quaintance,' was bom in Ci-awford
married February 20, 1873, to Miss the children
county, Ohio,
September
5th, 1831.
In 1864 he came
to Illinois
and
on section 15, Richland Grove township. Married in February, The fruits of this union are 1857, to Miss Martha A. Hardenbrook. seven children, whose names in the order of their ages are as follows Erwood J., Stella A., Hadley "W., Adeline M., Bertha B., Harry, and
located
:
Jesse C. Mr. Quaintance is a member of the A.F.A.M., New Windsor lodge. He is also assessor in Richland Grove township, and is
highly respected
by
all
who know
him.
David, son of David and Elizabeth Sherrard, was county, Pennsylvania,
in
Eliza Sawers, a native of
1818.
He was manned
bom
in Franklin
in 1836 to
Miss
The names
Mercer county, Pennsylvania.
Rachel H., David H., John V., Olive, Yance S., and Frank W. In 1854 he came to Mercer county, and located on section 4, Richland •Grove 'township, where he has -since resided. By hard labor and of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows
James
;
"W.,
industry he has
accumulated a large property. Heney, son of Albert and Jane Merryman, was bom in Richland Grove township, in January, 1843. Married December 29, 1870, to
Miss Flora Peters, a native of Whitesides county, Illinois.
"
of their children, in the order of their ages, are as follows:
The names Winnifred
.
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
740
Merryman
is
a
Harry
L.,
Etliel
(deceased),
member
L.,
Bertha M.. and Edith L.
Mrs.
of the Wesleyan Methodist church.
Joiix B. son of William and Mary (Butler) Adams, was bom in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. When twenty-five years of age he came to Illinois and entered land in sections 31 and 32, Kichland Grove township. He was married in the spring of 1854 to Miss Hannah E. Crossley, also a native of Pennsylvania. Elwood, Harvey, Jennie, Dallas B., George, William, and John, are the names of their ,
children.
Albert D. son of Timothy and Elizabeth Merryman, was born in Cumberland county, Maine, November 7, 1812. His father was a In the fall of 1836 the familjremigrated to soldier in the war of 1812. ,
In the spring of 1 837 they located on section Illinois. Richland Grove township. Our subject was married August 25, The names of the children born to the 1836, to Miss Jane Patten. couple are as follows Emily, Amanda, Joseph P. (deceased), Henry,
Fulton county, 27,
:
Thomas
J.,
William A. (deceased),
Ann
E. (deceased), Sidney, and
Marion.
David D. son of Timothy and Elizabeth Merryman, was bom in Kennebec county, Maine, in 1819. In the fall of 1886 the family came to Fulton county, Illinois, and remained until the following Mr. Merryspring, when they came to Mercer county and located. man was married in August, 1846, to Miss Phoebe A. Hibbard, who died June 22, 1848. He was again married in 1852 to Miss Mary M. Evans, who was born in Galena, Illinois, October 8, 1827. The names of their children are as follows Freeman, Flora A., Florence A., Nelson I., Perry A., Charles A., George E., Frank L., and Fannie A. His eldest son was a member of Co. C, 102d 111. Inf. Daniel, son of John and Elizabeth (Shiffler) Mowry, was bom in Washington county, Maryland, October 6, 1819. In 1856 he emigrated to Mercer county, and located on section 3. Richland Grove township. He was married jSTovember 14, 1843, to Miss Nancy Newcomer, also a native of Maryland. Following are the names of the children born to the worthy couple George D. and Charles M. both of whom now ,
:
:
reside in
Nodaway
,
,
county, Missouri; Cornelia J., wife of B. F. Trego,
Rock Island county; Otho J., and Lena J. (deceased in her third Our subject and wife are both members of the United Brethren church, with which they united in 1852. The Mowry family are of German origin. Mrs. Mowry was born in 1818. Her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Garber. In 1871 Mr. Mowry was elected superof
year).
visor of Richland
Grove township,
terms, giving universal satisfaction.
in
which capacity he served
five
EICIILAND GROVE TOWNSHIP.
741
David, son of Samuel and Charlott Wilson, was born in Rensselaer His father had charge of the comcounty. New York, June 1, 1820.
war of 1812. In 1844 county and at Berlin (now known Mercer located came to our subject remained four years. At the end of that time he where as Swedona), for years, engaged he was, ten in the himbering where north, he went spring in the of 1864 in A, 156th HI. Inf., enlisted Co. He business. September. following He was married in 1 841 to until the and served native of New York, who in 1848. Hungford, a died Miss Caroline Miss Mary married in 1853 to Abbott, a native of He was again one son, Hartland, the father of who was born to He is Minnesota.
missary department, at East Troy, during the
him by his first wife. Charles Engle, son of Joseph and Burhngton county,
New
Jersey,
Hannah
August
3,
Engle, was born in
1822.
In the spring of
1844 he joined the throng of emigrants pom-ing westward, and con-
toward the setting sun, until he reached Mercer on section 4, in Richland Grove township. He was married September 11, 1846, to Miss Sarah Kinsey, daughter of Edmund Kinsey, who came to the county in 1841, having formerly been a resident of Knox county, Pennsylvania, where Mrs.
tinued his journey county.
He
located
Engle was bom. lows
:
The names of the children
Joseph, (now of Dallas county, Iowa),
bom
to
Emma K.
them are
as fol-
(wife of
James
Martha K. Trego (deceased in her twenty-sixth year), Frank Trego, of Orion, Illinois), "William H., Edgar W., Fred, and Sadie K. The family are of Quaker descent, which fact may partially account for the kindness and courtesy with which even a stranger is greeted, who visits their happy home. Although at present a resident of Rock Island cojinty, Capt. John A. Jordan deserves a place in the history of Mercer. He was born in EocMand, Maine, January 11, 1819. The family are of English origin. The grandfathers on both sides were soldiers in the revolution. His father participated in the war of 1812, and our subject and two of his sons took up arms in defense of the flag, in the late rebellion. Thus have the Jordan family took part in all the great struggles that have taken place upon American soil since the birth of the republic a remarkable fact, and one of which they and their ancestors may well be proud. His father, Robert Jordan, was a seaman by profession, having spent twenty years of his life on the ocean wave. The fatally emigrated to Tiffin, Ohio, when our subject was in his youth. Here his father died on November In 1838 the two brothers, John 4, 1832. A. and Thomas J., came to Hlinois and located on section 14, Richland Grove township. In 1841 our subject was married to Miss Rachel Clark, Esq.),
Mary E.
(wife of
;
«
HISTORY OF MERCER
742
AND HENDERSON
Metzler, of Coshocton county, Ohio.
COUNTIES.
The names of the
children
bom
Byron, Edwin T. Olive M. (deceased in her seventeenth year), and William H. In August, 1861, Mr. Jordan, with that promtitude and enthusiasm 'which characterize his every to
them are
as follows
,
:
and organized Co. A, 37th 111. Inf., of which he was On January 1, 1862, he resigned his position on account of disabilities, but raised one full company and part of another after his return home. The captain now resides in Eural township, Eock Island county, and is its present supervisor. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and his kind, genial ways leave pleasant impressions upon those who have ever enjoyed his hospitality. Dr. James S. Eosenberrt was born in Warren county, New Jersey, in 1837. In 1849 the family emigrated to Mercer county, Illinois, and action, raised
made
captain.
located in Perryton township.
The
subject of this sketch began the
of Dr. James S. Mathews, of Preemption township, under whose instructions he remained three years. August, 1861, he enlisted in the 66th Illinois Sharpshooters, in which regiment he acted as hospital steward during the term of his enlistment, which expired August 31, 1864. On his return he entered the medical university of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he took one
study of medicine in 1855, in the
He
course of lectures.
office
then entered the
Keokuk
university, from
he received his diploma. May 30, 1865. He then located at Coal Valley, Illinois, where he practiced five years. In 1870 he located in Eichland Grove township, where he still resides. He was married in 1867 to Miss Mary E. Tenny, who died in 1872. Again married in January, 1881, to Miss Sarah E. Eains, a native of
which
institution
Scott county, Iowa.
EIVOLI TOWNSHIP. This township, which T. 14 N., E. 1
but
its
W.
is
designated in the government surveys
of the 4th P.M.,
name was changed
was
as
originally called North Pope,
to Eivoli, at the suggestion of
Hon. R. H.
Spicer, one of the earliest pioneers.
The
first
settler in this
located here in the
township was Mr. James Bridger, who
spring of 1836, having previously located in
Schsyler county, this state, where he arrived from New York December 9, 1833. Mr. Bridger was born in Sussex, England, August 1, 1802, emigrating to
York
America
in April of that year.
sail vessel in
in the spring of 1822, arriving in
He made
New
the trip across the Atlantic in a
the then unprecedented time of seventeen days.
In 1835
EIVOLI TOWNSHIP.
74:3
Mr. Bridger accompanied a gentleman fi-om Schuyler county on a horseback trip to Rock Island, where the gentleman had business,
Rock Island at Mr. Bridger going for the sake of seeing the country. that time comprised two log cabins, giving but very little earnest of its present population, wealth
followed a trail that led
Mercer and
Henry
and business. Going them near the present
to
Rock Island they
countj^ line
between
counties.
Returning they sti'uck for
Monmouth, following
the old military
was called, which was very near the present line of road After passing a cabin near the from Rock Island to Monmouth. present site of Milan the next habitation they saw was that of Hopkins Boone on Edwards river. They reached the ford on North Henderson after dark, and not knowing its character, they did not like to venture in. Seeing a light from the cabin of William Stewart, who lived then near the ford on the south side of the stream, they hailed, and were answered by Mr. Stewart in person, who brought a torch and lighted trail
as
it
them across the stream, bidding them welcome to the hospitality of his cabin in true
pioneer style.
Mr. Bridger removing to this county the folon the W. i of the S. W. of Sec. 31 in this township, where he still resides, enjoying the fruits of his early industry and economy. Mr. Bridger figures in the initial history of this township in more points than that of being the first settler. The death of his first wife, which occurred in June, 1836, was the first death in the township. She was buried in the Mann cemetery on section 6, in North Henderson township, and was the first burial in that cemetery and the first in that township, in fact. His marriage in January, 1837, to Mrs. Eliza Longley was the first marriage in the township, and his son (Ira G.), born October 14, 1837, was the first birth. In his cabin occurred the preaching of the first sermon in the township, by Rev. Samuel P. Burr, who was two years in the Mercer circuit of the Methodist Episcopal church, and an old pioneer, having settled in- Edgar county, Illinois, in 1820. He was bom in Langdon, New Hampshire, September 8, 1809, and died in This trip resulted in
lowing spring, and improving a claim
Madison county, Nebraska,
November
25,
1881.
The winter of
1836-7 his cabin, which was 14 X 18 feet dimension, sheltered a family still they had room to entertain any belated who chanced to come that way. In the summer of 1841 a band of Pottawattomie Indians on a hunting' expedition were encamped near Mr. Bridger's for a month or more. While there a son of the chief was sick and died, and they buried him on a hill on the south side of Pope creek, in the N. E. i of Sec. 6, in
of fourteen persons, but traveler
HISTOET OF MERGER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
744
North Henderson township, erecting a tall white oak pole by the grave, This pole remained to the top of which was attached a white flag. standing for many years, but the grave was marked longer by the remains of a pen of heavy rails that enclosed it, which could be identified until quite recently, if it cannot be even yet. Ira G., the oldest son, married Miss Susan E. Brown, a native of jSTorth Henderson township, daughter of Benjamin F. Brown, an old pioneer. They were married July 24, 1 864, and lived on the Bridger homestead until the death of ^rs. Susan, which occurred May 15, 1877, leaving no family but her husband, who still lives on the old A younger son (Albert C.) place and cares for his aged parents. married Miss Sallie Brown, daughter of Harrison Brown, of Suez township, in 1862, and he enlisted in Co. E, 102d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., the same year, and died of disease at Gallatin, Tennesse, December 8, 1862, holding the rank of sergeant in his company. Richard Cox was among the first settlers in the eastern part of the township, locating in 1837. He was a native of Ohio, of limited education, but of good native sense and strictly upright character. He was among the first elected to the oiEce of justice of the peace in the eastern part of the county. He was one of the early county commissioners, also, and was re-elected to both offices several times. He was a man of pronounced views, and outspoken in their advocacy, and was esteemed and respected by his neighbors. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church; a whig, while that party
existed,
and a
republican after the organization of that party.
James Durston is another pioneer who has left a very prominent mark in the history of this township born in Ashcott, Sommersetshire, England, April 24, 1806. He came to America in 1832, stop;
ping
first in
Bridger,
the State of
who was born
New
York, where he married Philadelphia
in Sussex, England, April 18, 1817, and came
New York, in 1828. There their oldest daughter, Maria, was born, August 19, 1833. He came to Illinois in 1837, and settled first on section 36, in Greene township, where Charles F., the oldest son, was born, August 14, 1837, the first birth in that township. Besides the two above named children were James T., born April 17, 1839 Sidney, September 14, 1841 Martha, May 7, 1843 Joseph, March 1, 1845, died November 10, 1846 Samuel L., June 10, 1847; Harriet, July 8, 1849; William E., November 2, 1851; Elizabeth thence to
;
;
;
;
May
1854; Alfred Orion, December 25, 1856; Elmer, December 12, 1861, died January 31, 1864. In 1838 Mr. D. made a claim on section 30, in this township, which he afterward sold to Mr. Spicer, and made his improvements on secMatilda,
22,
;
*
RIVOLI TOWNSHIP. tion 15, whei'e
1879, his wife
745
he lived until his death, which occurred September 8, having died April 11, 1866. The family constitute a
prominent feature of the township, having held various positions of honor and trust in the township
and county.
Charles F. though living ,
Aledo now, owns a good farm in the township. Sidney also own' good farms on which they reside.
in
James T. and Samuel L. has
the old homestead.
On Mr.
Durston's place was built the
township, in 1848, the
Hon. A.
J. Streeter.
first
school-house in the
frame of which now does duty in a granary for Mr. Durston was one of the original members
Wesleyan Methodist church, organized in Oxford in August 1847, and also of the class organized at Hopewell in the spring of 1848, This Hopewell class being the first church as part of that church. organization effected in that township, and until the school-house above refeiTsd to was built, their meetings where held at Mr. Durston's residence or that of Mr. Chidester. Nelson Chidester and his wife, Rebecca (Stewart), are among the early pioneers who still live to enjoy the advantages their labors have helped to build up out of the privations of pioneer life. Mr. Chidester was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, May 20, 1811 was married in that state October 29, 1834, and came to Illinois in 1839, spending the first winter at Little York, in Warren county aemoving in the spring of 1840 to the northeast of section 16, in this township, where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Chidester were original members of the abovementioned church, to which they still belong. The second school taught in the township was on Mr. Chidester's premises, occupying a of the
;
;
when the weather was pleasant, and moving into the when it rained. This school was taught in the summer of 1843 by Mary Stewart. The next year (1844) Mr. Chidester built a temporary building in his yard with lumber designed for a barn, where Miss Pollock, of North Henderson, taught when the weather was pleasant when it rained she had to adjourn her school to the house, and that was hsuik
porch
kitchen
a frequent occurrence that year.
Another pioneer
who has helped
largely to
township, through the influence of his family,
make
the history of the
which still resides there, was Stephen Smith, who was born in Massachusetts, February 22, 1801. Emigratedito Ohio about 1820. The spring of 1823 he married Miss Anna Belt, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, August 25, 1803. Mr. Smith was a blacksmith by trade, having served a' seven years' apprenticeship at the trade in Massachusetts. He worked at his trade in Ohio, his special forte being the working of steel and making axes, which business at that time was not exclusively in the hands of large
746
I-IISTOET
OF MEECEK JlKD HENDERSON COUNTIES. In 1874 Mrs. Smith was visiting about and was shown axes still in use that Mr. Smith
manufacturers as at present.
her old
made
home
in Ohio,
before leaving there thirty-four years previously. in Richland
In 1840 Mr.
Grove
township, Smith came to where he lived two years before moving into this township in 1842. He operated the first blacksmith shop in the township on his place in Mr. Smith died April 10, 1847, leaving his wife to rear the section 4. The honorable position the children occupy in the town is family. ample voucher for the faithful and able manner in which she executed Illinois,
the
locating
first
trust.
McMullen was another early settler, making one of the first improvements in the northeastern part of the township. His house was blown from its foundation by a tornado that swept up through the Edwards valley June 5, 1844. For many years after, in breaking prairie or plowing in the vicinage of improvements that were in the line of that storm, people would encpuhter stakes where the wind had driven fence-rails into the ground and broken them off. In 1837 John Heriford .(there is some question as to the proper orthography, as his deeds from Uncle Sam for various tracts of land, entered at different times have it as above, and also Heryford and Herryford) made a claim and settled on section 29, but after a few years he sold out and Jeft the country. Tradition has it that the first school in this township was taught in a cabin belonging to Mr.^ Heriford, which stood nearly opposite where Zion Methodist Episcopal church now stands, but nothing very definite can be obtained in regard Ma,].
to
it.
Another pioneer was Abram "Watson, who came to this township was probably the only revolutionary soldier ever living in the county, if we except George Spies, who lived for a short time with Richard Cox, and afterward lived eight years with Mr. Bachus, of Oxford, and died there some twenty years ago at the age of 105 years. Mr. Watson was a native of Yirginia, and enlisted in the revolutionary army at the age of fourteen. He was engaged at the siege of TorkHe was town, and was present at the sjirrender of Gornwallis.
in 1838, and
wounded during the siege by a bayonet thrust through the leg. It was when soldiers were standing upon the breastworks, if any one saw a puff of smoke arise in front of them, indicating th* discharge of a gun by the British, to call shot when they would instantly seek the custom
!
On
one occasion of this kind, Mr. Watson, boy-like, without looking behind him, leaped backward from the top of the parapet, receiving the bayonet of a fellow-soldier in the calf of his leg. He lived on his claim in section 29 until his death, which
the shelter of the trenches.
EIVOLI TOWNSHIP.
747
May, 1847, when over eighty years of age, and was buried on his claim. He emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky at an early day, and thence to this state, at what time is not known, as he had He •been living in Warren county prior to coming to this county. married his second wife in Warren county, and she survived him until At her soon after the breaking out of the late war of the rebellion. death the neighbors removed his remains to the Woodhams cemetery, occurred in
where they are buried with hers. Daniel Jones settled in this county in the spring of 1837, having
came to the
state
Though
county.
a year previously and lived at Knoxville, his educational advantages
had been
Knox
limited,
his
good sense and sterling integrity soon caused him His neighbors to be held in high estimation by his fellow pioneers. having elected him to some local office, he was averse to its acceptance because he was not a native of the United States, but the adaption of the constitution of 1848 soon after cured that difficulty, and he served his neighbors in numerous official positions of importance afterward. energy, his native
He was among the
first
school trustees of the township, subsequent to
At
the school organization in 1848. cars
the third election for town
offi-,
under township organization in 1856, he was elected supervisor for
and was re-elected in 1868. on the E. ^ of the N. E. of Sec. 25, he made a claim on the N. E. of the S. E. of the same section, and had made rails and fenced and broke part of it, when another man came along and made a claim on the same tract. Mr. J. becoming satisfied that through some informality he could not hold the claim, had intimated as much the township,
Soon
after settling
,
to
some of his neighbors.
to
Mr.
J., his
One night
shortly after, entirely
neighbors turned out and hauled
all
unknown
the rails oif the dis-
them up near Mr. J. 's house. He is now at on a farm of eighty acres near Galeeburg, Illinois, to which place he removed in 1863. overseeing the business and taking care of his stock himself He was born in Canada, February 22, 1808, and on March 2, 1830, was married to Miss Atlanta Bartlett, whose brother, Gardner Bartlett, was sent by the Baptists of Vermont as a missionary to Illinois, in 1833. His labors puted claim and piled
the age of seventy-four years carrying
and acquaintance in this part of the state influenced Mr. Jones to
remove hither three years
later.
two daughters and four sons,
They all
of
raised a family of six children,
whom
are respected
members of the communities in which they reside.
and useful
Mrs.
J.
difed
August 27, 1868. Orson Jones was born in Canada, January 6, 1834, and June 24, 1858, married* Amelia, oldest daughter of E. C. Sexton, of Viola,
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNnES.
748 Illinois,
who
May
died three months after her marriage.
29, 1860, he
Miss Helen P., daughter of William C. Bartlett, one of the earliest settlers of Geneseo, in Henry county. Miss Helen was born in Geneseo, October 30, 1840. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. D, At the time of the enlistment of the colored 83d reg. 111. Vol. Inf. troops, he applied foi- a ^transfer and was commissioned as first lieutenant, Co. F, 14th reg, U. S. Col'd Vol. Inf with which command he served until it was mustered out in March, 1866, n early a year after Upon his return from the anny in the spring the close of the war. of 1866, he settled upon his present farm of 154 acres, situated in section 7, in Oxford township, Henry county, where he continues to
was again married
to
,
reside.
He
has held nearly
all
the local offices in the gift of the people of
and now fills the important office of county surveyor of Henry county, and is also secretary of the Eivoli Township Farmer's Insurance Company of this county, of which he is a member. He is one of those men who have made the most of their limited opportunities, and he now stands high in the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. Farming and stock raising have been his chief occupations. Republican in politics. Religiously he and his wife are baptists, but there being no church of that faith near them, they have connected his township,
themselves with the Congregational society of
New
have two children Frederick D., born September G., born January 1, 1867. :
Windsor.
13, 1861,
They
and Mumie
The next son, Nor.ville, served in Col. Woods' 140th reg. 111. Vol. and now resides near Malvern, Iowa. Granville lives near Gales-
Inf.,
Corwin, at Farragut, Iowa. Louisia (now Mrs. Andreson) Malvern, Iowa and Mrs. Lockwood, also in Iowa. burg.
at
;
March 3, 1870, Mr. Jones (Daniel) married Mrs. Ward, of Oxford, Henry county, who now shares his home with him in his declining years. Other names might be mentioned here among the pioneers, but their stay was short and their
trails are well
nigh obliterated by
the growth of time. Tlie Rev.
Hugh
Breckenridge has been identified with this county which time he came to this state from Mercer county, Pennsylvania, where he was born May 5, 1826. The first four years of his residence here he worked at the carpenter trade, mostly in Ohio Grove township. His father, William, and his mother, Jane (Wallace) Breckenridge, were natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather and mother were natives of Scotland, whence tliey emigrated to this country. In the fall of 1859 Mr. B. returned to his native state, and February 3, 1860, was married to Miss Mary Watson, a native of Mercer since 1865, at
:
EIVOLI TOWNSHIP. county, Pennsylvania,
749
and daughter of John and Lucinda Watson, of
Bringing his wife to Illinois with him, he settled April that county. farm, the northwest of section 4, in Rivoli township, his on 31 1861, residence that year. His farm now embraces 200 present building his are members of the Hopewell Wesleyan Methodist Mr. B. is now a regularly ordained minister, having which church, of September 20, 1874, though he has been engaged in been ordained
They
acres.
For two years he was pastor in and was on the Ball Bluif circuit two years. The last three years he has been associate pastor of the Hopewell cirThey have had six children, of whom live survive at present cui Juanita, born December 31, 1860; Clara L., September 23, 1862; WiUiam W., July 13, 1865; Sarah L., January 4, 1868 (died October 17, 1868); Edward E., May 23, 1869; and Mary A., June 7, 1870. preaching for the last sixteen years. charge of Hopewell
circuit
.
SCHOOLS. The first official record of the schools of Eivoli township, 14 N., W., is dated February 26, 1848, at which time James Bridger, Nelson Chidester, and Jonathan D. Wood, school trustees, met at the house of E. R. Cox and appointed the latter treasurer, and divided the " The first district shall comtownship into three districts as follows
R
1
:
mence
at the southeast
corner of said township and run three miles west,
and then due north until to the
township
The second
line,
district shall
North Pope creek.
it
strikes
North Pope
creek, then
up
said creek
then south along said line to the place of beginning.
The
be composed of
all
third district shall
the said township north of
commence
comer of said township and run three miles
east,
at the southwest
then north
till it
North Pope creek, then down said creek to the west line of township, then south to the place of beginning." They also "or-
strikes
said
dered
R
R. Cox to purchase three books for the use of the treasurer,
not to exceed in value $2.00."
At the second meeting of the trustees, held April 1, 1848, they dison hand, amounting to $19.65, to the several districts, of which district number one was entitled to receive $6.01; numtributed the funds
and number three, $7.27. They also ordered the pay E. H. McConoughty, teacher, $5.20; L. Chidester, teacher, $1.15; and H. Brown, teacher, $1.67. At the next meeting, July 1, 1848, they ordered $3.49 paid to Sarah C. Westfall, teacher. ber two, $6.37; treasurer to
At the next meeting, October
7,
1848, after settling with the treasurer,
on hand to amount to $11.75, and order the same to be loaned as township funds. January 6, 1849, they find $3.99 in the treasurer's hands, which they order loaned. April 7, 1849, they they find the cash
750
HI8T0EY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
apportioned $27.00 to the
number
$8.25; district
as follows
districts,
two, $8,75;
and
district
:
district
number
number
one,
three, $10.00.
teachers ordered paid at that time were L. Cawkins, A. B. McChesney, and John Libby. It is also recorded at this meeting that "The trustees do hereby agree to act as directors of schools in said township." July 7, 1849, " This day the trustees were to meet," but
The
was " none present but Nelson Chidester," who "examined the books and notes," and "found all to his satisfaction." He also "presented a schedule from district number two for $7.50," and "ordered to pay Martha Cole, teacher," that sura. He then "adjourned to meet at the house of R. E. Cox on the first Saturday of there
treasurer's
October."
October 6, 1849, the teachers ordered paid were Catharine B. Harvey and Martha Cole. At this time the trustees returned a list of the children in the township, amounting to 105, distributed as follows disand district No. 3, 37. January district No. 2, 42 trict No. 1, 26 12, 1850, trustees met and an election was held to elect a new board, which resulted in the election of Daniel Jones, James Durston, and John L. Stewart. At this meeting E. H. Spicer presented a petition from citizens of T. 14 N., E. 2 "W., asking that all the territory in said town south of North Pope creek be attached to T. 14 N., E. 1 "W., for school purposes, and be included in district No. 3 of said town. The :
;
;
prayer of the petitioners was granted.
January 19, 1850, the new board
of trustees met and appointed E. E. Cox, treasurer, fixing the penalty of his bond at $500.
April
6,
1850, the trustees found $20.63 on hand,
which they ordered $16 added, being "money remaining in the hands of school committee. " The sum of $35. 63 was then distributed At this to the three districts in proportion to the number of children.
to
meeting the schedules of
Harmon Brown,
J. S.
Mahan, teacher
in district No.
1,
and
were approved and ordered October 5, 1850, trustees approve and order paid the schedules paid. of Melissa Wilber, teacher in district No. 1, and Martha Cole, teacher in district No. 2. April 12, 1851, the Schedule of Nathan T. Smith, teacher in district No. 1, was presented. Settlement with the treasurer at this time showed a balance of twenty-five cents on hand, which was ordered loaned as township funds. October 11 1851, trustees filed census of children under twenty-one years of age in the town, numbering 128, of whom district No. 1 had 33, district No. 2 had 55, and district No. 3 had 40. At this time it appears that Mary Underwood teacher in district No.
3,
,
taught in district No. 1; Martha Cole, in No. 2; and Lydia Ann "Wilber, in No. 3. At. this time the bond of Alfred Cooper for one-half acre of
land for a school-house
site
in district No. 3
was approved.
It calls
EIVOLI TOWNSHIP.
761
land as shall be agreed upon, off the east side of the S. E.
J of running road the east and west. near October or on 1851, 4, Sec. 30, appears the first record of the election of school directors, at which time James Bridger presented to the trustees a poll book of an election
fpr such
held at the school-house, in district
No.
3,
which
in
it is
certified that
Richard Cooper and William Terry were elected James M. January 10, 1852, an election was held at the school-house directors. Garrett,
No.
in district
three trustees of schools, resulting in the
2, to elect
James Durston, and John W. Cox. AfterJohn found that W. Cox would not serve as trustee ward it was the township in a short time, and they move out of would because he said election, so the treasurer gave the poll book of returning neglected held at the same place on February 28. election to be of another notice and concluded that it would not be met on that day legal voters "The trustees. So they concluded that the former three new " lawful to elect another term." At this time James Bridger was should serve trustees election of Greorge Eckley,
'
'
appointed treasurer.
evident from the record that
It is
were not prompt in the
"We,
1852, says:
payment of
some
parties having school funds
interest, as the record of
the trustees of schools, do hereby
duty to go according to law if interest
urer's
month
is
it
April
1 7,
the treas-
not paid within one
The teachers whose schedules were
due, hereafter."
after
make
approved at this meeting, were Lewis Cawkins, Theodore Hoagland, E. T. Scott,
and E. A. Shaw.
were audited for
Mary
At the October
meeting, 1852, schedules
Stewart, Jane Littlefield,
and Lydia
Ann
Wilber,
teadiers.
The names of Thomas and G.
W.
I.
McNair, Joseph T.
Lafferty, Peter Eckley,
Freson, teachers, appear on the record of the April meei>
The census of children under twenty-one years of age, 37 in district No. 1, 92 1, 1853, shows 176 in the town in district No. 2, and 47 in district No. 3. Jane E. Lockwood and Martha Cole appear on the roll of teachers. January 7, 1854, an election held at the school-house in district No. 2, resulted in the choice of Christian Harshbarger, R. H. Spicer, ing, 1853. filed
October
;
and Lafayette Chidester for trustees of schools. April district
No.
1,
No.
1854, teachers' roll 1,
C. E.
Cox
shows the names of N. P. Smith in No. 2, and Peter Eckley in district
in district
3.
June
house of A. E. Doty, in which was done by electing A. E. Doty, James E. Fenton, and R. R. Cox, school directors. August 24, 1854, a strip one mile wide on the east side of district district
3,
No.
1854, a meeting 1,
was held
at the
to organize the district,
HISTORY OF MEKCEK AlfD HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
752
No.
1,
extending from the south line of the township to North Pope
creek was attached to Oxford school district in
Heniy
county.
October, 1854, the trustees' census showed two hundred and
In the part attached to Oxford
children in the town.
were twenty children.
had
District
No. 1 had 50
;
fifty-one
district there
No. 2 had 134
;
No.
3
47.
April, 1855, district No. 2
was divided
into three districts, and the
No. 1 comprised Sees. and the N. i of 23 and 24. No. 2 included Sees. No. 3 took Sees. 5, 6, 3, 4, 9, 10, 15, 16, and the N. i of 21 and 22. and of 20. No. was comprised of the and the N. 19 4 18, 7, 8, 17, i S. i of Sees. 19 and 20, and Sees. 29, 30, 31 and 32, to which was attached Sees. 25 and 36, and the E. i of Sec. 35 in township 14 N, R. 2 W. District No. 5 included the S. i of Sees. 21, 22 and 23, and Sees. 26, 27, 28, 33, 34 and 35 leaving the S. i of Sec. 24, and Sees. 25 and 36 attached to Oxford district. April 23, 1855, the first tax for general school purposes was levied trustees at the rate of forty cents on the one hundred dollars on the by all taxable property and real estate. October, 1855, the number of children in the town two hundred and 3d, 39; 4th, 46; sixty, divided by district as follows: 1st, 29; 2d, 75 attached Oxford. and fifteen in the part to 5th, 56 March, 1856, James Bridger was reappointed treasurer and directed to procure five well bound books for the use of the board of school The record book of this set not being attainable there is no trustees. more ofiicial history of the schools until we come down to more mod-
number
of
all
the districts changed.
District
1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14,
;
;
;
ern times, or until 1866. district No. 3 wanted a school, but had no Mr. Wilshire Calkins being very anxious to have a
In 1856 the people in school-house.
school, vacated the feet square,
and
of 1856, 1857-8
teen pupils.
bedroom in the southwest corner of their house, nine room schools were taught during the summer
in this ;
The
the attendance ranging as high as fifteen and
the four walls of the room, the teacher having standing center where she could reach any schclar in the
her place.
Here Miss Olive Atwater, some
room
sister of
superintendent, S. B. Atwater, taught in 1856. there were to be
six-
furniture consisted of slab benches placed against
room
in the
without leaving
our whilom county
One Friday
afternoon
rhetorical exercises in the school, and Miss
Atwater invited Mrs. Calkins to be present. Mrs. Calkins had provided an outside door to the room so that the school need not pass through the house. To this door Mrs. Calkins went at the appointed time, and thinking there was so little room inside concluded to remain
EIVOLI TOWNSHIP.
755
After standing some time with one foot on the outside and look in. one resting on the threshold she removed the foot and ground the on
Feeling somefrom the threshold to the ground to change position. the pressure of her. foot under she continued to bear her yield thing
and being very much interested at the time some seconds unthoughtfuUy and forth under back her foot. "When at last object the rolling she was doing she about what concluded to see upon thought she Looking standing. down, judge of her surprise at seeing was she what stretched at full length rattlesnake beneath her feet, and large very a apparently enjoying the novel petting of which it was the recipient. Mrs. Calkins did not continue the amusement, however, and without
weight on the other foot,
in the exercises progressing within stood
No
even awaiting an invitation she very expeditiously took the floor. reporter
being present, however, her speech cannot be given the readers
of this history.
From ship
the small beginning reported above, the schools of this town-
number of
have grown until the
school children in the township,
shown by the directors' census of 1881, is 504, and $3,722.51 is the amount of money expended for school purposes during the past year.
as
CHURCHES. The
first
preaching in this township was at the cabin of James
by Rev. Samuel T. Burr, of the Methodist on what was known as the Mercer cirof this county and part of Eock Island, Knox It took the minister a month to make the cir-
Bridger, early in the forties,
Episcopal church, at that time cuit,
which included
all
and Warren counties.
Elder Joseph Jones, of the Predestinarian Baptist church, also
cuit.
and his ah, and hear Father Jones
used to preach occasionally at the cabins of the early settlers,
"Boys
— ah! come in off the
preach the gospel
—
ah,
fence
to the
memory of many of the old
—
ah,
heathen
— ah,"
is
still
—
fresh in the
settlers.
made in the township was the Hopewell in the spring of 1848. The church was organized first at Oxford in August, 1847, by Rev. C. H. Drake as the First Wesleyan Methodist Church of Oxford, but the membership was mostly resident of this township, and the class was formed at Hopewell as part of the Oxford church. When first organized this church formed part of the Farmington circuit, afterward divided, and the new circuit of Abingdon was formed, which included the Oxford church. Some years later Abingdon circuit was divided, and the new circuit of Oxford was formed. Since then both the FarmBut the
first
church organization
"Wesleyan Methodist class
43
formed
at
I
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
756
ington and Abingdon circuits have ceased to cuit continues in a prosperous condition.
exist,
but the Oxford
cir-
Prior to 1861 this church was served by the following pastors: H. Drake, B. F. Haskins, E. F. Markham, and J. M. Snyder. March 25, 1865, Hopewell and Hamlet churches were united in one circuit called Hopewell circuit, which arrangement continues to the C.
present time.
township.
K
The
This circuit also includes Bethel church in Greene ministers in charge following Eev. Snyder have been
A. McGillora, H. T. Bessie, Milton Smith, A. R. Hugh Breckenridge as associate pastor with Mr. Lathrop at present. The original membership of this church, including those who united with the church prior to 1860, before which time no record was kept of the dates of union with the church, were Govert S. Fleharty, Margaret Fleharty, James Durston, Philadelphia Dul-ston, Nelson and Eebecca Chidester, Anna Smith, Martha K. Bridger, William D. Fleharty, Nancy Goodman, Mary T. Underwood, Harriet Woodhams, Martha Shaw, Maria Smith, Laird and Melinda Bean, "Walter Goodrich, John Greenman, Catherine Braught, Erastus and Louisa Smith, Margaret J. Fleharty, and Margaret E. Eoberts. In 1870 this church erected a neat building at Hopewell about 32x48x18 feet dimensions at a cost of about $2,500, upon which It was dedicated Septhey have since expended about $500 more. L.
Stratton, J.
Brooks, and U. D. Lathrop, with Eev.
tember, 1871.
In January, 1856, a church was organized at Oak Eidge by the United Brethren. The organization was effected by Eev. George "Weaver, the iii-st class-leader being James Meadows, and steward,
Henry
Besides the above-named ofScers the original mem-
Birdwell.
bership included John and Jane Meadows, John and
Asa and Atlanta
Mary
Shroyer,
Samuel Young, Julia Stevens, Adison Buckly, Cynthia Birdwell, and Eebecca Meadows. This church has no building, having used the Oak Eidge school-house for their Streeter,
meetings.
Zion Metliodist Episcopal Ghurch.
—This
class
was organized
1858, with Christian Harshbarger as class-leader, which
office
in
he held
when he was succeeded by
J. Aiihur Garrett, been led during its twenty-four years' existence by two leaders. There is no record obtainable of the original members of this class, but its present membership
continuously imtil 1879,
who
is
the present leader.
Thus has
this class
In 1870 the class built a small, plain church in the
is
twenty-two.
S.
E. \ of Sec. 29, which they use for their public exercises, though
has never been entirely linished.
it
TtrVOLI
TOWNSHIP.
757
Oak Hidge, was
The Church of Christy of
organized
May 21,
1865,
by Rev. E. Fisher. The original membership comprised James and Martlia Marford, Eebecca Shoyer, Thomas and Matilda Hill, Louisa
Edna Watson, Mary
Bunyan, Martha J. Thompson, James Miller, Levi and Margaret J. SpenJames Marford and James Meadows were the cer, and Mary Eoosa. In 1873 the society was first elders, and Thomas Hill the first deacon. removed to New Windsor and reorganized there by Kev. T. J. BurThe society here purchased a church building of the Presbytery ton. This building was the first church of United Presbyterian church. This edifice erected in the township, having been built in 1867. removal proved disastrous to the society; the members living south and west of Oak Bidge, being too far away from the church, the society lost membership and became too weak to pay for the church they bought, so it reverted to the United Presbyterian Presbytery, and the Braught,
and Mary A. Meadows,
J.
Mary A.
Church of Christ ceased to exist.
The First Congregational Church., of New Windsor, was organized 1870, by W. W. Allen, Sarah A. Allen, William D.
October 11, Fleharty, C.
Mary
C. Fleharty, Alice Barnes,
Byrnes, Delia A.
assisted
Hammond, and
by the Kev. L. F. Waldo,
W.
Mary Ann Mayo, Florence
Charlotte Goold, as members, J.
Beecher, K. B. Guild, B. F.
Haskins, and A. E. Mitchell, pastors respectively of the First Congregational churches
with deacons F.
M.
of Oneida, Galesburg, Galva, Victoria and Viola,
and R. C. Sexton, as delegates. Rev. L. W. J. Beecher, scribe. W. W. Allen Since the organization there have been eighty-four
C. Metcalf,
Waldo, moderator, and Rev.
was elected
clerk.
members admitted to the church, making a total membership of ninetythree during the little more than eleven years since the first organization. October 22, 1870, W. W. Allen was elected deacon, and William D. Fleharty, treasurer. Rev. Cyrus H. Eaton, the first pastor, began his labors April 30, 1871. The society built a small but very nice church during the year 1872, which was completed in the spring of 1873, at a cost of $2,381.64, and dedicated May 25, 1873. T. B. Mayo, A. J. Streeter, and William D. Fleharty were the building committee. The pastorate of Rev. C. H. Eaton ceased November 1, 1874. Eev. B. F. Haskins acted as supply until the Rev. J. A. Waterworth began his labors.
May
He
continued to serve as pastor 1, 1878, and was succeeded by the present incumbent. Rev. R. L. McCord, who began his labors in January, 1879. The United Preabytericm, Churchy of New Windsor, was organized until
30,
1875.
June
Henry county, August 10, 1866, by Joseph M. and Nancy H. Christy, Thomas R., Catharine and Elizabeth McMiller, Margaret in Oxford,
HISTORY OF MEECEE
758
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
A. Hogue, Elizabeth McLaughliq, Thomas H. and Sarah Brown, William H. and Margaret Kerr, Sarah Surplnss, Nancy Epperson, Thomas and Eliza M. Kamsey, John M. and Sarah A. Christy, and Stephen and Isabella Woodburn. The first elders were Joseph M. In 1867 this society built the first Christy and William H. Kerr. After a four church edifice erected in the township of New Windsor. years' struggle this society was dissolved by the Presbytery, some of its
members think unjustly. The New Windsor Methodist Episcopal Ohurch was
organized in
1868, under the charge of Rev. Peter S. Garretson, this being his first appointment, he having traveled one year previously on the Orion cirCTiit
as supply.
circuit in 1869,
Rev.
W.
B. Carithers received his appointment to
during which year the class procured a
lot
and
this
pur-
chased a building 26x40 feet that had been built for a school-house and converted it into a house of worship. This building the class still Rev. Theodore Hoagland was placed in charge of uses as its church.
1870 and was continued two years. The preachers in charge since Rev. T. Hoagland have been Revs. William Lieber, U. Z. Gilmer, A. Myers, J. E. Taylor, two years; Geo. Miller, John McCord, and J. D. Calhoun, two years. The class organized in 1868, this class in
with a membership of eight, John Coleman, Elizabeth Colemen, Lovina Coleman, Samuel Coleman, Rev. John Abbott, AHce Abbott, W. A. Buckley, and Mary Buckley.
The present membership
of the class
is forty-five.
The church
is
out of debt and in a flourishing condition.
The
Swed!s]i Evangelical Lutheran Church, of
organized
May
24, 1869,
New Windsor,
was
with Carl A. Johnson, Tetes Falk, and John
M.
Blad, as trustees, and Carl A. Johnson, C. Bjorkengren, Carl Adolf Falk, and Carl Falk, as deacons. G. A. Falk, secretary. August 33, 1869, the society decided to build a church edifice, which it did that fall, erecting a building 28 X 60 X 20 ft. dimensions, which rests on a stone foundation three and a half feet above the surface of the
This building cost $6,726.70. The society has a good commodious parsonage also, which cost about $1,500, and a cemetery where it buries its dead exclusively. It has had three pastors since its organization S. T. A. Lindahl, T. N. Sannquist and the present pastor, N. T. Winquist, who has been in charge since April, 1879. The latter gentleman being a fine scholar and a very intelligent man. He was born in Stockholm, Sweden, November 9, 1840, and received his education there, coming to America in 1867. He took a course at the Swedish Theological Seminary at Paxton, Illinois, since removed to Rock Island, Illinois. ground.
:
ItlVOLI
To
TOWNSHIP.
769
attainments he adds a knowledge of the
his other scholarly
This society has a membership of 280
language.
and 160 children, which
Hebrew
communicants,
regards as members, making a total
it
mem
bership of 440.
The village of
New Windsor was
originally laid out in 1857
by W.
E. J of See. 13, and was expected to be a T. Western Air Line railway, which was to be a Great station on the
Hammond, on the
trans-continental line
writ of
spanning the country from Philadelphia to San
the financial collapse of that year served a perpetual
But
Francisco.
S.
mandamus upon the
construction of
many
great lines of
rail-
The railroad was not built, and the seed that was to produce New Windsor failed to germinate. In 1868 the Chicago, Burlington & way.
by a series of manipulations known to railcame into possession of the franchises, right of way, etc., of the American Central railroad, which was the successor of the Great Western Air Line, and proceeded to build and equip the road Quincy Eailroad Company,
road magnates,
from Galva to of 1869 as a road.
New
Boston, having
branch
main
to its
New Windsor
it
ready to operate in the spring
line.
With
the building of the rail-
was
if
by magic,
so rapid
1869, the people decided
by a vote
of thirty-four to
sprang into being as
its
growth.
On August
2,
On August 14, A. J. Moore, J. H. Larkin and G. W. Gregg were elected the
seven to incorporate their town.
Epperson, P. Casler, E. L.
board of trustees, and Joseph
first
At an
election held
August
1,
M. Christy
the
lirst
police justice.
1870, the people of the town of
New
Windsor voted to issue $10,000 in the bonds of the town to the Rockford,
Rock Island
pleted carried
& St.
Louis railroad,
when
said railroad
was com-
and a depot built in the incorporation. This measure was by a vote of forty-three to fourteen. As the conditions were
bonds were not issued. The road was built Windsor, and Alpha came into being at the crossing of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy branch. April 19, 1878, the town voted thirty to twenty-two to organize as as a village under the general incorporation law of the state. The present board of trustees are W. H. Gladman, president R. B. Robinson, J. A. Maxwell, W. C. Cole, C. Shaw, and S. T. Samuelnever complied with the three miles east of
New
:
son
;
8. C.
Whitcomb, village
;
clerk.
This village enjoys the distinction of having the only telescope for astronomical purposes in this part of the country. Mr. Edgar L. Larkin having erected an observatory here mounting a six inch equatorial,
made by Aiivin Clark February
3,
&
Sons.
1877, the state auditor issued a certificate of organiza-
;
760
I-IISTOEr
OF MEECEE AUD HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
tion granting twenty-five years
Insurance Company," with
life
to the
"Eivoli Farmers' Mutual
New "Windsor, and in the townships of Eivoli.
business office in
its
authorized to transact business in
its line
Eichland Grove, North Henderson, Greene, and Suez, in this county, and Oxford township, in Henry county. The company organized with thirty charter members, whose The first board of directors aggregate policies amounted to $60,000. S. B. Shumway, W. S. Fleharty, H. H. Eoberts, A. P. Petrie, Merryman, N. P. Smith, J. M. Merryman, B. Kasenberg and T. S. Wilson. The ofiicers were A. P. Peti-ie, president; N. P. Smith, secretary, and T. D. Merryman, treasurer. The last annual report of the secretary, January, 1882, shows the total number of policies in full, 164, covering $178,468. The pi-esent officers of the company are S. B. Shumway, president Orson Jones, secretary, and T. D. Merryman, treasurer. On'ford Lodge, JVo. 367, A.F.A.M. was granted a dispensation October 18, 1860, by the grand master of the state, to open a new lodge U. D., in Oxford, in Henry county. The lodge worked U. D., until October 16, 1861, it received its charter and number from Grand
were
:
T. D.
:
;•
:
Master Ira A. "W. Buck. Its first officers were Paul Hahn, W.M. Eobert Detheridge, S.W. Wm. Fleharty, J.W. Samuel "Wilson, Treasurer; M. S. Shephard, Secretary; Thomas Eobertson, S.D. George Gale, J.D. Samuel Epperson, Tyler. Tlie charter membei's were P. W. Epperson, Thomas Eobertson, Samuel "Wilson, S. C. Moberly, J. D. Kennedy, J. M. Herbert, M. S. Shephard, Joshua Bruner, and N. McCombers. The lodge removed to and held its first meeting in New "VVindsor July 12, 1870. It owned its hall in Oxford, which it sold to S. B. Shumway, and in September, 1870, bought its present hall and undivided half interest in the lot on which it stands of J. A. Maxwell. It is in good financial condition and numbers among its members some of the foremost and best men in the community, ranking as one of the best working lodges in the country. It has had on its roll the names of over 130 members, its :
;
;
;
present active membership being forty-six. "Worshipful Master S.
B.
Shumway,
:
Paul Hahn, two years
three years.
W.M.;
years
six
"Underwood, two years
;
;
During
members have
years' existence the following eight
twenty-one
the
oflice of
E. Detheridge, four years M. Colley, J. M. Timberlake, A. D. ;
A. P. Petrie, two years
The present
its
filled
officers
;
and E.
of the lodge are
:
H. H.
S. Petrie,
Eobei-ts,
J.W.; W. W. Parsons, Ti-easurer; A.P. Shroyer, Secretary; A. Olson, S.D.; A. G. McMullen,
B.
F.
Brooks,
S.W.;
J.D.; E. Blair, Tyler.
Cox,
F.
J.
" .
EIVOLI TOWNSHIP.
A chapter of the •with this
761
Eastern Star was recently organized in connection
having eighteen charter members, seven of whom are Mrs. Lizzie Mcofficers are: Mrs. Jennie Petrie, "W.M.
lodge,
women.
Its
MuUen,
W.A.
;
;
A. P. Forgie, W.T.; Mrs. Martha Veeder, Treasurer;
0. F. Peterson, Secretary.
I.O.O.F., was organized June 3, Charter members were J. B. Armstrong, A. A. Willett, W. W. Jobes, W. H. Gladman, and Samuel Adams. Its iirst officers were J. B. Armstrong, N. G. W. H. Gladman, V.G. Samuel Adams, Secretary A. A. Willett, Treasurer. Its
New Windsor Lodge No. by Dept. G. M. James
1873,
518.,
Kelly.
:
;
:
;
;
membership of ninety-five since its organization, with membership of twenty-six. It owns a hall over the drug store of A. J. Rosenbaum and the undivided half of the lot on The lodge which it stands. The hall was built in the fall of 1879. roll
shows a
total
a present active
occupied
its
hall the first
time
November
Its present officers
20, 1879.
H. Higley, Y.G.; B. F. Brooks, Secretary D. Harkness, Treasurer W. H. Kerr, Warden John Olson, Cond.; James Ulam, Chap.; J. E. Gould, D.D.G.M. The office of Noble Grand has been held by S. Adams, two terms W. H. Gladman, two terms A. J. Smith, W. S. Coe, J. L. David, H. J. Piper, J. E. Gould, J. L. McNaghten, W. H. Kerr, A. B. Firkins, James Ulam, two terms J. N. Cox, and B. F. Brooks. are: Dr. F.
D. Eathburn,
IST.G.;
;
;
;
;
;
;
There are four cemeteries in this township.
The Woodhams Cmietery on the E. \ of the N. W. of Sec. 21, which was set apart for that purpose by Mr. William
covers two acres,
Woodhams during the family.
Mrs.
his life
W. was
and afterward deeded to the township by first one buried in this cemetery, which
the
remains of several of the township's pioneers. The Cooper Cemetery on the S. W. J of the S. E. J of Sec. 30, the property of Eichard Cooper, was started as a piriva,te cemetery by the contains the
Cooper family, and
is
occupied mostly by
members
of that family and
connections.
The New Windsor Cemetery, on the S. E. J of Sec. 12, was donated by the late William F. Petrie, one of the proprietors of the village, and is on a beautiful rolling site, and is being rapidly improved by trees and flowers, which must soon render it very attractive. The Swedish EvwngeUoal Luthercm, Cemetery, in the village of New Windsor, near the southeast corner of section 12, and separated from the ehnrch by a street,
is
the property of that church and designed exclus-
ively for the
use of members of that church. The following were the first township officers elected after the
cx)unty
went into township organization in 1854
:
supervisor, E. E.
;;;
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
762
Cox
town
;
James Bridger
clerk,
N. Chidester
assessor, L. Chidester
;
collector,
;
justice of the peace, C. Ilarshberger.
;
The following
the
is
of
list
town
officers to date,
with the number
of terms that each held:
-^
—E. E. Cox, two years
Daniel Jones, two years A. John W. Mills, two yedrs N. P. Smith, four J. Streeter, five years years T. G. Woodhams A. P. Petrie, nine years ; W. D. Fleharty, Supervisor.
;
;
;
;
;
;
two years
G. Sexton, three years. James Bridger, twelve years Clerk. J.
;
—
Town
J.
;
Lyman
Smith, two
A. P. Petrie C. F. Durston, four years Joseph M. Christy, A. J. Smith T. B. Mayo, three years four years S. L. Durston
years
;
;
;•
;
;
;
Petersen.
J. "W.
In twenty-nine years nine persons have
One
of J. G. Sexton's terms
is fractional,
filled
both of these
ofiices.
having been appointed
to
fill
a vacancy caused by the resignation of A. P. Petrie. Assessor. S.
three
W.
—
L. Chidester;
N. P. Smith, four years;
Wm.
Shumway, two years C. F. Durston, three years J. years H. E. West Joseph M. Christy, two years A.
B.
;
;
C. Cole
;
J. B.
;
Collector.
—
^N.
Orson Jones E. B. David
;
L. Smith,
;
J.
Jmith
L-a G. Bridger.
Chidester; Chas. E. Cox; H. E. West, eight years
Menold
J.
;
Longley, eight years
Pitman;
;
;
Woodhams,
T. G.
four years
;
J.
B. Smith
Sidney Durston W. B. Cullison; W. W. Jobes Ira G. Bridger; S. L. Durston; W. W. Allen; T. B. Mayo; Geo. W. Gregg; W. W. Parsons; O. Eoberts; Eoyal Chidester W. W. Watson H. L. Loomis. ;
C.
Smith,
S.
two years
;
;
;
;
;
of the Peace.
Justice
two terms J.
W.
;
—Term of
Peter Eckley
;
office is four
E. E. Cox
Peterson, two terms;
M.
;
years
:
C. Harsberger,
John B. Longley,
F. Wliipp; J.
Lyman
three terms
Smith; James
Meadows John Christy C. F. Durston, two terms M. F. Postlewait; Joseph M. Christy W. C. Cole W. W. Parsons, three terms J. G. ;
;
;
;
;
;
Sexton, two terms.
In 1865 the town auditors levied a tax of $2.60 on the $100 valuation bounty tax. The total amount expended for fifteen volunteers to the quota of this township was $7,940.75, of which $3,620 was
for a fill
raised
by
subscription.
In 1854 the
first
assessment under township organization showed
that there were in the township 163 horses, 405 cattle, 5 mules, 226 sheep, 649 hogs, 45 wagons and carriages, 39 clocks and watches; credits $779. The total personal property assessed was $19,821; the total real estate assessed was $35,238.29; total assess-
moneys and
ment, $55,059.29.
The
New Windsor
Observatory, located at JSTew Windsor, and
EIVOLI TOWNSHIP.
owned by Edgar L. Larkin,
is
763
an object of much interest. It was and is provided with a telescope
erected for astronomical purposes,
made ive
especially for celestial observation.
is six
inches in the clear,
and
its
The diameter
of the objects
focal length is eight feet ten inches.
communication with the Smithand with the Howard College The telescope is called an observatory at Cambridge, Massachusetts. equatorial that is, it rests on two strong, cast-iron axes, that have motions so adjusted that when the telescope is set on a star it will remain so, since it is revolving on axes that move as the earth does. The telescope and all its belongings are lirst-class, and it would be a pleasure to note all of its peculiarities and appliances, but space forbids The observatory
is
in free telegraphic
sonian Institute at Washingtoik, D.C.,
;
more than the above mention.
BIOGRAPHICAL. was born in the town of Kent, county of June 24, 1810. In 1819 his father removed to western New York, then a new country. The schools there at that day were of the frontier type, but such as they were Mr. Spieer had the privilege of attending from two to three months during the year. Such was the advantage he took of the limited opportunities that at the age of fourteen he was spoken of for a teacher. Daboll's Eeuben H. Spicek,
Litchiield,
Sr.,
state of Connecticut,
arithmetic, "Webster's spelling
curriculum of the
one or two teachers
common
book, with writing, comprised the entire
school then, but through the partiality of
and a Baptist minister, Mr. Spieer was enabled
to
go a httle beyond the standard course and obtain an introduction to
and grammar. At the age of eighteen he home farm at his father's suggestion, and spent some time in southern New York and northern Pennsylvania, which. being an older settled portion of the country, brought him in contact with a higher mathematics, geography left
I
the
grade of society,
and better opportunities to gratify his ardent desire knowledge and self-improvement. One of the first steps taken by him was to form a temperance society of one, for at that time the use of liquor was almost universal, standing upon the sideboard of every wellfor
to-do
guest
mg
gentleman, and in the closets of poorer people; greeting the upon arrival and following his departure as a stirrup cup. See-
the degradation and misery which too frequently resulted, especially among young men, from the use of intoxicating liquors,' he resolved to deny himself the use, and faithfully did he adhere to that resolution, and now as he reviews his past life he does nqt hesitate to award to that resolve the credit for his being a better man and more useful citizen than he could have been with the associations of those who had
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUN'HES.
T64
a greater fondness for liquor and smoke than for mental culture. After traveling considerably through the middle, some of the southern and eastern states, in the
fall
of 1831 he went to Michigan, the only new
country then thought to be habitable, with the expectation of making it his home. He spent the winter in Ann Arbor, then a iiourisbing
town with good society. Early next spring with a pony he and during the season traversed the territory in various
started out directions,
Indians were numerous and he often found them useful in mapping the geography of the
Indian
trails
country for
being the substitute for roads.
him
trails, rivers,
;
with their ramrods ti-acing in the sand the course of
ravines and sloughs, and marking the crossings,
all
with
an unerring accuracy that would have done honor to a learned professor. While stopping for the night at Bronsou; now Kalamazoo, in the early summer, the people were aroused to great excitement by the arrival of a messenger announcing the breaking out of the Black Hawk war, and claiming to have been sent for aid to arrest the advance of the hostiles, which was represented to be rapid and not far distant. The people were panic stricken; old men and women traversed the streets wringing their hands, not knowing which way to turn for safety. Mr. Spicer's destination, Prairie Ronde, now Schoolcraft, led him directly toward the advancing foe, and he resumed his journey next morning against the earnest protests of the people of the village. He
made
the journey in safety, ti-ansacted his business, and, returning on
the second day met the vohmteers en route for the seat of war.
Among them was
every man from the Gull Prairie settlement, where he had been stopping, even Deacon Mills, the old naan of the settlement, with whom Mr. Spicer had been boarding. By taking his place in the ranks Mr. Spicer induced the deacon to return to his home, and thus he was led into making a campaign in the Black Hawk war. "With the desire for a higher education as strong as ever, he returned east in the fall of 1832, and at the age of twenty-two began that course of education that most young men now finish before that age. For two years he applied himself with untiring assiduity to his studies.
In the
spring of 1835 he again started west, this time with Texas as his objective point, that state being engaged at that time in the struggle to
from Mexican rule. Arrived at Cincinnati he found the funds too low to proceed farther, so crossed over to Kentucky and procured a situation in a school and began to teach. He applied himself
free itself
with such diligence in his
new profession
that he soon found himself at
the head of one of the most flourishing local schools of the
state.
Two
years of such intense application told upon his health, and he was forced to give up his school. In the spring of 1837 he married Miss
'
BIVOLI TOWNSHIP. Sophia Whitehead, of Covington, Ky.,
who was
765 a native of London,
Arrived at Peoria he England, and they started at once for Illinois. selling mania, corner lots far up in the thousands. a speculation found
he proceeded up the river While stopping with a to he incidentally heard Plaines of a wonderfully fertile Aux at brother on the Mississippi south of Rock river. bordering place country means chance man of small had a to become the peer of his where a greater means. Chancing to meet a former acquaintwith no neighbor ance from the east, he started for the new Eldorado on foot, there being few inducements then for even stage lines to traverse the After viewing the country he purchased a claim trackless prairies. now embraced within the limits of his farm. is He returned to that The improvements on the claim conhis claim with his wife in July. sisted of two acres broken and a log cabin erected, 14 X 16 feet dimension, mth a place cut for a door and a fire-place, and a place 6X8 feet in one corner covered by a puncheon floor. Mr. Spicer, writing of this cabin, says "This domicile had its conveniences. First, it was well ventilated, then the open door and fire-place made ample provision for the easy ingress and egress of itinerant dogs and prowling wolves, the latter being much the more numerous." Speaking of these times Mr. Spicer remarked that "Political organizations at this time had not disturbed the«unity of the settlements. In 1838 the first breeze, faint, but^et perceptible, swept over these prairies. In 1840 the invader arrived and the two parties, democrat and whig, for the first time measured their strength." Mr. Spicer was a democrat, and though he foresaw that the probabilities were against that party acquiring a permanent ascendency, he preferred to be right in his own estimation rather than yield his opinion to expediency. In 1841 he was sent as delegate to the state convention the first delegate of either party from Aftei"
inspecting the country about Peoria,
Peru, thence to
Aux
Plaines arid Chicago.
A
:
;
He
found some difficulty in making In answer to questions as to its whereabouts, he replied that "Time would make it known as one of the first counties of the state." This was received with very the county
to_
a state convention.
the geographical location of the
incredulous smiles.
He
county known.
there formed the acquaintance of
many
of the
became a source of much pleasure to him in after years. In 1843 he was elected to the legislature from the district composed of the counties of Mercer and Knox. In 1848 he was put in nomination for the state senate for the district composed of Mercer, Eock Island, Henry, Knox, Warren and Henderson counties. The canvass of that year was the most spirited in this section up to that time Gov. Joseph B. Wells and Col. E. D. Baker, candidateforcongress, prominent
;
men
of the state, which
HISTORY OF MEKCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
766
By
participated.
the defection of a small portion of his party in Knox Tliis virtually closed his political career, as
county he was impediments beyond his control prevented his taking any further part in that direction. Yet in 1851, without his consent or knowledge even, he was again put in nomination for the same office, to till a vacancy. His business arrangements were such then that he could not accept it and took no part in the canvass. He has always been an earnest advocate of the public schools, laboring officially and individually for their improvement, having served over twenty years as a school officer in his At the breaking out of the rebellion he was district and township. defeated.
among
the
first
to advocate its suppression, believing that the union
must and should be preserved. Loss of hearing has for many years been a serious obstacle to the transaction of business, and still greater to the enjoyment of social intercourse, for which he is so eminently qualified, and from which he would derive such great pleasure. Naturally of a studious disposition, this deprivation has caused him to turn more of his attention to books, and especially in that greatest of His all books, the book of nature, where he finds his greatest solace. father was a man of more than ordinary energy, and had executive faculties of a
made
his
high order.
way through
Starting with a very imperfect education, he life
Frequently having large
a success.
ness operations under his supervision, he
tended
circle of friends.
won
He held many of the
busi-
the confidence of an
ex-
local offices of his county,
and when over sixty years of age removed from
New York
to.
the
Lawrence, Kansas, for the benefit of his younger children. The climate and change seemed to affect his health, but he lived to reach nearly four score years. His grandfather gave his services to his country during the entire period of the revolutionary war. His grandmother resided at New London, Connecticut, at the time Arnold vicinity of
invaded that place, but was one of those who escaped to the hills in the Mr. Spicer's first claim and residence was on the his present resiS.. E. of the S. E. of section 25, in Greene township dence was not built until 1841, and is on the N. "W". of the S. W. of
rear of the place.
;
section 30, in Eivoli township.
Of
the ten children, nine are living:
Augusta (wife of "Wm.O. Garrett, farmer, Rivoli township); E. Levis (member of Co. H, 84th 111. Yol. Inf., was mortally wounded at the battle of Stone river, Tennessee, and was buried in the cemetery at Nashville) Talbut T. (farmer, married daughter of Elihu Rathbun, lives near Chariton, Iowa); Sarah A. (wife of C. V. Shove,
"Viola, Illinois); S.
;
Charles F. (senior partner of firm of Spicer cultural implements, Aledo, Illinois);
ried to Laura
C, youngest daughter
&
Gilmore, dealers in
Lucy A.; Reuben H.,
of L.
W.
Conger,
now
agri-
Jr. (mar-
of
Putnam
EIVOLI TOWNSHIP. county, Missouri); Fi-anklin P.;
Minnie
and Mary
farmer, Rivoli township);
767 (wife of
I.
John
L. Stewart,
E.
Hon. Alexander P. Petkie was born at Eosendale on the Hudson, He came to Illinois county, New York, August 31, 1837.
in Ulster
with his father's family in 1844, via the lakes to Chicago,
and thence
by wagon to Eichland Grove township, arriving at the house of Samuel dark, one of the pioneers of that township, June 6, 1844, the next day great tornado that had blown from their foundations the McMuUen and Wilcox houses, the only two houses then on the prairie His youth was spent on the farm with only south of Edwards creek. the very Umited advantages for education afforded by the common after the
schools of that day.
school at Chicago. reg. 111.
Yol. Inf , and at the
sergeant, ant, at
He afterward took a course in On August 9, 1862, he enlisted in company
a commercial
Co. C, 112th
organization was elected orderly
was mustered into the United States service as second lieutenSeptember 22, 1862, went with his regiment to Covington,
Peoria,
and thence to Lexington, Kentucky, where he wintered; went with a detachment from his regiment in the
summer
of 1864, on Saunder's
Tennessee, destroying railroads and confederate supplies.
raid into east
command were captured near Cumberland Gap, but he Reaching Lancaster, Kentucky, they celebrated July 4, 1863, and afterward rejoined his regiment at Danville, Kentucky;
Some of
his
escaped. there,
was at the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee, and at Kelly's Ford, east
January 27, 1864, he was wounded by a shot in both legs For his wound he received a furlough
Tennessee.
during a cavalry engagement. for
two months and visited his home.
a part of Gen.
He rejoined his command,
then
Sherman's grand army, rendezvoused near Chattanooga,
Tennessee, in the spring of 1864, taking part in that wonderful hun-
dred days'
campaign which resulted in the fall of Atlanta, his command Army Corps under Gen. Schofield. He com-
being in the Twenty-third
manded
his
company
after the battle of Eesacca,
1864, until after the battle in
which his brother,
killed
of Franklin, Tennessee,
Edward
and borne from the
field
E., a
by
member
Lieut.
in the spring of
November
30, 1864,
of his company, was
Petrie in person.
He was
command in the right wing of the army under Gen. George H. Thomas, when Gen. Hood received his final defeat at Nashville. His command having been sent to Fort Fisher after the also
with his
Sherman in the Carolina North Carolina, in March, 1865. He was mustered out at Greensboro, North Carolina, June 20, 1865, as first lieutenant, reaching home on July 9, following. August 28, battle of Nashville, to
campaign, he" joined
1862,
it
take part with Gen. at Kingston,
Mr. Petrie united in marriage with Miss Alice, daughter of Dr.
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
768
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
T. S. Petrie, probably a distant relative, as both parties trace their lineage back four or five generations to one James Petrie, gardener and ilorist,
Forest, Elginshire, Scotland.
Miss Alice was bom in Liverpool,
England, April 1, 1839, and came to America with her parents 1840, via New Orleans and the river, to Peoria, Illinois, settling first Trivoli, in Peoria county, thence
moving
in at
and thence to Mr. and Mrs. P. have four children, two sons Kivoli, Mercer county. and two daughters. The oldest, Maggie, being now in attendance at In the spring of 1867 Mr. St. Mary's school, Knoxville, Illinois. Petrie
was elected supervisor
neighbors continued to
He
has been an active
call
to Brimfield,
which office his he had served them ten years.
for Rivoli township, to
him
member
until
of the republican party ever since his
majority, but not in the roll of an office seeker, the offices having
sought him. In 1880 his party called on him to represent the twentysecond senatorial district in the house of representatives of the Illinois positioji. he fills with as much honor to himself and any of the new members of that body. Mr. T. is a member of the Congregational church, of New Windsor, and of Oxford Lodge, Ko. 367, A.F.A.M., of New Windsor, of which lodge he was W.M. for two years. His farm, consisting of 560 acres, lies near the his residence, where he has lived since Febvillage of New Windsor ruary, 1866, is on the southwest quarter section 12. The farm is in a high state of cultivation and has 1,600 rods of drain tile laid at present. His business has been farming and stock raising, and for a few years, he was engaged quite extensively in raising hedge plants. His father, William F. Petrie, was born at Forest, Elginshire, Scotland, April 19, 1803, and came to America in 1828, and was overseer several years
legislature,
which
his constituents as
;
for
Commodore
Stockton, of the United States navy, at his place, near
New
Jersey. Here he married Miss Ann Regan, who was born in Ireland in 1809, and was at the time a nurse in the family of Commodoi-e Stockton. Went from Princeton, New Jersey, to Rosendale, New York, and engaged in mercantile pursuits; then on to a farm in Oneida county. New York; thence to Illinois in 1844, settling on the
Princeton,
southwest quarter section twenty-five, in Richland Grove township, Mercer county. In 1849 he crossed the plains of California, where he remained two years, most of the time plying his vocation as gardener, near San Francisco. While there he took the contract to grade Stockton street in the above named city. Having sold his farm in Richland Grove township, he bought land on sections 12 and 13, in Rivoli township, and moved on to the northeast quarter section thirteen, in 1857. He was one of the original proprietors of the village of New Windsor, part of the town plat being on the northeast of section 13. Mr. P.
_
EIVOLI TOWNSHIP.
769
had nine children, one daughter and eight sons, four dying in inThe fancy and one, Edward E., killed in battle as mentioned before.
and near New Windsor, viz Mary C. (wife of Alexander P., Eichard S., and Cornelius L. Mr. P. W. D. Fleharty), going man in all that he undertook, thorough being was an energetic, successive three years by the Mercer premium County awarded the He Agricultural Society, for the best cultivated farm in the county. worthy wife surviving him his until September died August 19, 1866, Their remains are deposited with those of their heroic son, 10, 1874. Edward E., in the village cemetery north of New Windsor, the site for which was donated by Mr, Petrie. Hon. Alson J. Steeetee, one of Mercer county's most prominent citizens, was born in Eensselaer county, New York, January 18, His father, Eoswell Streeter, was born in Massachusetts in 1823. 1799, and his mother, Eleanor Kenyon, was b,orn in Westerly, There, were six sons and two Ehode Island, August 20, 1798. four survivors reside in
.
:
daughters the offspring of this union,
of
whom
,
the subject of this
and the only one living in this county now. His sister, Mrs. Shumway, living in Oxford, Henry county, is the only member of the family living near him. Mr. Streeter came to Illinois in 1836, when only thirteen years old, with his father, who settled at that early day in what is now Lee Centre, Lee county, Illinois. His father died April 11, 1850, in Iowa, en route for California. His mother survived until June 8, 1871, when she died, in the seventythird year of her age, at her son's residence near New Windsor. His youth was spent on the farm and in trapping, hunting and fishing, which were his favorite employments at that time and at which he wag very successful. The furs and pelts of the wolf, mink, otter, muskrat, etc., being about the only medium of exchange obtainable at that time. He has treasured up many interesting incidents connected with his early pioneer life, when the settlers who had endured the hardships to which they were subjected at that early day were obliged to form societies for mutual protection, to prevent by the force of might the gi'eedy speculator from entering their homes, which the setsketch is the oldest,
no money in the country with bum charcoal and haul it fourteen miles to Grand Du Tour, on Eock river, where one John Deere (now of Moline plow fame) had a blacksmith shop with two forges in it. He would sometimes get fifty cents and sometimes a tlers
could not purchase, there being
which to buy.
also relates
how
they used to
cash on his load, the balance would be taken in blacksmithwas needed. It was when making one of these trips that he saw a steel plow that would scour, Mr. Deere having just begun
dollar in
ing as first
He
it
HISTORY OF MEEOEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
770
the manufacture of a diamond-shaped steel plow, the only plow then in use having a wooden mold-board, with a piece of iron fastened on
Keturning home he reported to his father and they concluded they must have one of the new So, taking a load of charcoal, he went to the shop and traded plows. Eepairing to a neighboring sand-bank he hitched his oxen for a plow. to the plow and drove, while Mr. Deere held the plow, to scour it, not having any implement to grind with at that time. While living in Lee county he attended two terms of school in an old log school-house. At the age of twenty-three, with an ardent desire to improve his education and $12 of hard-earned savings in his pocket, he went to GalesBy the industrious use of the frower burg to attend Knox college. and knife riving and shaving hard-wood shingles, he maintained himIn 1849 he went overland to self two and one-half years at school. California and spent two years in the mines, returning in 1851. In 1853 he went across the plains with a drove of cattle, and repeated the On his return from this last trip he bought 240 trip again in 1854. acres of land in section 11, Rivoli township, to which he has continued to add until his farm at present spreads over 3,100 acres, about onehalf of which is in pasture at present and on which he raises large numbers of hogs and cattle, having one of the finest herds of thoroughbred short horns in the county. Farming and stock raising has been his business, and although his private affairs have grown to such large the lower edge for a share.
what he had
seen,
dimensions of late years, he has always kept himself posted on the course of current politics, taking deep interest in everything affecting agriculture and education. Though having business interests that would seem to require all his time, he has always held himself in readiness to serve his neighbors in any position they have called upon him to fill. He has represented his town several years on the board of supervisors. In 1872 he was elected by the cumulative system the minority representative to the state legislature from the twenty-second senatorial district, composed of Knox and Mercer counties, serving two years as a member of the twenty-eighth general assembly to the satisfaction of his constituents and honor to himself. Serving on the committee on agriculture and education, ^e helped to shape all the legislation upon those two subjects, in which he takes so great interest. A democrat until about 1874, he deemed that neither of the two leading parties was serving the people's interests as it should, and since that time he has identified himself with the national greenback labor
Standing for that party as candidate for congress from the tenth congressional district in 1878, he received over 3,600 votes.
union party.
Again
in 1880, the candidate of the
same party
for governor of the
,
^-^^^^.
^^^.^^ (/
e^i^^-t^t^
RIVOLI TOWNSHIP.
773
he received 28,808 votes. He is always found on the side of the masses, battling against the encroachments of the great moneyed corstate,
and believes most firmly in enforcing our railroad and wareHe is a member of the Congregational church of New house laws. On his place is one of the Windsor, and is also a Eoyal Arch Mason. of country section a crows' roost. Near his house this curiosities of densely covered land with a young brush growth of black is a patch of
porations,
:
In this the crows assemble every evening to roost, departing When they early in the morning on their daily foraging expeditions. evening in the they cover about five acres, sitting are all congregated oaks.
so closely together that
veritable querous niger.
they completely cover the trees, making each a
Mr. Streeter says they were there when he
came, and he does not see that they have either increased or dimin-
number during the now nearly thirty years of his acquaintHe does not allow them to be disturbed, and they ance with them. He has never heard of have never done any damage on his place. but one other roost in the state, and that is in the southern part. He thinks his crows range over a circle whose radius is more than one hundred miles. During the brooding season they do not return to the roost, but as soon as the young can fly they take them there. His children, in the order of their ages, are George A., Frank W., Mary, NelKe May, Fannite Rose, Minnie Grace, and Charles Dallas. The ished in
:
four last-named are children of his
whom he was married ter of
second wife (Susan Menold), to George A. married a daugh-
in August, 1861.
Joshua Goddard, of Viola.
Frank
W.
now lives on Mary is the vdfe
Samuel Park, near Viola, and
married a daughter of
the place, having charge
of Thomas Burling, and Minnie Grace died January 23, 1882, irom the effects of diphtheria, deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. She was a girl of more than ordinary promise, for whom a very brilliant future seemed just opening. February 22, 1882, Nellie May was married to Mr. Frank Crane, of Osco, Henry coimty, Illinois. Fannie Eose and Charles Dallas are all that remain at home. By energy and perseverance he has wrested from the soil his present ample means, and has earned a justly merited reputation for honor and probity that is worth more than money or lands. Mr. Streeter resides on his original purchase in section 11, two and one-half miles of the
farm and stock.
hves in Nebraska.
New "Windsor. CoENELius L. Peteie was bom in Richland Grove township, in Mercer county, Illinois, September 25, 1849, son of William Petrie. northwest of the village of
[For family history see biography of Hon. Alexander P. Petrie]. His youth was spent on his father's farm in this county. October 6, 1880, 44
HI8T0EY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
774:
he married Sylvina B. Coleman, daughter of John Goleman, of tins He then settled on township, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1850. section and has been engaged ia 12, his present place in the southeast of His farm comprises 215 acres in excellent cultivation. He farming. and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church of New "Windsor, near which village they live. John G. Sexton, the subject; of this sketch, though not one of the pioneers, has been prominently identiiied with the township during the comparatively short period of his residence here, which dates from the spring of 1868, when he came here from Ohio and settled on the W. ^ of S. E. of Sec. 7, this township, where he now resides in a good, commodious frame house, built in 1879, his farm comprising eighty He has held numerous local offices in the township. Five acres. years ago he was elected justice of the peace, and although he has been called upon to adjudicate several suits, brought before him on change of venue, he has not yet issued an original summons, having succeeded thus far in getting the parties to. compromise or agree to an arbitration In in all cases that have been brought to him to commence suit. November, 1880, he was appointed supervisor vice A. P. Petrie, In 1881 he was elected to the same office, and reelected the resigned. spring of 1882. He was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, December 2, 1833. His father, Stephen Sexton, was born in "Washington county, His grandfather, Stephen Sexton, was an only Tennessee, in 1801. son and was born in JSTew Jersey in 1762, and went to Ohio in 1800 and bought a farm in Mahoning county, to which he removed his family in 1802. From the purchase of this farm in 1800 the deed to his son Stephen was the only transfer of the property until sold by the heirs in 1879. He died in 1856 when ninety-four years old. His grandfather's family consisted of four sons and three daughters, of
whom
one son
His father married Miss Sarah Gibson, who was a native of Ohio. They had nine children, eight sons and one daughter, all of whom survive, one residing in Connecticut, one in Pennsylvania, one in Iowa, and the other five in Ohio. Mr. S. married Miss EHza C. Hogg, in Ohio, April 29, 1856, born in that state March 25, 1837, her father, James Hogg, being a well known resident of Viola, Illinois, having been collector of his town for several years. They have had three children: James G., born in Pennsylvania December 20, 1857 (married Miss Nettie Jobes April 13, 1881), lives in Preemption township Lizzie E., born March 10, 1860, died October 21, 1863; and D. Findlay, born August 20, 1866. In politics Mr. S. is republican. His educational advantages were confined to the common school. Sidney Ddeston, the subject of this sketch, is the third son of only survives.
;
EIVOLI TOWNSHIP.
,
776
James and Philadelphia (Bridges) Durston, pioneers in this township, and was born here September 14, 1841. His oldest brother, Charles F., was born August 14, 1837, on section 36, in Greene, being the first birth In 1862 he enlisted in Co. D, 83d reg. 111. Vol. Inf., in that township. and served with his
command
September
of the war.
it was mustered out after the close he married Miss Mary L. Edgerton,
until
18, 1866,
daughter of S. C. Edgerton, born in Galesburg, Illinois,
May
2,
1843.
he settled on his farm in the northwest of section 10, which comprises 160 acres. Having no children, in March, 1880, they adopted two boys, Harry and Bert, twin sons of Henry J. Piper, who Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the were born March 11, 1876. In politics Mr. Durston is. Hopewell Wesleyan Methodist church. In the spring of 1867
republican.
Samuel L. Duestun, son of James Durston, was born in this townJune 10, 1847, was brought up on his father's farm with such
ship
common
school advantages as the country afforded, to which he added
Monmouth.
a course in a commercial school in
married Miss
Emma Morton, who was bom
August 22, 1855.
Her parents were
April 23, 1874, he
in Peoria county, Illinois,
natives of the Isle of
Man.
Her
mother and one sister reside in Galva, Illinois, another sister in Aledo,
They have two and Jeanie, born April 19, 1880. They are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church of Hopewell, his father being one of the original members of the church when it was organized at Oxford in 1847. His farm consists of 100 acres and embraces the old homestead that his father improved forty years ago. In DHnois, and a brother resides in Joliet, this state. children, Lora,
horn March 19, 1875
;
poUtics he is republican.
William C. Gauektt was born in KnL/x county, Illinois, October 18, and came with his parents to this-township in 1850. His father, James M., was born in Indiana in 1815, and came to Illinois with his father, George Garrett, as early as 1835, and settled near Abington, in Knox county; his older brothers, William F. and John S., having 1845,
come
being here to participate in the Black His mother (Mary M. Gullison) was bom in Knox county, Ohio, August 4, 1824, and came to Knox county, Illinois, with her parents in the spring of 1842, settling first on Haw creek, near the present town of Gilson moving to the vicinity of Victoria, in the to the state still earlier,
Hawk war
in 1832.
;
same county, in 1845.
She was married to James M. Garrett, in Knox county, in December, 1844. The subject of this sketch was married November 25, 1869, to Miss S. Augusta Spicer, daughter of Hon. R. H. Spicer, of this township. She was born in Greene town-
HiSTOEY OF mb;rcee and hendeeson counties.
776
ship April 11, 1840.
M. M. which they owned in stead with Mrs.
Until March, 1872, they lived in the old homeGarrett, at which time they removed to a farm section 16, this township.
By
partition and
exchange in 1876 they came into possession of the old homestead again, where they now reside. His farm consists of 220 acres. They have three children Georgia (born February 24, 1873), Mortimer S. They are members of (July 6, 1877), and E. Eoy (January 8, 1880). Zion Methodist Episcopal church. William C. is the oldest of the family. His next brother, George, died when a youth; the next, J. Arthur, married Miss Lizzie Harbour, and lives on E. |- S. E. Sec. His only sister, M. Ella, who is a graduate of 17, in this township. Hedding College, lives with her mother in Abington. Clinton Shaw. Among the pioneers to this county were Levi and Martha (Metzlar) Shaw, who settled in what was then called Berlin (now Swedona), May 31, 1836. The former was a native of Trenton, ^ew Jersey, and the latter of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They were married in Coshocton county, Ohio, February 22, 1831, and .
to care for, protect
E. B. David, secretary
;
association is out of debt,
;
J.
last menT. Merritt,
L. B. Doughty, corresponding
The grounds
H. Parkman, and secretary and
:
and
year are the same as those
"W. Sedwick, president
D. T. Hindman, treasurer.
the resident officers
is
are in charge of treasurer.
The
has a small balance in the treasury, and
amount due in unpaid subscription notes, which when collected, in improving the grounds. can not more fittingly close this article than by giving some
there is a considerable will
be used,
We
from General Logan's dedicatory address, at the unveiling,
extracts
and giving with
"My
it
the
ration of the virtue
names upon the monuftient
monument
friends, this
that
we
unveil to-day in
and patriotism of the 357 soldiers who
commemofell
in the
by our revolutionary sires, speaks to the world in more eloquent strains than can be uttered by any living orator eloquence is not often prompted by depth of
late
war, in defense of the principles sanctified
;
feeling,
nor as a
mle do
from sad and tender of the personal remembrance
figures of rhetoric issue
Perhaps one who had less might commemorate this event in more fitting language, but none there are whose tribute to the dead has a seat nearer to the heart than the soldier who has felt the warm touch of the comrade's elbow in the fight, and has seen that comrade yield up his life upon recollections.
than myself,
the altar of their
common
principle. "Were this the appropriate time, deeper satisfaction than to trace the career of whose name is vmtten upon this stone ; and to recount
nothing could afford every soldier
me
manner the personal history of each one who contributed and sacrifices of a soldier to his country's cause, and sealed the deed thereto by the red drops of life's precious current. You will pardon me, however, if in refraining from the in the fullest his part to
the privations
which each
entitled to in order to prove the full obligation of a hasty sketch of the organization, progress and achievements of the gallant band of which the fallen dead of Mercer detail
posterity,
brave comrades who are here to honor their memformed so important a part. After the general rendezvous 1861, the engagement at Belmont found among others, as
county, with their ories to-day, at Cairo, in
48
is
I trace
:
HISTORY OF MEEOEE
846
AND HENDERSON
COLTNTIES.
participants, the twenty-second Illinois infantry, the
twenty-seventh
and the thirtieth, in which regiments were some of the soldiers furnished by Mercer county, whose names are now upon this column. "From Belmont to Forts Henry and Donelson, where so many brave fellows found an untimely death and on to Shiloh and Corinth, at which latter place I had the honor to command a brigade, constiOf the thirtieth tuted partly of the thirtieth and forty-fifth Illinois. and forty-fifth regiments, many names of the Mercer county boys are engraved upon the memorial tablets which we unveil to-day. "The memorable Mississippi campaign, which finally culminated ;
in the
fall
union, and
of Vicksburg, furnished more deaths to the cause of the these more names for future inscription upon the
among
monument which Mercer county now erects to her sons. "Within my command during that campaign were, among others, the thirtieth, and one hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois infantry. men then composing my command was assigned the honor of taking possession of Vicksburg, upon its surrender, just fifteen years ago to-day, an honor not lightly esteemed by those who, at Champion Hills, fought and won one of the sharpest, fiercest, and most brilliant victories of the campaign, the importance of which, in the subsequent fall of Vicksburg, can only be estimated by a demonforty-fifth,
"To
the gallent
stration of the
enemy
in a precipitate retreat to their stronghold, des-
tined so soon to
fall
of the Ffteenth
Army Corps,
into our hands.
Afterward, upon taking command
the following regiments of Illinois troops,
made up from Mercer county, embraced a part of my command The Twenty-Sixth, Thirtieth, Forty-Fifth, and Forty-eighth lUinois infantry. At a subsequent period I commanded the army of the Tennessee, made up of regiments of infantry, cavalry, and batteries of partly
artillery
from the States of Indiana,
Illinois,
Iowa, Missouri, MichiNew York, Massa-
gan, Minnesota, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania,
and New Jersey. Among the regiments from the other states mentioned were thirty-eight from Illinois, and among these, made up in part from Mercer county, were the Ninth, Twenty-Sixth, Thirtieth, Forty-Fifth, Forty-Eighth, and One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth Illinois infantry, and of and from these are many of the names in the roll of honor inscribed on this monument, and with these names are many chusetts,
from other and diiferent commands, who were equally brave and patiiotic, and entitled alike to all honor and all praise. The famous march to Atlanta and to the sea has passed into history as one of the most brilliant campaigns, considered in detail and as a whole, which has ever been recorded in the annals of war. The pen of the liistoriographer has drawn the picture of that campaign in outline, and has attempted
'
'
THE soldiers' MONUMENT.
847
throw in the details of individual action.
Its general results were and realized, when the army which had cut the confederacy in two were advancing from the south to meet their comrades under the conquerer of the Potomac, who was driving everything before his
to
soon
felt
The
been outlined, and do justice in detail. So far as the officers, who justly won distinction on those memorable^fields, are concerned, the attempt has been as successful, perhaps, as might from the But the sufferings, privations, hardnature of things be expected. ships, stubborn perseverances, remarkable and unexcelled gallantry of the heroes in the ranks, can never receive the record to which they are
invincible hosts.
result in general, I say, has
8ome attempt has been
entitled,
though we
made
may
to
freely accord the
meed
regarding the results of their united efforts, hails of this country. Dallas, at
From
of praise, which,,
them
as the saviors-
the intrepid conduct at Eesacca, as also at
both places the
command
were a part, took the brunt of the
of which the most of your troops-
movement; through the
assault on
and earthworks, and cross fire of artillery, bullets, rocks and stones, to the celebration of the Fourth of July, 1864, by an artillery fight with Johnson's rear guard from this to the desperate struggle before Atlanta, which eventuated in the fall of that city, where, on July 22, one of the great battles of the war was fought. No pen can describe it in detail, and no orator's vivid imagination can make the mind comprehend the scene. Then through the campaign of the Carolinas with increased hardships, in swamps and streams, through Columbia, Goldsboro, Fayettville, and Raleigh, where the close of the war occurred, the same lofty spirit of patience under suffering, of hope under discouragement, of increased determination under disappointment, of invincible resolution to win or die, characterized them to a degree which stamped them as patriots worthy of this gi-eat Kenesaw mountain, with
its
abattis
;
country.
In thus particularizing the patriotism of the Illinois troops
which fell under
my moi'e
immediate charge and supervision, I have no' from other states, who also formed a part of the army. As Agamemnon found it an invidious affair to give the preference to any one of the Grecian heroes, 80 should any one of us find it impossible to draw distinctions between union soldiers fighting for the perpetuity of their government. "But, my friends, we are here to-day not alone in the acknowledgpurpose to discriminate against the gallant soldiers '
ment of the services of those but to dedicate a
monument
who
periled their lives for their country,
in testimony of the gratitude of the neigh-
immediate friends and fellow soldiers of those who gave up that which a man will barter all other things, his life; a monument which we hope shall stand so long as the principles of free government, bors, for
:
HISTOKi OF MERCER
848
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
and the patriotism which this shaft proclaims is venerated by the American people. "The roll of honor bearing the names of Mercer county's heroes
who
fell
in defense of their country during the years from 1861 to
1865, and which are transcribed in imperishable letters upon the beaumonument we are about unveiling, has been placed in my hands
tiful
and I now avail myself of the privilege of having them read to you." The names of the fallen soldiers, inscribed upon the monument, were here read by Mr. J. C. Wharton, and were as follows Ninth Reg.^ Oovvpany E. Joseph B. Jones, Calvin Martin, Wm. D. ISTevius, Augustus B. Cox, Geo. M. Gilmore, J. N. Shoemaker, Jesse Mock, A. T. Waterbury, Frank M. Moore, James Haverfield, John Morehead, "Wm. P. Kelley, John Beatty. James Phelps, John W. NelSeventeenth Heg., Company I. son, Wm. Noris, James M. Findley, Thos. T. Timmons, Geo. W. Elliott, Erastus M. Gruell, Sam. C. Willett, Albert Beach, George Hardy, Geo. W. Kiiigen, Chins. B. Simmons, Nathan T. Griffin, Thos. S. Robinson, M. H. Anthony, Jesse Sumner, James A. Scott, Chris. Middler, Wm. II. Davis, Henry France, Elija Myers, John F. White, Samuel Boyce, Henry Y. Coeway, Matthew S. McCoy, John W. MUes, Wm. Yoorhees, W. Dryden. Twenty-second Reg. Company K. Kobert Scott, Joseph Straub. Twenty-sixth Reg.., Company C. James W. Brown, David A. Byler, William D. Bonge, Orson C. FoUett, John C. Gast on, John LT. Kourt, James L. Reed, John B. Shirder, Granville Goodson, Jacob Aull, William A. Blizzard, William G. Fenton, Obadiah Goodson, Nicholas Kile, Isaiah F. Pollett, John Senn, Chris. Marguth. Twenty-seventh Reg., Company G. Joseph S. Briner, WiUiam
^
—
—
— —
^
>
—
Fortner, Charles White,
Hugh M.
Love, Charles E. Thompson, An-
drew L. Smith, Michael L. Sadler, Mahlon Boyd, Calvin Gibson, Joseph Manual, James C. Sisk, Amisa Wood, Benjamin Craig, Jefferson Mosby, J. Van Meter, John C. Webber, Charles Etherton, William D. Malaby, Joseph Shalich, Gilbert Fortner, Michael Lalley, * A. H. Ryan, J. F. Thornton, W. W. Wilcox. Thirtieth Reg., Company A. Hemy Amett, Benjamin Bell, James E. Brown, Robert R. Crist, H. J. Peters, John Gilmore, Phil. R. Alexander, Isaac M. Home, J. P. Paxton, N. R. Kirkpatrick, William Gardener, John P. Mitchell, John Smith, Samuel Whitham, Perry Paxton, William Lowe, T. B. Moore, William Adams, Henry
—
Samuel Cook, Robert H. Davis, Phineas S. Synder, George John Cannum, S. Mclntire, Charies N. ShuU, John P. Instead, William P. Kimel, Charies C. Dennis, Abner G. Titus, Thomas Home, Bistline,
W.
Hill,
THE SOLDIEKS' MONUMENT.
S49
—
Compcmy G. David A. Felton, William G. McGaw, M. Quinlan. Levi Jackson, Van Humbert, C. Ogle, Albert A. Holland, Joseph R. J.
Wesley Mann, James Ogle,
James
Burnett,
W.
G.
Cook
Ditto, J.
W.
John
Eice,
D. Boden, William C. Kelley, William C. Biekett,
Alvah Shnmway, William
W. Humbert, John
Samuel Ebner.
Company
Thirty-dxth Reg.,
C.
Garrett,
James
Brisbine, Stephen F. Moler, Sam.
James W. turdum, Company K.
Ogle.
—
— Jackson Caldwell, Eich. Godfrey,
Samuel N. Wilson, Nathan McCutcheon, Thomas E. Pollock, William Sheai-er,
H. Buchanan,
Brownlee.
Hugh
Company A.
Thirty-seventh Reg.,
Shearer, F. Ingles.
Company B.-—^Bruce
—Thomas Moore. Company A. — Francis Gannon, Andrew Wil-
Gran Cochran, I. K. Williams, John Dorrity, James Valentine, Sylvester Mizner, William T. Little, Eobert Armstrong, John C. son,
Whitsel,
Henry H. B. Clarke,
J.
Company
W.
Cathcart.
—
I. Eobert Day, Levi Lunn, Benjamin George W. Debord, William L. Green, 1. F. Bridgford, Ira G. Smith, Benjamip Bryant, James Ebner, H. Wages, Thomas J. Miller, Samuel Gorman. W. Carus, W. Cozell. ComFifty-fifth Reg., Company F. pany I. E. M. Bruner. Fifty-eighth Reg., Company G. Daniel Knapp, William H.
Forty-fifth Reg.,
Burleigh,
William H.
—
Mercer. Sixty-fifth Reg.,
.^enzo Wood, John
Sheriff,
— — Company £. — George Fortner, John
M. Jones H. ,
J.
Hale, Lor-
Hanck, Eobert Hampson, John
W. Shaunce, Henry Hiers. Compamy D. A. O. MeCreight, George N. Marquis, John C. Woodham, James S. Stewart, James S. Eveland, D. M. NeVius, Erastus Kenney, Samuel G. MeCreight, Francis M. Shearer, George Mitchell, James M. Veach, Amos Kenney. Fiightyfov/rth Reg., Company H. Luther T. Ball, Andrew J. Helliugs, James J. Kjdwell, Frederick Kemp, William Lipton, Peter Eotchroek, Edgar L. Spieer, Daniel Williams, Francis Whan, Francis Brown, W. W. McCandless, Joseph Ballien, Alonzo Guest, O. E. Personius, Andrew Jackson, John W. Sterling, F. M. Brown, H. E. .Abercrombie, John M. Wiedner, John Diech, Bigalow Kile, L. McManus, George McPherren, Mack Tirney, H. Welliver, Eobert Whan, John A. Preston, Almon Wilber, Michael Conway, John H. Gillespie, Marvin Sullivan, J. E. Eckley, George M. Haney. Company C. McGaughey, James Hiers, George Eighty-third Reg.,
—
—
—
William Whiting.
One Swnd/red and Second Reg., Albert P. Cooper,
—
Company A. John K. Holmes, Eobert F. Carl, Eli Judd, William Miller, Oliver
HISTOKY OV MERCER AN,D HENDERSON COUNTIES.
850
Tyler, H. Buttei-field, William H. Augustine, Alfred Boyd, John Edwards, Orlando Kenney, Arthur F. Sabin, Jacob A. Walton, J. Morann. Cmuj:>a,nj/ B. John Rich, Harvey Rogers. Company C. Francis Freeman, George Huffman, Henry Herr, G. Bressmer, Edmund Kinsey, Charles Anderson, George Bahringer, M. McMuUen. Compony E. Peter F. Cook, John R. Carmichael, John McCutcheon, Chauncey M. Royce, William Sevits, Albert C. Bridger, Seth Grayatt, Michael Oswalt, James C. Simpson, Rich. Brown, T. Simpson. Cmnpany G. I. McManus, John C. Reynolds, W. W. Hibbs, John McHard, John S. Burnett, John Gibson, William P. Irwin, Richard M. Hoy, R. B. Seaton, D. W. King, R. H. Cabeen, Jared T. Harris, Isaac T. Bridgford, L. H. Casebolt, Samuel Harvey, William T. Todd, A. T. Dopp, Samuel Parks, A. G.- Henry. Oompcmy K. Allen Wilson, Abram Fuller, S. D. Hutchinson, J. T. CoUier, T. H. Hand, Peter O. Pierce, I. N. Stevenson, Moses White, Jr., Marvin E. Wright, William Volk, George W. Bartlett, James P. Hampton, Michael Bryant, M. Dagger, Albert Kiddoo, Noah Spicher, Jacob Shields, P. Waters Willett, William H. Hampton, E. Pierce. ]Sr.
—
—
—
—
—
—John F. Barney, Company G. —Lee James,
One Hundred and Twelfth Reg., Company Ed. R. Petrie. Otie
Hundred and Twenty-Fourth Reg.;
C.
Amos
C. Goddard, John Fitzgerald, George MidJoseph S. Dungan, B. F. Noble, Levi Landreth, John T. Bates, John D. Linn, John Shaw, Henry Sloan, George
Oliver G. Swafford,
dleton, Charles Shafer,
Sloan.
—
One Hundred and Ticenty-Sixth Reg., Company B. Henry Debaun, Isaac A. Linn, Andrew Landreth, J. Martindale, David Van Meter, James M. Rodger§, Jacob Fender, George Lavery, G. Landreth, James Swartwout, George Volkal. One Hundred and Fm4ieth Reg., Company F. Edward B. Harris, Jonathan Mounts, Joseph W. Shawyer, John W. Maury, Alfred F. Noble, Z. P. Warren. -
—
Eleventh Cavah^ Reg., Company Gilliam, B. F.
—F.
Crane, William H. Mahaney, Stephen Bartan, C. E. Mclntyre, William C.
T.
Simpson.
J.
Ifiscellaneom.—K. R. Cooper, 9th 111. Cav., Co. A; D. A. Moler, 10th 111. Cav., Co. C; Robert Morgan, 12th lU. Cav., Co. G; George Edgerly, 8th
W.
111.
Cav., Co. C; Silas Yalentine, 14th
111.
Cav., Co. L;
A; John Samuel Boice, 9th Iowa, Co. D G. L. Moore, 2d Iowa Cav., Co. A; H. M. Boone, 1st Col. Inf., Co. C; Eli C. Crosley, IstMiss. Marine Brig. Cyrus W. Trego, 8th Kan., Co. H; John A. Robinson,
b
Stevenson, 9th Iowa, Co.
D. Swift, 9th Iowa Cav., Co.
;
;
;
MONUMENT. 8th Kan., Co. I; J.
D. Ashenliurst, 8th Kan., Co. li; F. M. Carroll, L. Arnold, 14th TJ. S. Inf., Co. I; J.W.War-
H; John
8th Kan., Co.
wick, 155th
851
Inf.,
111.
W.Kennedy,
J.
H; Edward
Co.
Alberson,
Bruner, 55th
M. Moroe, 7th Iowa
111.
Inf.,
Inf.,
Co.
A;
Co. I;
E. C.
Marine Brigade; G. W. Nevius, Iowa Cavr.; J. H. Billings, W. C. Cathcart, M. Hutchinson, Eeed, 93d 111. Inf. C. M. Clarke, T. Campbell, A. D. Streeter, D. A. Felton, J. P. Insted, Yth Mo. Cav.; William S warts, 29th 111. Inf., Co. I; Luther Waterman, 2d Iowa Cay.; D. C. Bartlett, 9th 111. Cav., Co. C; A. Cook, 5l8tlll. Inf., Co. K. Gen. Logan continued: "What a glorious roster to transmit to Well might there have been engraved upon the stone as posterity representing the united sentiment of Mercer county, the memorable Three hunwords of the Eonian mother: 'These are my jewels.' dred and fifty-seven men who deliberately walked up to the rebel cannon's mouth, and swore upon their lives that the union of our fathers That oath was registered on high, and it has should be preserved been graven upon the works of men. It is here as the indorsement 1st Miss.
Crosley,
;
!
!
of our generation. re-echo
it
May
it
stand for more than a thousand years, to
Three hundred and
through the future centuries.
heroes about represent in
number
fifty-seven
the Spartan band under Leonidas
who defended the pass of Thermopylae, and gave up their lives for their country. Let this monument speak to the coming ages, as did that of the Spartan heroes, in words which shall bid the traveler go tell their countrymen that they lie upon the field of battle in obedience to their country's welfare. Such a tribute as is conveyed by this beautiful work is an expression of the patriotism of the living in applauding the patriotism of the dead. virtue of the
It is
a.
shaft to
commemQrate the by
departed, but also signalizes the appreciation of virtue
To
a token of remembrance, to the living a Valuable as is this work of art, its worth is far greater to the li%ing than to the dead. ISTo panegyric which we may make can reacK the body in its narrow house, nor the spirit in that land where the clash of arms and sound of strife mar not the unthe living.
the der^d
it is
testimony of character.
broken peace. sentiment j
But
it is
to the living
it
stands as the representative of a
a declaration of principle,
claims a falfure policy, it enunciates in
it
ratifies
a past
act, it pro-
words which cannot be mistaken
the patriotism of
Americans and their determination to perpetuate it^titutions, and to. uphold their motto of "Many in One." It token of grief for the departed, but it is also a warning to those who
their is
a
fi-ee
remain!
It is
ishment to
a tear of sorrow for the
t|ie
future slayer.
slain,
but the promise of pun-
The men whose names we are here
"
:
;
HI8T0BY OF MEECER AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
852
to-day to honor are forever hidden from our view beneath their mother but from their sacrificed bodies this column rises as a tree from
earth,
the root, and gives another illustration of the truth of the aphorism
sanctioned
by
all
the ages of the past, that 'the blood of the martyr
Here we understand the purport of this its creation. As fellowcommonwealth, as friends, are of great we here citizens our to drop a tear of sorrow over our loss, and to extend the word of comfort to the weeping i-elatives, whose loss is greater than our own. "Does this mass of people come here to-day in obedience tea is
the seed of the church.'
monument and
the motive which prompted
.
meaningless formality, or
ment?
Shall these
is
.
.
their presence the representative of a senti-
names upon
this
monument
stand as the simple
enumeration of 357 unfortunates who rashly rushed to their death? Or shall they receive the homage of that tribute so beautifully rendered in the lines of the poet Collins " '
How sleep the brave who sink to rest, By all their country's wishes blest; By fairy hand their knell is rung, By forms unseen their dirge is sung Their honor comes, a pilgrim gray. To bless the turf that wraps their clay. And freedom shall awhile repair. To dwell a weeping hermit there.'
" Fellow-citizens of Mercer county) you have done a noble act you have proven that you worthily belong to that great bulwark of omnation's safety, its citizen soldiery. At the sound of danger you left the pursuits of peace and threw yourselves into the breach of war, and when you conquered a principle, you erected an enduring shaft of honor to those who have lost their lives iA maintaining it. As one who stood upon the field with those brave fellows, I am here co re-echo your declaration, that their deaths have not been\'n vain. I am here to mingle my sorrow with yours, and to say, come tweal, come woe, I am with you to the end in placing the fiag of our country so high as to be beyond the reach of its despoilers, which, in proudly floating on the breeze, shall say to all the world ^JHere dwells tiK^mdimded rMtion ;
:
of peace.''
SIXTY-FIFTH EEGIMENT.
SIXTY-FIFTH EEGIMENT,
COMPANY
853
B.
"Scotch Regiment," from the number of that in its ranks. It was organized at Camp Douglas, Chicago, by Col. Daniel Cameron, Jr., and mustered for In company B were thirty-eight soldiers from service May 1, 1862. Mercer comity, belonging to the townships of Greene, Mercer, MillersThe regiment was ordered to burg, Preemption, and New Boston. Martinsburg, Yirginia and when Col. Miles surrendered at Harper's Being next Ferry, September 15, it was among the prisoners taken. day paroled, it returned to Chicago and remained there till April, 1863, when, having been exchanged, it was ordered to the Eastern Kentucky army, and, returning to Camp Nelson via Cincinnati, joined Burnside's expedition into East Tennessee for the purpose of co-operation with Gen. Rosecrans, who was at that time moving on Chattanooga. It fought at Knoxville November 25th and 29th, in the defense of that stronghold against Gen. Longsti-eet, and repulsed him with slaughter. The following winter was one of severe campaigning to this regiment. It "veteraned," and went home on furlough in March, 1864. On its return it overtook Sherman's army at Kingston, Georgia, and took its place in the second brigade, commanded by Col. Cameron, and the thii-d division. Gen. J. D. Cox commanding, of Gen. Schofield's twenty-third coi-ps. The 66th had a sharp encounter with the enemy between Lost and Kenesaw mountains, June 15, and skirmished briskly every day until the 20th, when fifty volunteers from the regiment charged across a bridge and drove the enemy's infantry and artillery in handsome fashion, and effected a permanent lodgment on the other side. It continued to fight with spirit until the close of the campaign, taking part in the flank movement around Atlanta and the battle of Jonesboro. It returned north in pursuit of Hood, and was transferred from Dalton to Nashville by rail. It then advanced as far south as Pulaski, and November 25th and 26th was engaged at Columbia, losing three oflBcers and fifty men. On the 30th it received the attack of Hood's army at Franklin, and when the battle ended 200 of the rebel dead and wounded lay stretched in its front. It ca,rried to Nashville that night the colors of the 15th Mississippi rebel regiment as a trophy of the conflict. An equal share with other troops was borne December 15th and 16th, in the battle of Nashville, and it went in pursuit of Hood's broken columns, pausing only when it had reached Clifton. From thence, January 15, 1865, it was transferred by boat and rail to Wilmington, North Carolina, assisting in the capture of that place. This was called the
nationality
who marched
;
;
854
HI8T0EY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
At Sandtown
creek
it
went to Kingston. erans, were ordered
it
captured three cannon and 350 rebels.
From
there the
to Chicago, to
first five
March
companies, except
be mustered
out.
On
6
vet-
the 2l8t
it
entered Goldsboro, where Sherman's columns from the south made connection with Schofield on the 23d. From Ealeigh the non-veterans
were sent home for muster-out, and the remainder of the regiment went to Greensboro. May 1 four companies of recruits were added and, in June, four ofiicers and 250 men of the 92d Illinois, two officers and 120 men of the 112th Illinois, and twenty-five men from the lOYth Illinois were assigned to the 65th, and Lieut. -Col. Stewart was mustered The regiment was mustered out, and started, July 13, for as colonel. Chicago, where it arrived July 22, and irom whence, after final payment, the discharged men returned to their homes.
EIGHTY-THIRD REGIMENT, COMPAJ!fY Company
D was
enlisted in
D.
Mercer county, one-fourth of the memHenry county. It was officered
bers being from the southwest corner of
Hugh M. Robh, of and Francis M. Sykes, of Oxford, second lieutenant. The regiment was organized at Monmouth, in August, 1862, by Col. Abner C. Harding, and was sworn into the service on the 21st. On the 25th it proceeded by Burlington and On St. Louis to Cairo, and on September 3d moved to Fort Henry. the 5th one-half of the regiment marched to Fort Donelson. three companies remaining at Fort Henry, and two at Fort Heiman. These subsequently moved to Donelson, and the 83d was stationed at that post until September 20, 1863, when the right wing was transferred to Clarksville. Roving bands of guerillas tilled the country and lurked particularly on the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, and skirmishes were of frequent occurrence some of these were especially severe, as the one at Waverly. In October, 1862, accompanied by other troops in pursuit of Gen. John H. Morgan, it had a shai-p fight at Garretsburg, Kentucky, and drove and punished the enemy severely. But it was on February 3, 1863, that it achieved its fame as a fighting regiment. Forrest was threatening the river communication at Palmyi'a, on the 2d, and Colonel Harding telegraphed to Paducah for re-inforcements, his garrison consisting of the meager force of nine companies of the 83d, a battalion of the 5th Iowa cavalry. Flood's battery, and a
with Joshua M. Snyder, of Viola, as captain;
Mercer township, as
first
lieutenant
;
;
EIGHTY-THIEl) KEGIMENT.
855
Four rifled guns and a 32-pounder pivot siege mounted on the northeast corner of the fort, comprised the
few wounded men. gun,
battery.
At two
o'clock
on
tlie
afternoon of the 3d the enemy, coming
the river, confronted the fort
being 8,000 strong.
The
on the
east
and began the attack in
fort contained
but a small supply of
down force,
ammu-
and the men, instructed by theii- cool and calculating comThe^^ were mander, husbanded what they had with eflfective care. nition,
directed to fire steadily
count
;
and
deliberately, so that every shot should
while the battery was handled with skill and precision, single
moved about
as circumstances required. Col. Harding and best judgment, and was at all points overseeing the defense (a defense sure to be historic), animating and The cavalry was dismounted and fighting encouraging his followers. on foot. The battle had raged with fury for several hours in the meantime the rebels had made a number of ineifectual charges, supported by their artillery, which was skillfully used. At length a shout went up in the rebel lines, which told that they had completed the investment on the three sides undefended by the river. And now came a flag ©f truce from Gen. Wheeler demanding a surrender. This was promptly refused. Then followed a confident and furious onset of the enemy in charge after charge the rebels rolled up against Harding's blazing line, but each time they staggered back with bleeding ranks. The artillery rained destruction upon the thick-set columns, and especially the 32-pounder was galling the foe with severity, when he decided upon its capture. Before the attempt was made a second flag was sent renewing the demand for a surrender, which was met with a firmer refusal, if that were possible, than before. A storming force advanced rapidly upon the saucy gun. The gunners doubleshotted the piece and waited. When the assailants were close upon the works they swung it round, trained it full in their faces and let go the savage charge, which made a ghastly, gory lane through the solid
pieces
being
displayed the finest spirit
;
;
formation of the terrified foe.
They fled
in complete rout.
IS'o
further
attempt was directed against the big gun.
At eight in the evening help came at the moment of extremity, when the rebels were massing for a final assault. When Col. Lowe at Paducah received Harding's appeal for succor his forces were away on a scout, but knowing that Capt. Fitch was going up the xiver with his fleet, he sent him word to cooperate with Col. Harding, and instructed the latter to hold the fort till dark, when assistance would reach him. Fitch divided his gunboats, and stationing a part above and the rest below the
fort,
while Harding ensconced his
men
in safe places out of
;
HI8T0EY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
856
reach of the naval missiles, poured grape and shrapnel in enfilading
and
pitiless torrents into the
writhing lines of rebels.
They
could not
In twenty minutes not one, except slain and wounded, stand it. was left on the field. Of the former there were 250, of the latter 600. The besieged had taken 105 prisoners. The 83d had 13 killed, 51 wounded, 20 captured. Not long after, as a recognition of this gallant
was wearing the single star of a brigadier. Lieutenant-Colonel A. A. Smith was immediately promoted to the defense. Colonel Plarding
vacant colonelcy.
The former soon resigned
to
accept a seat in
For nearly two years subsequent to the second battle of Fort Donelson the 83d was patroling and guarding communications, of which it had not less than two hundred miles to protect, and at the same time was doing a heavy scouting service, which was prolific of much small fighting. In 1 864, when Forrest and Wheeler were making daring efforts to sever Sherman's communications, the 83d formed a part of the efficient force so energetically employed by General Rousseau in driving those rebel leaders, with their commands, from Tennessee. In the winter of 186^5 the regiment went to Nashville on provost duty, and on the 26th of June it was mustered out in that city, and on the 30th arrived in Chicago where it was finally paid and disbanded. Of 1,050 men who went to the field, 640 returned. The only change in the line officers of Company D was when second heutenant Sykes resigned in August, 1864. Hugh B. Frazier, who had been promoted from the ranks to sergeant and then to first sergeant, was at once commissioned to fill the vacancy. congress.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY- FOURTH REGIMENT, COMPANY G. This was sworn into the United States service at Camp Butler, September 10, 1862, with Col. Thomas J. Sloan in command. Company G was raised at New Boston by Lyman H. Scudder and Ezra S. Benedict, of that place, in the last half of July and tlie first- part of August. The members were principally from New Boston township some were residents of Eliza and Millersburg, and a very few of adjoining townships. The organization took place August 15, and the company was officered as follows L. H. Scudder, captain E. S. Benedict, first lieutenant and Benton Pratt, second lieutenant. On the 28th, taking ^wagons, the company drove to Oquawka Junction, :
;
;
;
ONK HUNDRED AND TWKNTV-FOITETH EEGIMKOT'.
857
and proceeded from there by way of Point to Springfield. There each man received
then the nearest railroad station,
Galesburg and
Camp
cash, this being one-fourth of the $100 bounty, two premium, and one month's pay of thirteen dollars, all tendered by the government. Uniforms and arms were drawn, the latter Ausforty dollars in dollars
manual of arms. On Octobut on amving at Decatur the order was countermanded, and its destination was changed to Cairo, It from whence it went to Jackson, Tennessee, arriving on the 9th. advanced to La Grange November 4, and on the 28th, as a part of Gen. Grant's expedition to the Yocona river, drove the rebels across the The regiment had been assigned to the first brigade, Tallahatchie. third division. Gen. Logan seventeenth corps. Col. John E. Smith trian
ber
muskets, barely
6,
fit
for practice in the
the regiment started for Cincinnati
;
;
;
Returning from the Yocona,
Gen. McPherson.
reached the Talla-
it
and La Grange January 7, 1863. The same to Memphis from there it went, February 22, to Lake Providence and April 18, moved to Milliken's Bend. It was reviewed on the 22d by Gov. Yates and staff, and on the 25tb started It was in the engagement at Port Gibon the Vicksburg campaign.
December month it marched
hatchie
24,
;
;
May 1 Raymond, May 12 Jackson, May 14 May 16 and the siege of Yicksburg, including the of May 22, and the still more terrible one of June 26,
son (Thompson's Hill),
Champion
Hill,
fearful assault
;
;
;
when the mine at Fort Hill was sprung. The regiment went on the brief campaign to Monroe, Louisiana, under Gen. Stephenson, which left Vicksburg August 21, and returned September 2. From October 14 to the 20th, it was witb Gen. McPherson on the Brownville campaign, and participated in the battles at that place on the 16th and 17th.
In January, 1864, the 124th
competed for a prize banner offered by
Gen. Leggett to the regiment in his division which should excel in
and present the most cleanly appearance and soldierly bearing. bore the legend, " Excelsior Regiment, Third Division, Seventeenth
drill,
It
Army
Corps," and the 124th received
McPherson.
it
from the hands of Gen.
In February the regiment accompanied Gen.
Sherman
famous raid to Meridian, and at Chunky Station, on the 14th, had a severe fight with the rebels. It returned to Yicksburg, and on on
his
May
4,
city,
returning the 21st, having fought
moved with the expedition under Gen. McArthur to Yazoo on the 7th and 10th at Benton. Between July 1st and 9th it was operating on the Jackson campaign under Gen. Slocum, and was in brisk engagements at Jackson Cross Roads on the 5th and 7th. In October it went on the "White river campaign, under Gen. Dennis, and was absent from Vicksburg from
HI8T0BY OF MEECEB
858 the
14tli to
the 26th.
then was ordered to
It
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
did provost duty until February 25, 1865, and Orleans and was assigned to the third
New
Geddes third division. Gen. E. A. Carr sixteenth A. J. Smith. It embarked, March 12th, for Mobile, and on the 29th began the siege of Spanish Fort, occupying the left of the investing line and driving the enemy within his works. On April 8 the third brigade and one other of Carr's division, stormed the fort, mounted the ramparts, secured a lodgment three hundred yards in extent, and, darkness having come on, waited for the morning light to continue their progress, but at one o'clock the rebels offered to capituAway off in Virginia Lee followed suit a few hours after. The late. regiment marched the 13th with the expedition to Montgomery. There it remained till July 17, when it started for Chicago, where it was mustered out August 15, 1865. The 124th fought ten battles and fourteen skirmishes it went through two sieges of forty-seven days and nights and thirteen days and nights, respectively, and traveled by land and water 7,000 miles. It was drolly called by "the boys" in the army, " The Bully One Hundred and Two Dozen." brigade,
Col.
;
;
corps. Gen.
;
ONE HUNDEED AND TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT,
COMPANY
B.
Company B had
thirtv-four enlisted men, and one commissioned from Mercer county, all except qne private belonging to Duncan and Perryton townships. The original officers were Henry D. Gline, captain John B. Mitchell, first lieutenant, and James H. Coffman, of Perryton, second lieutenant. The regiment was organized at Alton by Col. Jonathan Richmond, and was mustered into service Septemb'er 4, 1862. It moved November 20 to Columbus, Kentucky, and from
officer
;
there to Bolivar, Tennessee, reporting at the latter place to Gen. Bray-
man.
On December
19 six companies were dispatched to Jackson,
Tennessee, as a reinforcement, and afterward advanced to Humboldt, skirmishing some, being joined there by the other four companies early in 1863.
On March
25 the regiment returned to Jackson, and
was assigned to the second brigade, second division. Sixteenth Army Corps. It was transported by rail to Memphis, where it embarked down the river to assist in the siege of Vieksburg, and landed at Haines' Bluff June 2. It did honorable service to the end of the campaign, and on July 24 embarked for Helena, Arkansas. From thence it
;
ELEVBNTH
ILLINOIS OAVALEY.
859
moved with Gen. Steele's army against Little Rock, fighting on the The regiment went way, and occupying the place on September 10. next to Duvall's Bluif, and remained there on garrison duty, with Col.
Kichmond as post commandant, until August 19, 1864. On June 26 It marched to Pine Bluff, going by way it was in action at Clai'endon. on February 12 it moved to the mouth of White of Little Rock river, and June -4 returned to Pine Bluff, where it was mustered out ;
July 12, 1865.
OT!^E
HUNDRED AND FORTIETH REGIMENT, INFANTRY, COMPANY F.
Company F of
this regiment was raised in Mercer county, in May, by Van R. Harriott, of Viola, and George Boone and R. S. Osborn, of Aledo, and was mustered in June 18th, with eighty men, for The oflBcers were Osborn, captain Boone, first lieuten-' lOO days. ant, and Harriott, second lieutenant. The company rendezvoused at Eock Island, May 9th from there it went to Dixon, and thence to camp Butler. The regiment was stationed at Lafayette, Tennessee, and also did duty at Memphis, but was never in action. Some members of company F had a fight at Lafayette, August 8th, with bushwhackers, and Edward B. Harris, of Perryton, and John W. Maury, of Aledo, were killed, and Alfred F. Noble, of New Boston, Robert Breakey and Milton M. Jones were wounded, the former mortally. The following died of disease Jonathan Mounts, Joseph M. Sawyer, and Zachariah T. Warren. The 140th was mustered out October 29, 1864,
:
;
;
:
1864.
ELEVENTH LLLINOIS CAVALRY, COMPANY
C.
was raised by the famous orator and philanthropist Robert G. IngersoU, and was rendezvoused at Peoria, and mustered into service in December, 1861. In company C were fifteen or This regiment
Col.
.
more men from Mercer county, nearly all of them from Suez township. George W. Freeman, then of Galesburg, now of Amboy, Lee county,
was captain Charles E. Johnson, of Ionia, first lieutenant and Moses T. Lewman, of San Jose, second lieutenant. George W.
Illinois,
;
Greenwood, of Pope Creek, was the captaincy.
first
sergeant, and rose regularly to
HISTORY OF MERCEB AND HENDBE80N COUNTIES.
860
Company
H had in
its
ranks several
men from Henderson
county.
Knowlton was a Henderson county man. All the first lieutenants that the company ever had (Francis Le Clair, Henry M. Cornell, James G. Hull, and James R. Reasoher) belonged to the same county. Cornell was first sergeant, and once promoted. Eeasoner was second duty sergeant, and promoted first and second HeuHull was the last of the three captains. Unhappily no memtenant. oranda of the movements of the Eleventh have been officially preserved, and time is too short for the research that would be necessary for a sketch, brief as it would have to be. Capt. John C.
LIEUT-ALVAH
W.PAUL
HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY. CONTRIBUTED BY
is
J.
SIMPSON, ESQ.
Henderson county, which, once formed a part of Warren county, upon the western border of the state, and is comprised of
situated
eight full
townships and six fractional townships, aggregating about
It is bounded on the north by Mercer county, on by Warren county, on the south by McDonough and Hancock Numerous streams counties, and on the west by the Mississippi river. break the surface in their passage from the eastern part to their outlet, the Mississippi river. The largest of these streams is Henderson river, which rises north and east of the county, and passes in a southwesterly direction, and empties into the Mississippi about midway between Oquawka, the county seat of Henderson county, and Burlington, Iowa. Ceckr creek rises in Knox county, and empties into the Henderson in township 12 N., 4 W., in the northeastern part of the county. It is a small stream, but in times of heavy rains it leaves its banks and spreads over a large space, doing great damage. Fall^reek, North and South Smith creeks are small streams which empty into Henderson a little east and north of Oquawka. South Henderson rises in the eastern part of the county aid enters Henderson a half of a mile north
400 square miles. the east
of the
town of Gladstone.
Farther to the south Ellison creek runs
irom east to west through the county, above the
town of Carman.
and empties
into the Mississippi
Still farther south in the county are
Honey and Dugout creeks, running in a westerly direction. The of this county comprise something less than half of its area.
prairies
The
soil
of the prairie
is
excellent for agricultural purposes, consisting
loam underlaid with a brown clay. On the high lands that bound the streams the soil is lighter and less productive. These high lands were formerly covered with timber but improvidence in its use and ravages of fire have, in a great measure, denuded these ridges, and the process of destruction still goes on. The common growth was the difeent varieties of oak, with some hickory, with an underof a blackish
;
growth of haz«l interspersed with some sumac. On the lower lands, aad in the bottoffls we find the variotis species of elm, linden, ash, 49
864
1-II8TOEY
OF MEECEB JOSU HENDERSON COUNTIES.
maple, box-elder, cottonwood, buckeye, black walnut, butternut, honey and black locust, aspen, wild cherry, hackberry, mulberry, coffee tree crab-apple, redbud,
and many other
varieties of small growth of tim-
Camp creek on the south extends a belt of bottom land of an average width of about two portion of this belt is rich black loam, very and one-half miles.
ber.
From
the north end of the county to near
A
fertile
and producing heavy
crops.
However, the overflow of
the
Mississippi in spring time renders business of farming these lands veiy uncertain.
Along
this belt extends
between the
bluff
and
river, for
nearly the entire length of the county, elevations or sand
ridges,
embracing many square miles of unproductive land, although a portion of these sand lands are cultivated with success, producing remuneraThis sandy soil is especially adapted to the culture- of tive crops. sorghum or sugar cane^ which is at the present time being quite extenAnd in view of the success attending the use of sively cultivated. improved machinery in other portions of the state, there is every reason to expect that the future value of these sand lands will be greatly enhanced. This county
is
favored with numerous springs of excellent water,
furnishing a constant and copious supplv, sufficient for the necessities
of large herds of cattle.
Little difficulty is
found in obtaining a water
supply in wells at a very moderate depth, varying from ten
to fifty
There have been found some mineral springs of some value, but few, if any, have be6n subjected to a chenaical analysis, so as to determine their medicinal qualities. However, it is known that copperas is the mineral most commonly held in solution by their waters. Henderson county has an abundant supply of building stone, which may be said to be inexhaustible. It is of the species called by geologists Burlington limestone, and is found in and along the bluffs, extending the entire length of the county, and to some extent along the bluffs of the creeks which find their outlet in the Mississippi. This rock is found to be light colored massive limestone, standing exposm-e well and the effects of the weather. There are many quarries of this stone open and worked along the bluffs of Ellison and Henderson creeks. The most feet.
on South Henderson, and is worked town of Gladstone, on the line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad. Here an extensive business is carried on in quarrying and finishing stone for buildings of all extensive quarry in the county
by August Wallbaum,
kinds.
Many
is
Esq., near the
of the best buildings in the state are furnished with
The court-houses in Freeport and Macomb The government buildings, at Omaha are like-
material from this quarry. are built of this stone.
wise built of stone from this quan-y.
As many
as seventy-five hands
:
HENDEESON COUNTY.
865
employed the greater portion of the year in caiTying on This county is so unfortunate as to find but a very small On Sees. 24 and 26, T. 9 N., 4 W., supply of coal within her limits. a thin seam has been found, but this supply is but a scant amount and Many hope yet to find coal in adequate that of an inferior quality. supply, but scientific examination gives small promise for the realization of their hopes, and this county may expect to depend upon mor&
are constantly
thia.husiness.
fevered localities for
her supply of coal.
The
soil
of the county
is
well
and other grains, and fruit of all kinds, adapted to this latitude, is produced in abundance, altliongh along the bluff lines orchards thrive better than on prairie or bottom lands, and in the bottoms and upon the timbered portion of the sand ridges, the wild grape grows luxuriantly, yielding a grape adapted to the production of corn, wheat,
that
produces an excellent wine.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. With
this brief
this
geographical view of the tenritory,
the orgajiization of the county.
to pass to
As
it is
proper
now
stated in the beginning,
and formed a part of, Warren was passed by the general assembly,
county was formerly embraced in,
county.
In the year 1841 an act
and duly approved, creating the county of Henderson, the following being a correct copy of the act
An
—
to Establish the County of Henderson:Section 1. Be it by the people of the State of Illinois, represented in the general assembly that all that part of the now county of Warren lying west of range three of the third principal meridian, be, and the same is hereby created, into a new county, to be called the county of Hen-
Act
enacted
:
derson.
The county
Henderson shall be, and Oquawka, in said county of Henderson provided, the proprietors of said town of Oquawka shall donate and convey to the county commissioners of Henderson county, (for the time being) for the use and benefit of said county in fee simple not less than two hundred of the average of tlie unsold or unimproved lots, in said town of Oquawka, the proceeds of the sale of said town lots, or so much thereof as may be required, shall be appropriated Sec. 2.
is
seat of said county of
hereby permanently located at the town of ;
exclusively'to the erection of public buildings.
of
Sec. 3. In case of the removal of the county seat from said town Oquawka, the public buildings and the lots upon which they may
stand shall revert
and become the property of said proprietors and and also all lots remaining unsold at the
their heirs forever thereafter,
the time of removal.
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
866 Sec. 4.
The
legal voters of the county of
Henderson
shall
the usual places of holding elections in said county, on the
meet
first
at
Mon-
day in April, 1841, and proceed to elect all county oflBcers, except one commissioner and the justices of the peace and constables at present residing therein,
who
shall continue to discharge the duties of their
and for the county of Henderson, in the same Warren county had not been divided. The officers
offices, respectively, in
manner
as though
elected under the provisions of this act shall hold their offices untU the next regular election, and until their successors are elected and qualified.
The county commissioners of said county of Henderson 5. meet in the town of Oquawka, on the third Monday of April, 1841, and after being duly qualified, shall proceed to hold court and perform such duties as are required by law of other county commisSec.
shall
sioners' courts.
Of
the commissioners elected under the provisions of
one receiving the highest number of votes shall hold his office for the term of three years from and after [the] first Monday in August next the one receiving the second highest number of votes shall hold his office for the term of two years from and after that period. Sec. 6. The county commissioners shall, whenever in their opinion the interests of the county may demand and require the sale of the whole or any part of the lots donated as aforesaid, proceed to sell the same, in such manner, and on such terms they may deem advisable this act, the
;
for the interests of the county.
Sec.
7.
The
election returns for the officers herein provided to be
be made in the same manner, and within the same time as all other elections, except that the returns shall be made to John B. Patterson, an acting justice of the peace, of said county, or in case of his death or inability to act, any other justice of the peace of said county, who shall call to his assistance two other justices of the peace of said county, and proceed to open the returns of the election, and in elected, shall
all
things perform the duties required of the county commissioners'
court and justices of the peace in like cases. Sec.
8.
The county commissioners'
holden on the third
Monday
•
court at their
first
term
to
be
of April, 1841, shall proceed, together
with the proprietors of the said town of Oquawka, to select the number of town lots herein before provided to be donated, and so soon as
made and agreed upon, the proprietors shall immediately thereupon execute a deed in fee simple for said lots to the
the selection shall be
county commissioners for the time being, for the use and benefit of said county, which deed when so made and acknowledged and received shall
be entered upon the records of said
court,
and
other deeds are in the office of the county recorder.
also be recorded as
"
;
EABLY SETTLEMENTS. Sec. 9.
867
The school commissioner of "Warren county
shall
pay over
upon demand being to the commissioners of Henderson county, commissioners, or their county legally constituted agent, said made by moneys, notes and other papers which may be in his hands at the time of such demand, and. which may rightfully belong to said county all
of
Henderson, by reason of the sale of any school lands located within
the county of
Henderson, and also its proportion of the interest arising seminary fund, the basis of which payment shall
from the college arid
be made upon the late census of
Warren
county.
All officers elected under and pursuant to the provisions
Sec. 10.
be required to take such oath or affirmation and give and secm-ity as are or may be required of like officers in bond siich and upon a failure so to do, the same penalties and forcounties, other feitures shall apply as in similar cases under the laws of this state. Sec. 11. It shall be the duty of the county commissioners' court of Henderson county, at their tirst meeting on the first Monday of April next, as provided in the fifth section of this act, to proceed to levy a
of this act, shall
and county purposes, as required by the law in relation pubhc revenue, in the same manner as though they had met on the first Monday of March, as now required, and shall also do arid perform all other things neceissaiy and lawful to insure the collection of the state and county revenue in said county of Henderson. Approved January 20, 1841. The general assembly of the state also passed an act, approved February 19, 1841, entitled, " An act to authorize the election of an tax for state to the
additional coimty
Section
1.
Be
commissioner in Henderson county. it enacted by the people of the State of Hlinois, repre-
sented in the general assembly, that
on the
first
Monday
in
August
be elected in the county of Henderson, one county commissioner for said county in addition to the meinbers already provided to be elected by the act entitled "An act creating the county of
next, there shall
Henderson, approved January 20, 1841," who shall hold his office for one year from and after said first Monday of August next, as aforesaid
and thereafter election for county commissioners shall be held, notice
and returns made thereof in the same manner as now reby law. Approved Februai-y 19, 1841. The boundaries of the county remain as at first designated by the general assembly. given,
quired
EARLY SETTLEMENTS. Did time and space, and the limits of the vmter of this article volume could be written of the early settlement, growth and
peimit, a
prosperity of this county.
The
struggles and privations of the pioneer
HISTOEY OF MEECEB AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
868
are but repetitions of experiences of frontier
life,'
which are
of
full
inci-
minuteness, would form volumes of The vast west, the continually reinstructive and interesting history. dents that, portrayed in
all their
ceding frontier demanded then, as now, daring,
women, who were willing
to
make
from the society of the older and populous
states,
wilds to assist in laying the foundations of that
How
it is so.
been
settled
men and
new
and seek
in western
empires.
It is well
else could these almost limitless regions have ever
That
?
self-sacrijBicing
sacrifice of the pleasures derived
spirit of enterprise,
that love of adventure, that
reckless braving of all dangers, seems to have been an inheritance of
those
men and women
peculiarly raised
up
to
meet the demands
of
the great west, in filling her borders with a vigorous, intelligent and self-reliant people.
Looking back into the past we have seen
tion succeed generation in the older states, their fathers
witnessed a
home
generar
content to live where
and die where their fathers died, without that roaming that has characterized our people in With the opening of new states and territories we have lived,
restless desire
later days.
men
for
new
spirit
infusing itself into our
population.
The
of childhood, the graves of ancestors, have been but feeble
whose vision was fixed in the direcand sun, saw spread out before him the field where wealth and honor were to be won. The world has looked on and wondered, as they have seen the mighty tide of emigration moving westward vfdth such quiet and resistless fol-ce, breaking down all barriers, overcoming all obstacles, and organizing states as if by magic, filled with intelligent, thrifty and orderly people. Powerful Indian tribes have melted away and given place to a refined commercial people. Neighboring nations who seemed to stand in the path of our onward progress, have, after short conflict, or direct diplomacy, given ground and sought peace at the price of dismembered territory, which was added to our almost boundless empire. No wonder that the poet ties to
bind the restless
spirit
tion of the setting
sang: "
Oh, vale of Rio Bravo, let thy simple children weep. Close watch about their holy fires, let maids of Pei'os keep, For lo, the pale land seeker comes with eager eyes of gain Wide-spreading like the Bison herd on green Salada's plain, Full hot and fast the Saxon rides with rein of travel slack And bending o'er h-is saddle leaves the sunrise af his back."
The nature and character of the country demanded such a people, and they sprang forth; they had a mission to- fulfill, and they addressed themselves to the task of fulfilling it. That mission was the peophng of new states, establishing societies founded on law and order, subduing
,
BABLY SETTLEMENTS.
unknown
and with
869
and labor combined for the teeming Those men future. by their energy and bravery, gave millions of the danger, found gave us quiet and peace where they us safety where they
the wilds of the
west,
capital
preparing this vast region of country as
when,
sit
reckon it almost in days since the time surrounded by all comforts and luxuries of
the wild prairie grass
civilized life,
home
We
found savage warfare.
where we now
a
waved
in the wind, and the pon-
derous buffalo galloped over the plain unmolested
"Here
by the
pale hunter,
and loved another Beneath the same sun that shines on us the Indian race of people. hunter pursued the panting deer gazing on the same moon that Here, nightly smiles on us, the Indian lover wooed his dusky mate. too, they warred, and when the tig«r strife was over, here curled the smoke of peace." This has aU passed away, and the pioneer has gone. quote an
land to
eloquent writer,
lived
;
"
Joyful on his way To wed Penobscot's water to San Francisco's bay, To make the rugged places smooth and sow the vales with And bear with liberty and law the bible in his train.'' .
.
grain,
no easy task to determine with certainty who was actually make a permanent settlement in this county, and if a slight error shall be found in this sketch, it will only show the liability of any one to fall into an error, while trusting to memory of others as to dates and events running back for a half of a century. The writer has sought what seemed to be the most reliable source of information. Little could be found recorded to throw light upon the questions. In. 1828 John Campbell came to this section of country and made his home on Henderson i-iver, about two miles east of Oquawka landing, on what has been for many years known as the "Devil's Half It is
the first to
Acre," a
name given
times on account, as
improved the land Sec. 35, T.
the locality
he thought, of
by Eev. Peter Cartwright its
appropriateness.
now owned by Newton Wood on
in early
Mr. Campbell the S.
11 N., 5 W., being the field that lies north of the
W. J
of
Oquawka
He broke the ground in 1828, In the year 1828 James Ryerson settled in the territory embraced within this county, on Sec. 3, T. 10 N. 5 W., upon -which he has ever since resided, and broke the land preparar tory to a crop for the following year. In the same year, however, he road and east of Mr.
Wood's house.
and raised a crop on
it
raised a crop creek,
bodily
on the land then owned by
S. S.
Phelps on Henderson
about two miles southeast of Oquawka, on what
as the Capt.
He
in 1829.
James Findley farm.
and mental
is often
faculties,
Mr. Ryerson
still
is
now known
maintains his
although upward of eighty years of age.
seen on the streets of the town actively attending to his
HISTORY OF MEBCBB
870
AND HJ:m)ER80N
COTIUnES.
Throughout his long life he has ever maintaiiied every-day business. a high character as a citizen, and in all the relations of life his characPrior to 1828 Jeremiah Smith erected a ter stands without reproach. saw-mill near the place where
upon the "Half Acre."
now
stands the flour-mill on Henderson,
In the year 1828 Smith and a partner
built
an addition to the saw-mill and placed two run of stone in it for Shortly afterward Martin "Woods settled at this mill grinding grain. locality and became the active miller at that place. He and his son (Newton Woods) still reside upon premises adjoining the miU. This mill property has changed bands many times, and the locality was familiarly called "Jack's Mills," on account of the name of the owner at one time being Andrew T. W. Jack, an eccentric Scotchman, who The miU property is for many years carried on the miUing business. at present owned and operated by Jacob Eodmacher, who continues to do considerable business in a small way. Large miUs with all the modem improvements that science has brought to bear, together with the aid of concentrated capital, have wrought out a new order of things in the milling business, by producing a better article of flour, and at a lower price than can be afibrded by small mills run upon the old style of doing business. These large mills have rendered the small ones comparatively valueless, and no
demand by the
people. So it is in almost every oliierbrancl* In lumber, the large mill establishments have practically destroyed the small manufacturers, and compelled them to adopt like systems of combination of capital and labor, or see themselves undersold until they are forced to leave the market. In the business of pork packing, in eai-ly time, every town upon the Mississippi river had its packing establishments, where a flourishing business was done during the winter months, in cutting hogs and curing the meat, and when spring opened navigation the steamers took this meat and lard in
longer in
of business.
barrel
and bulk
to St. Louis or
away, and the business
now
is
'New Orleans.
Now that is all passed
only carried on in the large
cities,
where
immense structures and improved processes enable them to do the work more economically than can be done in small establishments.
Among
the early settlers of the territory
now embraced
within the
present limits of Henderson county was Judge John Pence.
He
was
born January 15, 1776, in Shenandoah county, Virginia. In early life he was a slave-holder, but upon the death of his first wife, he freed all of his slaves and removed to Champaign county, Ohio, where he again married and removed to Bartholomew county, Indiana. Shortly after he became a citizen of the latter state he was elected county judge of Bartholomew county, and held the oftice for a term of six years. At
EAKLY SETTLEMENTS. this
time bis second wife died,
widow lady by the
and
lie
871
married for his third wife a
name of Record, whose maiden name was Elizabeth
From Indiana he removed to Illinois and settled near Joliet, where he lived for a short time, when he again moved and took up his reBidence in Rock Island county, in an old block house built by an InHe raised one crop at this point and then dian chief, Black Hawk. Heaton.
removed to a point on Henderson river, about three miles northeast of The place Oquawka, where he made his final settlement and home.
been known by old settlers as the "Old Pence Farm.'" In 1830 This was in 1829 that he made his last settlement. the county of Warren was organized, and Judge Pence was elected commissioner with Adam (Sandy) Ritchie, and John B. Talbott. Warren county was then divided into two election precincts; the eastern being what is now Warren county, and the western being composed of what is now Her derson county, tlien known as the Yellow Banks precinct. In the latter precinct Judge Pence and Daniel Mcifeil, Jr., were elected justices. In 1830 the hostilities were commenced by the Indians imder the great chief. Black Hawk, and the settlers along Henderson river, near Judge Pence's place, feeling insecure and fearing the attack of savages, assembled and erected a rude but substantial fort on the farm of Judge Pence, which immediately became the refuge of settlers in that neighborhood, who gathered in to be in readiness to repel anticipated raids of the savage foe. The site has ever since
remembered by the old settlers of this section of At this fort, during those stormy times, a son was bom to the judge, who was known, until he became a young man, by the name of Black Hawk. Judge Pence was one of those noble, great-hearted men, always to be found upon the frontiers, ever ready to aid those around him in need. He lived and died loved and respected by all who knew him. His daughter, Mrs. Catharine Shores, thus remembers and speaks of her father "Often he would bring the sick and afflicted home with him and take care of them, as though they were members of his own family, free of charge. I well remember the sides of bacon, of the old fort is well
country.
:
sacks of flour
and potatoes, the gallons of honey, that he from time to
time, distributed
among his needy neighbors. Our father, by industry managed to have a good supply of necessaries of
and economy, always
around him, but he always
that he held this world's goods only man, as well as for himself While he resided in Ohio and Indiana he was an ordained Baptist preacher, and sometimes, after he took up his residence in Henderson county, he occupied some unprovided pulpit and preached to his neighbors. He lite
m
trust for his suffering
felt
fellow
wto.a Ckristian,..aBd--at. all times.endeavored to live
up
to the teachings
HISTOBY OF MEECEE AND HBNDEESOIf COUNTIES.
8Y2 of the bible.
He was the father of sixteen children, and raised six He died in 1841, at his old homestead, and his wife
orphans besides. survived
him two years." came
Dr. Isaac Garland
known
as the
present
site
of Oquawka, then
Yellow Banks, and erected the
first
house at that
We find
in 1827.
to the
place
in the account compiled for the history of Warren
county, that the doctor, in giving an account of his building of
his
"There were no white men to help him, save his teamster," and in the emergency he hired six or eight Indians, who were encamped at a point of timber below. He had to pay for each log as it was rolled to its place, and then give them a drink all around. As they were unused to such labor, and particularly after they had imbibed two or three drinks of liquor, thereby becoming xmsteady in their movements, they were unable to perform heavy work. Often at this stage of the labor, the logs, which were unhewn and of blackjack variety, and coming down on their bare arms and breasts, would tear off great flakes of skin. They would give an ejaculatory 'ouch,' and at once quit work for the day. Their love of the 'fire-water' was so great, however, that they would always return the following day, thereby repeating the process until the house was completed." A few other houses were built during this year (1827). In 1828-9 quite a number of settlers came and located in different parts of the county. Judge John Pence settled on Henderson creek, at what is known as the " old Pence place ;" Jeremiah Smith settled on Henderson creek, about two miles east of Oquawka, near what was aftei-ward known as the "Devil's Half Acre." James Kyason located a little lower down house,
says:
the creek.
Stephen S. Phelps in 1828 purchased the improved claim of Dr. Garland, at the Yellow Banks, and removed his family to their new home. Jeremiah Smith and Beatty settled, nearly about the same
At the election held in Warren county in the year 1830, Stephen S. Phelps was duly elected sheriff. At that election there were cast in the county of Warren, including the present territory of Henderson, forty-seven votes, and every voter in the county was
time.
present,
John Eeynolds received thirty-four votes for ofiice, William Kinney received eleven Mr. Phelps was a native of the state of New York. As' a full save three.
governor, and for the same votes.
biographical sketch will appear in this volume from the pen of Mrs. Phebe Button, his daughter, who is in possession of his journals and it is not necessary here to speak more at length of one who performed a prominent part in the early settlement of the county. William E. Jamison settled in Henderson county in 1829. He
papers,
•
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
bom
was
in
873
Grayson county, Kentucky, January
8,
1808, and
removed
Here he remained until Perry county, Indiana, with his parents. He married in Perry county. In 1829 he came to he became a man.
to
Henderson county, landing at the Yellow Banks in the summer of that year, and made a settlement on a farm about seven miles southeast of the latter place.
He
succeeded, as
all
enterprising and industrious
opening a large farm and making line improvements of In 1847 he removed to Oquawka orchards and nurseries.
settlers did,
buildings,
and engaged in mercantile business with Alexander Moir. his business in
Oquawka and
in 1865
removed
He
closed
to the state of Florida,
where he engaged in the cultivation of an orange plantation, at which place
Two of his sons still reside he died on the 17th of June, 1882. one in Minnesota, one in Nebraska, and one in Florida.
in Illinois,
Robinson and Hopper built the first flour mill on Henderson creek, at a point where now Biggsville is located, and operated it as a toll mill to accommodate other settlers in the surrounding country. The property changed owners until it became the property of John Biggs, who, after years of experience in running a .mill in. a new country, disposed of his interest to Messrs. Moirs, of In 1838 Messrs.
the South
Oquawka,
who
continued to operate
Mr. Hopper had, prior to at the
it
until about 1860,
when
it
passed
hands of others.
into the
place
now known
as
the year 1836, built a lumber mill
"Hopper's Mills."
Afterward
it
was
changed to a flour mill and has continued as such to the present time.
Lambert Hopper, son of the original proprietor, succeeded his father in
"Hopper's Mill." .He engaged extensively in mercantile and carried on his business in all its varied branches with marked success. He established a woolen mill for the manufacture of woolen cloths, and by his enterprise aided in building up a thriving business at business
He was
a man respected and trusted by all his neighbors, was a great misfortune to the community in which he resided. No one succeeded him to carry on the business he had built up, and it gradually went to decay, and now there is little left to tell of the thriving business of which he was the life. In 1836 Isaiah J. Brook came to this section of country, seeking a location for & home. He purchased the N. E. i of Sec. 34, in T. 10 N., R. 5 W., in the present limits of H^ndprson county, and the following year removed with his family to his purchase, and made it his fntiire home. The country was new, and he improved his lands, and from time to time added to the same until he could claim the ownervillage.
and
his death
ship of
many broad
tude for business
acres.
Industry, economy, and a peculiar apti-
soon placed him
among
the foremost business
men
HISTORY OF MEECBK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
874
of the County.
His family of sons and daughters grew
to maturity
beneath the family roof, and are now all situated in homes of their own. Only a few weeks since his two remaining single daughters wedded husbands of their choice, and Mr. Brooks, finding himself
and
his estimable wife again alone, disposed of his home-farm and
now
will seek that repose
and freedom from
him
active
business cares
which Another of the early settlers of the county was Matthew Findley, who settled near the Yellow Banks. He was of Irish parentage and bom in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1793, where he resided with his parents until he was seventeen years old, when his family removed to Muskingum county, Ohio. In the latter place on reaching manhood he married Miss Elizabeth Blackburn, and settled his merited success will enable
down
to enjoy.
to farming.
In October, 1835, he removed to Warren county, and spent the following winter on a farm near the present site of Kirkwood. In the spring of 1836 he removed to and settled in Sec. 36, T. 11 N., R. 5 W., in then Warren county, where three of his sons and one unmarried daughter still reside. He raised a family of six children, four sons and two daughters, all of whom survive him David M., Alexander, Matthew M., John Q., Sarah, and Eliza Jane. David, one of the brothers, resided near the old homestead, a prosperous and respected citizen, until 1875, when, on account of his health, he removed* to San Luis Obispo county, California, where he now resides, engaged extensively in farming. The other three brothers still reside on or near the place upon which their father first settled, engaged in extensive and successful farming. The father died at his home, surrounded by his family and friends, April 1, 1863. He had been chosen by the :
votes of his fellow citizens to county
discharged with signal tion he enjoyed
among
fidelity.
offices,
the duties of which he
He was justly
entitled to the reputa-
his fellow citizens of an honest man.
wife did not long survive him,
and in her death
His
a tragic event
occurred.
was on September 25, 1863, that Mrs. Findley, who resided with her son and daughter on the old home place, told her daughter that she was going out to pick some wild grapes that grew near the edge of a cornfield not far from the house, in a skirt of timber, as she was It
very fond of them. as she
was old and
Her daughter sought
would not be absent
health, but the old lady alone, as the distance was short, and she
feeble, although in
replied that she could go long.
to dissuade her from going,
good
She took her
little tin
out at about three o'clock in the afternoon.
bucket and
Her
started
daughter being
EAKLY SErrLEMEJJTS.
875
engaged in work did not fear any danger, although her mother was At last, her mother not absent for a considerable length of time. returning, the
daughter grew anxious, looked out for her.
alarmed and sought her brother
and
told
him
She became
of the mother's absence.
members of the family, went in haste to make search for theu* mother. Night set in and they found her not. They searched eveiy path and place where she might have wandered, the friends assisting, and with lanterns and torches they still continued their efforts until at last some time after darkness had set in they came She lay near a small tree, upon the lifeless remains of their mother. upon the ground where she had been picking grapes, her bucket by At first it was supposed that she had fallen, perhaps her side. with some sudden attack incident to old age, and had thus died. They took her up and mournfully proceeded to carry her to their home. The friends felt that a mysShe was buried in the family cemetery. On the day following her burial tery was connected with her death. it was learned that two boys from Oquawka had been in the vicinity where the body was found, on the afternoon of her death, hunting, and that they had told that one of them had fired at something in a grapevine or tree in the thicket, that he thought was a turkey, and that he saw something like a person fall. The boys were frightened and fled without looking to see what they had shot. The body was exhumed, and E. W. Eichey, county judge, acting as coroner, held an inquest on the body. Upon surgical examination being made, it was found that a leaden shot had penetrated through the upper lid of the They, together with other
eye and entered the brain, causing death in a short time. The boys, Frank Dallam and Greely Mathews, aged respectively fourteen and
and ten years, admitted being in the vicinity and shooting as above described, but
claimed that they had no knowledge or intention at
doing anything wrong. believed that the act result of that reckless
The
friends of Mrs. Findley never charged or
was an intentional one, but felt that it was the habit of neglect on the part of parents in permit-
ing such
mere boys to have the control of fire-arras to use at their Many casualities, for we cannot call them accidents, have occurred in this county by allowing such reckless, not to say criminal, use of fire-arms by inexperienced boys. This should have been a pleasure.
sufBcient lesson, to lay
a
more
teaching those
ner's jury, in this case,
who have charge and
care of such boys,
The
coro-
found a verdict in accordance with the
facts
careful restraint
upon them
in this direction.
herein stated.
John Carts came to this county prior to the year 1836, and settled on Sec. Ko. 35, T. 9 N"., E. 6 W., about three miles east of Sho-
'
HISTOEY OF
876
MEEOKE AND HENDEE80N
COUNTIES.
Mississippi river. At first he engaged in fanning and stock raising as it was carried on in that early day. . He had come from the State of Pennsylvania, and was educated in early life in those habits of industry and econoniy, which lay the sure foundation of competency and wealth. He had three sons and five daughters all of whom reached the age of ma,iority. He rapidly, by his business capacity, acquired property, and, assisted by his two sons, Horatio and John Fredericks, he managed a large farm to which he gradually made additions. To make a better market for the products of his farm he shipped his pork and gi-ain to the Wisconsin pine regions, taking in exchange pine lumber which he brought by river to Shokokon and established a lumber trade. Finding this a profitable trade his son Horatio located in Wisconsin, purchased largely of pine lands, and thus with his two sons Mr. Curts earned on a successful and profitable business. Three of his daughters married and settled in Henderson county. One married in Texas, and one in Iowa. His son Thomas lived and died in Pennsylvania. Horatio died in Shokokon. The father, John Ourts, purchased a beautiful home in Burlington, Iowa, just south of the railroad bridge, and removed there to spend the evening of his days, leaving John Fredericks Curts, his son, in possession
kokon, on the
home
place known as the "Bear Grove" farm in Henderson In 1874 the old gentleman met with a severe accident by falling down the basement stairs of his dwelling which resulted in his death in a few days. He died at Burlington March 12, 1874. Upon of the
county.
it appeared that he had left nearly all of his property, which consisted of lands in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin and Arkansas, bank stock, and other personal property to his son, John Fredericks Curts. For so doing he felt his reasons were sufficient. His son thus favored had been a true and faithful son, companion and assistant to his father, and his loyalty to his father found this return. The other legal heirs, feeling that they had been dealt unjustly with by the terms of the will, commenced in the circuit court of Des Moines, Iowa, legal proceedings to set aside the will on grounds of undue influence, and mental incapacity. The case was tried before Judge Drayer and a jury, in the city ofBurlington, in 1875, and attracted much attention in this county on account of the magnitude of the amount involved, the interest manifested by the citizens of this county, the length of time consumed, and the ai-ray of counsel participating in the trial. The trial lasted about four weeks, and on account of the engagement of attorneys in the case belonging on this circuit, the Henderson county circuit court was compelled to adjourn for one week to enable them to
opening his will
.
:
OEGANiZATION OF THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT. complete the case.
and a deep interest
Mr. John Curts had long resided in this county, felt in the determination of the contest. For
was
the proponents of the will there ton,
Charles
M.
877
appeared Hon. B.
Harris, Jonathan Simpson,
J.
Hall, of Burling-
James H.
Stewart, and
For the complainants there appeared J. H. Jennings, of Illinois. Son, Thomas Hedges, and Mr. Hon. P. H. Smythe, Messrs. Tracy
&
and Hon. John J. Glenn, of Illinois. After the case was finally submitted to a jury, above stated, as contest, long a who, after a deliberation of two days, were unable to agree, and were Then a change of' venue was applied for, discharged by the court. Antrobus, of Burlington,
and the case sent to Faii-field, Jefferson county, Iowa, for
trial.
Not
long after, the attorneys, with the consent of all parties interested^
made an amicable adjustment of the matter by dividing the property.
By
this
decision
estate of his third, to
John Fredericks Curts received two-thirds of
all
the
deceased father, and the other heirs received the other
be divided
among them.
Thus
elided a contest
which gained
more notoriety than any case that had been tried in any of our courts for
many
years.
John Fredericks
still
lives
on the old home farm,
known as Bear Grove farm, happy, prosperous, and contented.
On
and beautified a private cemetery. In this spot repose the remains of his father, mother, and brother Horatio. On their graves he has erected three costly marble monuments, to mark the spot where rests all that remains of that father, mother, and brother, whom in life he loved so well. It is his constant care to adorn and beautify this place, and thus keep green the memories of his departed ones. May he long live to enjoy his surroundings, which he has so justly earned. an eminence near his house he has laid out
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT. assembly of the state, &st meeting of the commissioners met at Oquawka, the county seat, April 19, 1841, and organized a term of the county commissioners' court of Henderson county, by entering upon their records the In, accordance with said act of the general
the
foUoMnng proceedings
'HetoTrsm^County
}^«=""J« °f ^^^ County Commissioners: Court, Vol.
I.
"According to the provisions of an act of the general assembly of passed at the session commencing the first Mon-
the State of Illinois,
A.D. 1840, entitled 'An Act to EstabHsh the County an election was held at the different precincts of said county on the fifth day of April, 1841, when Preston Martin and Benjamin C. Coghill were duly elected county commissioners, who, day in December, of Henderson,'
HISTORY OP MEROEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
ST8
together with
James
C. Hutchinson,
who had
previously been elected
county commissioner of Warren
county, and being included in the new county of Henderson was retained in office by said act, met at the
town of Oquawka, the county seat of said county of Henderson, on Monday, the nineteenth day of April, 1841, agreeable to a further provision of the above-recited
act, to
missioners' court therein provided
and Benjamin
hold a term of the county comand the said Preston Martin
for,
C. Coghill, being duly qualified as the
ceeded to business." Alfred Knowles,
who had
at said election
law
directs, pro-
been elected clerk of
the
county commissioners' court, filed his bond and was duly qualified. "William D. Henderson, who was elected sheriff of said county at the
same time, was duly qualified as sheriff. John McKinney, recorderwas likewise duly qualified as recorder of the county. Then after transacting some routine business adjourned until the following day, when it again convened for the transaction of business. On this day an order was entered of record for a venire for the first grand jury that convened in the county. As these names are among the early settlers of the county, and are composed of a class that wUl ever be remembered as pioneers of sterling worth, whose examples ia life are worthy of being imitated, we give the list in full: Isaac Grenshaw, James Scott, William Rhodes, Edward E.. Adams, Sidney Owens, Matthew Findley, Michael Crane, Daniel Drew, Frederick Davidson, George P. Rice, Obadiah Edmunds, Joseph Watson, Isaiah J. Brook, S. S. Leet, Jonathan Perkins, James Jamison,. Hugh Lee, John R. McQuown, William L. Stockton, Samuel W. Lynn, Thomas D. Wells, Ebenezer Chapin, .Jesse L. EUett. These were men of sterling qualities, well qualified by nature to perform the duties of pioneers, who would lay properl}' the foundations of society in a new country. The most of these men have gone, after attaining an honored old age, and left bright examples of a well-spent life to be imitated by those who have succeeded them. A few of this list still reside among us, elect,
with lives bounteously lengthened out in order that they might behold the almost magicial prosperous change in the country of their
At this first meeting of the commissioners of the county, Phelps and Alexis Phelps, the proprietors of the town of Oquawka, in compliance with the conditions of the location of the county seat at Oquawka, as set forth in the act of the general assembly, presented to the board a deed, conveying to the county 200 town lots, cxf average value of the lots in the town of Oquawka, for the purpose adoption.
Stephen
S.
of erecting public county buildings from the proceeds of the sale of the
same.
OBGAiriZATION OF THE COUNTV GOVEENMENT.
881
meeting of the board, that the first saloon Henderson county John A. Lynn, thus, for the license was issued for sum of twenty-five dollai'S, being authorized to vend at retail in Oquawka intoxicating liquors, without having attached the dangers that beset the dealers of to-day, by virtue of the provisions of the It
'
was
at this first
;
dram-shop
act.
same session of the board, William K. Jamiwho had been elected treasurer of the county, filed his bond and was qualified. The board appointed William D. Henderson collector The board also appointed Samuel of taxes for the current year. McDill assessor of the county for the same time. At a regiJar meeting of the board September 5, 1841, Joseph B. Jamison filed his bond as school commissioner and was duly qualified. William 0. Eice who was elected county surveyor at the same time as At this meetother county officers were elected, was duly qualified. ing of the board Thomas McDjll, William Graham and James Jamison were appointed trustees of school lands for township No. ION., 6. West. Jeremiah Baker, John Hopkins and William P. Toler were appointed to Uke offices for township 12 N., 4 West. Thomas M. Bonham, WHbura Walker and Joseph DeHague were appointed to like offices for township 9 N., 6 West. Peter Nichols, Obadiah Edmunds and John i
April 21, 1841, at the
son,
A. Smith were appointed to like offices for township 8 N., 5 West.
George
W. Penney and George Huston
were township 8 N., 4 West. Alexander Rankin, Frederick Davidson and John Pogue were appointed to like offices for township 9 ISr., 4 West. Abner Drew, John Bay and T. Morgan were Asahel Johnson,
appointed to like offices for
township 10 N., 6 West. Matthew FindThaddeus Eames were also appointed to like offices for township 11 N., 5 West.
appointed to like offices for ley,
At
this
Gircuit
meeting the clerk of the county court and the clerk of the
court were authorized to procure seals for their respective offices,
county commissioners court to be an and that for the circuit court to be the temple of meeting of the board the first action was taken look-
the design of the seal for the
Indian in a canoe, liberty.
At
this
ing to the erection of
a court-house, as appears by the following order
" Ordered, that the clerk give public notice that on the 28th day of October the commissioners will contract at public sale for the delivery of 175,000 of brick and 227 perch of stone in the town of Oquawka, on lot Nos. 13 and 16 in block 58 one-half of the brick to be delivered the first of July next, the other half by the twentieth of the same month the stone to be delivered by the middle of April next. entered of record
:
;
;
Also twenty-two 50
window frames and
six door frames."
HISTORY OF MEECER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
882
this time the first ferry license was granted by the board, to maintain a ferry across the Mississippi river at BurHngton, and keep land on the east bank of said river at any accessible point, to Iowa, to not however to trespass upon the established rights Mauro, "William H. ferrying at the same point. in of others engaged of the board of commissioners August 15, 1842; Called meeting proceedings were had: the court proceeded to open and the following received for building the court-house, according proposals compare the previously given, and Alexis Phelps offered to do the work to a notice sum of which was the lowest offer; it is thereproposed for the $1,219, Phelps have the sum of $1,219 for laying the fore ordered that Alexis walls and putting on the roof of said court-house, and that he receive payment therefor eight months after the work is done, and if not then
At
paid to receive eight per cent until paid. Said Phelps filed his bond, with James Ryason and Samuel Darnell for sureties, for the completion Ordered further that the foregoing contract is approved of the work.
by the court, and filed by the clerk in his office. James C. Hutchinson continued to hold the office of county commissioner until the September term of the commissioners' court, when he was succeeded by Francis J. C. Peasley, who held the office until September, 1842, when he was succeeded by Michael Crane, who, with commissioners Martin and Coghill, constituted the board until Septemwhen Mr. Coghill was succeeded by Isaiah Brook. The court
ber, 1843,
remained thus constituted until September,. 1844, when Wilham CousIn September, 1845, Ira Miller succeeded Michael Crane. In September, 1846, Matthew Findley and Jeremiah Rose succeeded Brook and Cousland. In September, 1849, Ebenezer Chapin succeeded Matthew Findley, and Charles S. Cowan having been elected clerk succeeded Alfred Knowles. In September, 1848, Matthew Findley succeeded Ira Miller, and the board thus constituded continued imtil December, 1849, when the county government was organized under the new constitution. Township organization has not been adopted in this county, but the old system of county government is still maintained, the county being land succeeded Preston Martin on the board.
divided into precincts for election purposes, and the county govern-
ment composed of a board of
manage the affairs of the county. This constituted the county govern ment until the adoption three commissioners,
of the constitution in 1848, when, under a provision of which, the general
assembly of the
state
passed an act in relation to the government of coun-
by which each county elected a county judge and two associate justices of the peace, who were directed to hold a regular term of court for the transaction of county business, on the first ties,
in force April 13, 1849,
;
cmctriT COURT of the county.
883^
Mondays of Marcli, June, September, and December, in each year the county judge being authorized and directed to hold a probate term of court on the third Monday of each month for the transaction of business pertaining to the estates of
pose of attending jurisdition.
to all
The two
voters of the
cases that
deceased persons, and for the pur-
might
arise
under general probate
associate justices of the peace so elected
by the
county at large, were county justices of the peace, and
whole county. The was likewise ex-officio justice of the peace for the entire On the third day of December, 1849, William C. Kice, county. county judge, Daniel Edmunds, and George "W. Penny, associate justices of the peace, and Charles S. Gowan, clerk of the county court, filed their respective bonds, and were qualified for the offices to which The court thus constituted, organized and prothey had been elected. Robert Cronov'er, county treasceeded to the transaction of business. urer, took the oath of office, and his bond was fixed at $2,000. At were vested with justices' jurisdiction for the county judge
meeting of the court. Earl Frizzell, a revolutionrry soldier, pre-
this
by the war department, to secure a United States government, and after complying with
sented his declaration, as required
pension from the
by law, the court issued the required cerAt the December term, 1850, of the county court, Boothe JTettleton, who had been elected sheriff, filed his bond, took the oath the requirements prescribed
tificate.
and entered upon the discharge of his duties. company having been organized under an act of the general assembly, April 19, 1851, under the name of the "Burlington and Warren Plank Eoad Company," for the purpose of constructing a plank road across the Mississippi river bottom, from Hopper's mills, in Henderson county, to a point on the river bank opposite the city of Burlington, Iowa, the county court, at its September term, 1850, granted said company a license to run a ferry across the river froih a point where their plank road touches the river on the east bank, to the city of Burlington, upon paying into the county treasury the sum of $10. At the December term of the county court, 1852, Samuel P. MaGaw, sheriff elect of the county, filed his bond and was duly qualified. of
office,
A
CIRCUIT COURT OF
THE COUNTY.
Henderson county was, on its organization, in the fifth judicial and the first term of the circuit court was held in Oquawka,
circuit,
May
28, 1841, in
street,
a store-room belonging to Col. Patterson, on Second
near the present location of the brick block of Eobert Moir.
Hon. Stephen A. Douglas presided as judge, John S. Pollock, clerk, William D. Henderson, sheriff, and H. L. Bryant, state's attorney pro
HISTORY OF MEECEK
884 tem. the
At
first
this
AND HENDEESON
term Henry B. Harbinson
coroner of the county.
a judge, lawyer, and statesman,
Of it is
filed his
COUNTIES.
bond and
quaUfied as
the character of Judge Douglas as needless here to speak. His char-
and achievements, both on the bench and in the national councils, have passed into history and when passion and prejudice shall have had their day, and the impartial historian shall take up his pen, the record shall then assign the name of Stephen A. Douglas its time place in the list of statesmen and jurists of our country. Judge Douglas acter
;
continued to preside in our circuit until the November term, 1843, when he was succeeded by Jesse B. Thomas, who continued to preside
November
term, 1845. Kichard M. Young succeeded Judge June term, 1845, and then Norman H- Purple came to preside in this circuit, and continued until the June term, 1848, when he was succeeded by William Minchell, who held the ^ame position until the September term, 1851, when Onias C. Skinner, of the county of Adams, who had been elected by virtue of an act of the general assembly of the state, passed in pursuance of a provision of the constitution adopted in 1848, dividing the state into judicial circuits, and until the
Thomas
at the
providing for the election of judges by yote of the people, became
judge of this circuit, and continued to preside with signal ability at each term of the court in this county until the year 1855. Judge Skinner won a deserved reputation as a learned and upright judge, and soon after retiring from the circuit bench he was elected to fill a place on the supreme bench from the central grand division of the state, where he fulfilled the expectations of his legal friends and maintained the high character he had so justly won. Judge Skinner died at his home in Quincy about three years ago, his death being caused by having been thrown from his carriage by a frightened team while riding through the street near his residence. Hezekiah M. Wead, of Peoria county, next held court in this county for one year, when John S. Thompson, of Mercer county, was elected in his place, and continued to preside as judge of our circuit court until 1861, when he resigned, and Aaron Tyler, of Knox county, was appointed by the Grovernor to fill the unexpired terna for which Judge Thompson had been elected. Judge Thompson came upon the bench •with but little legal experience at the bar, but the possession of a sound legal mind, great industry and an unfaltering determination to deal justly with all questions submitted to him for adjudication, enabled him to discharge the arduous duties devolving upon him with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the legal friends with ciated.
whom he
His decisions and rulings while on the bench bore
scrutiny of the higher court,
when taken
there for review.
asso-
well the
CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY. In 1861 Charles B. Lawrence, of
WaiTen
885
county, was elected judge.
Of him we need only say that he brought to the disch^-rge of his judicial duties that ripe scholarship, that well trained judicial mind, that has made for him a place in the front ranks of the legal profession in the
This circuit was favored with his and also in the entire west. administration until the year 1864, when he was elected
state
able judicial
supreme court from the northern grand division of the At the election of 1864 John S. Thompson was again elected judge to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of Judge Lawrence, and continued to preside until he was succeeded by Ai'thur A. Smith, who was elected in 1868. Judge Smith was a resident of Knox county, and had served in the army as a lieutenant-colonel of the 83d reg. 111.
judge of the state.
Vol.,
and has .been twice elected to fill the position of judge of the cirwhich Henderson county is eihbraced, and still continues to
cuit in
preside as circuit.
cuit
who compose the judiciary of the and repeated choice of the voters of the cir-
one of the three judges
This long service
speaks louder in behalf of his merited popularity with the people
of his circuit
than any eulogy that can be written in this brief review.
In 1877 the general assembly passed
an act re-organizing the
judi-
and Henderson county with Warren, Kaox, Hem*y, Mercer, and Eock Island counties, became the tenth jadicial circuit, entitled to elect three judges. Judge George W. Pleasants, being the judge of the circuit in which Rock Island county was embraced, and residing in that county, became one of the judges of this circuit, and at the election held in August, 1877, John J. Glenn was elected as the associate of judges Pleasants and Smith. Judge Glenn is a resident of Warren county, and brought to the discharge of his cial circuits
throughout the
judicial duties
industry
state,
large experience at the bar, a clear analytical mind, great
and unquestioned integrity, which has
won
for
him
the confi-
and the warm esteem of his many friends. Although an active partisan he has never been accused of allowing his partisan predilections to sway his judicial decisions, but has sought to' hold the scales of justice in equal poise for each and all men aUke. Judge Pleasants, in 1877, was designated as one of the judges of the appellate court of the first district, composed of Cook county, and upon his re-election in 1879, "was again designated as one of the judges of the appellate court for the second district, composed of all the counties of the northern grand division except Cook county, which position he now fills with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the members of the bar, and the public generally. I shall not be accused, I know, of invidiousness by any who are acquamted with Judge Pleasants, when I speak of him as an ornament dence of the people of his circuit,
HISTOEY OF MEECEB AlfD HENDEE80N COUJSTtES.
886
to his profession,
and a judge possessed of rare
judicial ability.
His
legal attainments, his clear, discriminating mind, are all of the highest
Always
order.
self-possessed
arguments that do not
upon the bench, patient with wearisome
instruct, ever
ready to
listen to
any suggestions
or authority presented by counsel, he possesses that rare faculty of eliminating from a case before him, almost by intuition, all extraneous
and coming
once to the true issues to be determined, and upon which to base a judgment, his reasons are so convincing that few suitors go from his court dissatisfied with his adjudications. It is to be regretted that his health is impaired, and all join in the hope that his pliysical strength may be renewed, and that he may be spared yet for many years to grace the position which he now so ably and worthily fills. In 1879 jugdes Smith, Pleasants and Glenn were elected for a full term, and matter,
at
when he has reached a
still
legal conclusion in a case
hold the courts of this
circuit.
POLITICAL PARTIES.
At
the formation of the county the political parties were divided
whig and democratic, as understood in the national divisions, the whig party having about 200 majority in the county. There were during the early history of parties a small number of radical into
anti-slavery
men
in the county,
who could
not subscribe to the doctrines
held by either of the other parties on the slave question, and held
Too
aloof from their organizations.
feeble in
numbers
to effect the
having but little countenance or support anywhere in this state or the west, they bore the reproach everywhere heaped upon the head of a man who dared declare that slavery was wrong, and that
object desired,
the onward
march of events and the light of
early downfall. all
hope of
To be an
political
civilization proclaimed
its
was
to abdicate
advancement, and aU claims upon the
suffrages of
abolitionist in those days
voters at the polls.
The war with Mexico and the
lai'ge acquisition
of territory on our
part as the price of peace, the agitation consequent upon the passage
of the compromise measures of 1850
by
congress, aroused the atten-
tion of the people of this county as well as those of other sections, and
Henderson coimty, which for and contested at the polls for public
led to the formation of a third party in
the
first
time entered the
favor in 1862, under the
field
name
of the "free soil" party.
,
These
dis-
tinctive organizations continued until the formation of the republican
party in 1856, which was composed of the bulk of the defunct whig party and. the anti-slavery element combined. This new party in the presidential
campaign of that year, under the candidacy of John
C.
887
i-owNs.
Since Fremont, contested with the democratic party for supremacy. repuhlican party's majority in the county upon all test
that time the
ranged from 100 to 300. that the small anti-slavery element cast a few votes by
votes has
It is true
way of protest in the yeai" 1848, and the organization denominated the "blow nothing," or American party, made some show of strength at the polls in the
year 1854, but
all
became
these fragments
finally con-
day in 1856. From 1856 to the present time the republican party, when an issue has been sharply made, has usually had about 350 majority in the county. Bohdated with one or the other of the great parties of the
TOWNS. The town of Oquawka was laid out in 1836, by Alexis Phelps and brother, Stephen S. Phelps, who purchased a claim and improvement that had been made upon the grounds now occupied
his
by the town. Oquawka owes its name to the Indians with it was a noted point in their travels and tribal convocations. word
said to signify the
is
whom The
lower end or termination of the Yellow
Banks, the point indicated being situated at the termination of a series of high
sand bluifs along the river, extending at intervals to a point
above the town of
New Boston,
the laying out of the portance,
town
it
at
Upon eighteen miles above Oquawka. once became a place of commercial im-
a large trade centering upon
and
its levees.
It
was
for
many
opening of railroads revolutionized trade, the shipping point for a large country around, including Warren, Knox and a part of Mercer counties. Extensive warehouses lined the river landing in which the products of the surrounding country was in the winter years,
stored, to
until the
await the opening of navigation in the spring,
ments would begin for St. Louis and
New
when
ship-
Orleans, about the only two
Goods shipped from eastmarket came generally by way of Pittsburgh and the Ohio river to Cairo, and thence up the Mississippi to our landing. Some shipments of heavy goods were made by sea to New Orleans and up the river. Upon the opening of the Illinois and Michigan canal a new route was opened by Erie canal, and lakes, thence to the Illinois river and up the Mississippi. Oquawka contained, in 1852, about market points relied upon at early periods. ern cities for this
1,800 population, but has since fallen off, so that at
many
present than 1,000.
it
contains n6t
other towns and
more
she in an
Like and under the guidance of bad counsel, encumbered herself with burdensome debts, beyond her ability to liquidate, which resulted cities,
evil hour,
in the necessity
of levying taxes that
busiaess of the place,
and
capital,
became burdensome upon the
alarmed
at the future prospects, fled
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
888
JOST)
HENDEESON
C0UIITIE8.
the town to avoid taxation, while manufacturing and other enterprises sought more favored localities. The debts thus incurred were first the
bonds to the amount of $10,000, to aid in the construction of "Washington and Oquawka Plank Road," an enterprise in the
issue of
the
state of
Iowa, the projected plank road terminating at a point on the Oquawka. The corporation and the road long ago were
river opposite
counted among the things of the past, and remembered only as a warn* ing to others to avoid like follies. The next enterprise in which the authorities of the town took stock, and thus added burdens to those already borne, was in May, 1857,
when
the issue of $25,000 of bonds
was secured to pay Messrs. Phelps and Jamison for work and labor performed on that part of the Peoria & Oquawka railroad lying between the town of Sagetown and Oquawka. The "work and labor" consisting of partially grading the line between these two points, the people being led to believe that in so doing they would secure railroad facilities by connection with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy hne. But it proved a failure. The people incurred the indebtedness without any guaranty of a return for their money, and the debt is to-day outstanding and will be left as a legacy to the next generation. These debts, together with the share of the county indebtedness which the
town has to pay, makes the burden a heavy
Of the towns July
9,
in this county
Oquawka
is
one.
the oldest.
It
was
laid out
Sumner S. Phelps. before any additions were attached, was comprised of
1836, by the brothers, Alexis Phelps and
Its territory,
fractional Sees. 15
and 22, T. 11
K, E.
5,
W.
of the 4th P. M., as shown
by the records of Warren county. Vol. II, p. 344. WiUiam C. Butler was the surveyor for the proprietors. In the deed of dedication the proprietors, in addition to liberal reservations of lots for school pur-
poses, set apart and dedicated for use of the Methodist Episcopal,
Baptist and Presbyterian churches, eligible and valuable lots for the' erection of church
edifices.
Some
years subsequently
Swarts laid out two additions to the town, upon the east
Abram
D.
side.
In order of date, the next town laid out in the county was the town of Shokokon, upon the Mississippi river, about five miles below the city of Burlington, Iowa. The original proprietor of this town was
Eobert McQueen, who laid it out July 16, 1836, on the N. W. i of Sec. 27, T. 9 N., E. 6 W., as will be seen by referring to the records of Warren county, Vol. II, p. 344. John B. Talbott was employed as surveyor. Although a fine and fertile country lay adjacent to this town, it did not prove a success. The river at this point proved, to be too shallow for steamers, except at times of high water, the channel or deep water running near the Iowa shore, thus leaving this town
TOWNS.
889
It, however, became upon a slough, with but poor shipping facilities. a great point for lumber, annually rafted down from the Wisconsin
pineries, Its
and finding a market in the country lying east of Shokoton.
population never exceeded 300.
The town of Olena was laid out by Eobert Kendall August 14, on See. 11, T. 9 K, R. 5 W., and the record of the survey by Benjamin Thomkins is recorded in Warren county, in Vol. II of This town is situated near the geographical center records, p. 215. 1838,
of the county, in flourishing It
and contains a population of about 300. It is situated farming country, and is the center of considerable trade.
has no railroad facilities.
Wolf
creek, a small stream, flows west-
ward near this place.
Warren, laid out March 25, 1840, by Lambert Hopper, on the N.
W. i and
the
N. E. j of
Sec. 8, T. 9
town will be found recorded in
IST.,
E. 5
W.
The
plat of this
Warren
county, Vol. VII, of records, p. the surveyor. Some years later Josiah
Benjamin Thomkins was 345. Dunn laid out an addition to this town. At one time during the lifetime of its enterprising proprietor this town carried on quite an extensive trade. A good flouring mill and a woolen factory drew trade and business from a long distance. The land in the immediate vicinity is of a poor quality, the mills have been allowed to run down since the death of the proprietor, and its former prosperity has in a measure disappeared. Dallas City, lies partly in Henderson and partly in Hancock county. That part in Henderson county lies in the extreme southwest of the county, Sec. 35, T. 8 N., 7 W. It is a flourishing town of about 500 iahabitants. The Carthage and Burlington division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad passes through this town. The town has a fine landing for steamers, which carry away large shipments of produce from the suiTOunding country. It is a neatly built place, upon the bluif front, facing the river. Its population are intelligent and enterprising, and carry on an extensive business in general trade and lumber. Among its enterprising citizens we may here make mention of John M. Finch, who was one of its original proprietors and who still continues to reside in his early home, active as in his boyhood days, allowing no enterprii^e to be undertaken for the improvement of his town without giving it his active aid and support. The town has two churches and its schools receive the active and intelligent support of its citizens and are kept up to a high standard. The town was laid out and surveyed August 11, 1849, by William H. Eollinson and John M. Finch J. Wilson Williamson was the surveyor employed. The
R
;
HISTOET OF MERCER iLND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
890
record of the survey and deed will be found in Vol. IV,
p.
176 of record
of deeds in Henderson county.
The town of Terre Haute
is
situated in the prairie region of the
IST., R. 5 W. It was surveyed and platted by William C. Rice, surveyor, March 27, 1854, and the plat recorded in Vol. VHI, p. 184 of records in Henderson county. It contains about 250 inhabitants and is the center of considerable trade. It has no railroad or river facilities for shipping, Lomax station, on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad,, being its principal
county, on Sees. 20, 21, 28 and 29, T. 8
It is the center of a rich farming country and surrounded by lands of extraordinary fertility. East Burlington lies upon the bank of the Mississippi opposite the city of Burlington, Iowa. It was laid out March 12, 1855, on Sec. 33, T. 10 N., R. 6 "W., by A. D. Green, as trustee for the proprietors, Maj. A. N. Armstrong, acting as surveyor. Prior to the construction of the railroad to that point, it had a small population, but after that
point of shipment.
time, with the erection of the railroad bridge leading to the city of
Burlington, the business of the place was transferred mainly to the opposite side of the river,
railroad
made
company have
and
little
remains of the former
Itown.
The
upon the ground, and Large sums of money have been
erected large stock yards
other extensive improvements. expended in grading up the river front to a point above highi water mark. At this point the Carthage division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad forms a junction at the east end of the bridge with the main line. The land back of, and eastward from the town, is low and cut up with slo.ughs, and nearly the whole is subject to over-
flow for miles inland during the river floods. Biggsville is situated on Sees. 16, 17, 20, 21, T. 10 N., R. 4 W., upon South Henderson creek, and was laid out by Andrew Douglass and Samuel Douglass, October 3, 1855, William McChesney, surveyor.
now contains about 550 inhabitants. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad runs through this place. The town is surrounded by the finest quality of farm lands, which are kept in a high state of cultivation. The town contains three churches, one United Presbyterian, one Methodist Episcopal, and one Cumberland Presbyterian, all of which have a large membership of highly intelligent christian people. The schools of the town have always been its particular pride, and have been of a high order. The citizens have reason to look with pride upon their churches and schools. Near this town resides a gentleman whose business success in life deserves at least a brief mention. David Rankin is a man still on the sunny side of three score years, who has his home about fout miles south of Biggsville, upon his farm It
TOWNS.
891
He
began life a poor farmer boy near the of almost countless acres. place where now his fine residence stands, and by industry, persever-
by step and herds seemed almost marvelous.
ance and an extraordinaiy business capacity, he gained step Tintil
his possessions in lands
large tracts of land along the Illinois Central railroad, and operated them successfully then extending his enterprises westward he invested largely in lands in Atchison county, in the State of Missouri, which he improved and stocked with swarming hei'ds of cattle, laid out the town of Tarkio, which has filled with an At active population, and is rapidly rising in business importance. this point he has established a national bank which has proved a comIn addition to these enterprises he has purchased and plete success. is operating a vast ranche in the State of Colorado, upon which his immense herds of native and Texas cattle are fattened for market. These vast enterprises, besides many smaller ones, he manages and supervises himself, showing himself a veritable Napoleon in his line* of In all his various and extended enterprises and his large business. transactions, he has so conducted his business as to gain the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been surrounded. His integrity is never called in question, and his employes find him a kind hearted
He purchased inDlinois,
;
and just employer. In this town also resides Preston Martin, an aged citizen of the county,
who has been
identified with its history
fi'om its organization.
One
and
its
development
of the earlier commissioners of the county
and afterward associate justice of the county court, he fiUed each
oflSce
and with credit to himself. A man of unswerving integrity, with a high moral standard, he justly won the esteem of his fellow citizens, and the high regard of all. This town at present with fidelity to the people
writing is contending for the locating of the seat of justice within
her
The canvassing of^the vote of the county for the election to be held in November goes on with great earnestness. The advocates of removal to Biggsville claiming that tlieir town is nearer the geographical center of the county, and therefore it is for the interest of borders.
the county to secure the
county buildings at this point.
Gladstone (formerly Sagetown),
was
laid out
by Gideon Sage, May
15 and 16, T. 10 N., E. 5 W., James R. White surThe town is situated on the Chicago, Burlington Quincy
16, 1856, in Sees.
veyor.
&
The Galva branch of the same road terminates at this point fi-om the north. The town contains about 400 inhabitants. At this point is located the Excelsior sugar refinery, a large and costly estabhshment, owned principally by Amos T. Hall, of Chicago. It seems not to have been a success so far, although the works and machinery raihoad.
fflSTORY OF
892
MEECEE AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
Some glucose has been manufactured, the owners of the premises are preparing the works for working sorghum cane, of which the surrounding country produces largely. are of the most elaborate kind.
but
now
Gideon Sage, the original proprietor of this town, although far advanced in years, still resides here, hale and hearty, and bids fair to yet renew his lease of life and outstrip in the race many a younger competitor. The town has one Catholic, one Presbyterian, and one Methodist church, and is well provided with school-buildings. Karitan, a
town
in the southeastern part of the county, was laid
out by Isaac V. Kelley and James Hixton April 16, 1856, in Sees.
10,
14 and 15, T. 8 K., E. 4 "W., James R. White acting as surveyor The record of its plat and survey may be found for the proprietors. recorded in Vol. XII of deeds, p. 265, Henderson county. It is a 11,
beautiful
and thriving
village.
Situated in the midst of an undulating,
surrounded by finely improved farms in a high state of cultivation, upon which means have been lavishly expended in the erection of fine buildings, this place presents an attractive appearance.
fertile prairie,
The houses of the town
are of a neat and
commodious
so neatly kept in all their surroundings that they
tell at
structure,
and
once the char-
acter of its inhabitants.
Although possessing no near railroad or river facilities for shipon a large trade in merchandise and stock and agricultural products. Eoseville and Laharpe stations are theii" nearest ping, they yet carry
railroad points.
One
will hardly find in
days of travel anywhere a
town svirrounded by so many natural advantages, and which such thrift, unaided by artificial means.
Among
the enterprising business
men
of this place I
may
exhibits
mention
William Tharp and Robert Barnes, but space prevents the naming of Mr. Tharp has others equally enterprising and deserving of mention. an extensive store, filled with a general stock of merchandise, which he purchases in Chicago and eastern cities. Making his own selections and purchasing from first hands when possible, he has been enabled to offer his numerous customers their supplies at such rates as to leave no inducement on their part to go to larger places to make their purchases. By energy and business tact, by fair dealing and unquestioned integrity, he established a business of great magnitude, and won for himself an enviable reputation. He is still a young man, with the ability to grow and advance with the enterprising and thrifty people by whom he is surrounded. Robert Barnes began business here a few years ago. From small transactions at sales are
first
his business has increased until at the present his
very large.
His. stock embraces almost every article of
TOWNS. necessity or
luxury required
893
by the customers with
whom
he
deals.
Besides a general stock of merchandise, a line of agricultural machinIn ery suited io all the wants of the country is carried in large stock. addition to his mercantile business
he
editor of the "Raritan Bulletin," a
which
is
the proprietor, publisher and
weekly newspaper of
fair size,
and constantly gaining in circulation. It is indethings, and deserves the success that has thus far
ably edited
is
pendent in attended
all
it.
The town contains four churches Dutch Reformed, Baptist, MethIt has two hotels. odist, and Roman Catholic. Lynn, on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, of The town laid Gladstone, was out by Ezekiel W. Lynn on Sec. 10, T. adjoining 1858. It was surveyed by James R. White. 10 N., 5 W., June 28, will found in Yol. XV, p. 213, of deeds, in be The plat and record :
Henderson county. 'The town of September
XXIV,
3,
Carman was
of deeds, p. 344,
and
platted by Joseph Carman, W., and recorded in Vol. Henderson county. It is situated on the laid out
1870, in Sec. 2T, T. 9
IST.,
6
hne of Carthage Division of the Chicago, Burlington
&
Quincy
rail-
one mile froni the Mississippi river, and c'ontains a popuShokokon lies between this town and the river. of about 300.
road, about lation
Carman
is
a flourishing town, and the center of a large grain trade.
Large quantities of corn are annually stored at this point for distribution to the different
markets.
It is five miles
by
railroad to Burlington,
About two miles east John Fredericks Curts, on his place known as the "Bear Grove" farm, of which further mention will be made in this sketch. Near this place many of the earlier settlers of the county found a home. Alfred Knowles and Dr. Freeman Knowles came from the State of Maine soon after the laying out of the town of Shokokon, in 1836. They remained for a short time upon lands they had entered. The fever and ague, the pest of our bottom lands at that time, was more than they could successfully contend with, and they removed to more healthy locations, Dr. Knowles going to the town of Keokuk, Iowa, which then contained but a few hundred inhabitants, where his priactiee grew with the growth of that thriving city. He became one of Iowa, and about fifteen miles to the county seat. of this place resides
the professors in the after
to
medical college of that place. He died in 1880, His brother, Alfred, removed
a successful professional career.
Oquawka, where, upon the organization of the county, he became In 1855 he removed to the city of Galesburg, this
county clerk.
where he still resides. The last town laid out in the county is Lomax, on the Chicago, Bur-
state,
HISTOEY OF MEEOEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
894 lington
& Quincy railroad.
It
was
laid out
by Kobert Lomax, May 11
K,
K. 6 W., J. Wilson Williams acting as surveyor plat and deed recorded in Yol. I, of plats, p. 64, Henderson At this point there has been a railroad station and business county. Prior to the opening of the railroad, William point for many years. 1882, in Sec. 16, T. 8 ;
owned and cultivated a was located and a station established The senior Lomax. at the point where the town is now laid out. errected a dwelling and store, and also other buildings at the station, so that in fact it became quite a town years before any town was marked The proprietor had resided on the place for out in a regular way. many years in fact he was among the early settlers of the county, and owned this valuable property before railroads came to further enhance
Lomax, the
father of the present proprietor,
large farm, through which the road
.
;
its
value.
Although the population of the town is small, it has become an imLarge shipments of cattle, hogs and grain are made at this station, and there is no reason why this should not, in portant shipping point.
in the near future, with such an enterprising business
man
as
its
pres-
The elder Lomax died in the year 1879, at an advanced age, loved and respected by all who knew him. He had lived to see the frontier upon which he had He had, as a citisettled become a cultivated, populous community. ent proprietor,
zen,
lent his
become a
aid to
advancement of the
flourishing town.
advance every
1
audible undertaking
interest of the county.
as associate justice in our county court,
discharge the duties of his
office.
He had
and well and
With hands
for
the
served four years faithfully did he
clear of official corrup-
with consciousness of having performed his duty, he retired from and his remaining years were made pleasant with the kindest regards of his fellow citizens. His worthy son Robert succeeds him tion,
office
and business established by his father. The position has The father's wishes and plans wUl now be carried out by the son. Possessing youth, vigor and fine business capacity, he still retains that same modesty of character and' moral conviction that endeared his father to the people among whom he in the estate
fallen to able hands.
Mr. Lomax is at present, as will be seen elsewhere in this sketch, one of the commissioners of the county. Just north of this place the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad forms a junction with the Chicago, Burlington & Quinty railroad, and over the track of the latter runs on lived.
to the city of Burlington.
—
!
!
KEWSPAPEES.
895
NEWSPAPERS. The
newspaper published in the county was the "Oquawka founded by Col. John B. Patterson, in the month of Febru-
first
Spectator,"
Oquawka, who issued the first number in February of that was neutral in politics, and issued weekly continuously to Its founder, Col. Patterson, is still its editor and the present time. jffoprietor, and bids fair to continue its management for many years to Since the foundation of the paper, E. H. IST. Patterson, a son come. of the present editor, was for many years associated with his father as The latter severed his connection with the paper in the junior editor. year 1859, and with the great ai-my of gold seekers who set their faces westward, left his native state and took up his abode in the then Mining was not to his taste. He was posterritory of Colorado. sessed of a fine intellect and was a brilliant writer. These qualities could not long be concealed and he was induced to attach himself to the editorial staff of the "Colorado Miner," one of the leading papers of the state, in which position he gained high rank by the ability he displayed in his editorials. He, in a short time, became one of the proprietors of the paper and its chief editor, in which position he died in the month of April, 1880, at Denver, Colorado. He married, in 1851, Laura Phelps, the daughter of Stephen S. Phelps, one of the founders of the town of Oquawka. His wife died in the year 1867, leaving three children Harry N. Mattie, and Norman. Not only as a newspaper writer did the subject of this sketch exhibit marked ability, but many of his publications in verse, as well as in prose, bore testimony of the peculiarly fine literary cast of his mind. A specimen is here quoted as illustrating the style of his writings, and the sentiments of its author. It was written nineteen years ago, and is now published for the first time. The original is in the possession ary, 1848, at
year.
It
:
,
of the writer: " "
THE PATRIOT MOTHER.
Dead No, no surely you do but mock me He's but sleeping — Why all these tears, this agony of mourning ? Why such weeping? Death has not come to rob me of the lad. 'Tis only gentle sleep — !
!
!
Deadlike perchance, in being dreamless
When
;
;
yet only slumber, wherefore
weep ?
the tocsin rung the battle blast, Charlie, brave boy, stepped out, Full panoplied, in triple armor clad his voice in the great freedom-shout Rising above all others louder, clearer, filled with grantieur of the Cause For which he fought his nation's constitution, the supremacy of its laws first
—
;
:
'Twas but as yesterday I saw him girding his loins for the fight. Conscious of victory, confident of success, because the Right. Ne'er
fell
before the opposing hosts of Treason's clan
Ne'er failed because
opposed by jaundiced Error's ban
— ;
896
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N OOUNTLES.
'
—
He lives his faith, example, deeds, Then say not he is dead Away with funeral weeds Will nerve his patriot-brothers' arms Charlie lives his spirit is away. I will not wear them In hottest battle ^men will feel its power death cannot mark him for its prev 'till peace resume her sway 'Till war shall cease in all the land And Treason's cloud obscure no more the brightness of the Nation's day." !
!
— —
!
—
;
should be stated that the "Spectator," which commenced
It
its
career as a neutral, was, in the year 1863, transformed into a democratic
organ of
its
party in the county, and to this time has been an advocate
of conservative democratic principles, through the long pilgrimage of Its venerable editor defeat to which its party has been subjected. stands high with his professional brethren and earns the esteem of
Ms
Few men have
wielded the editorial pen for so many consecutive years, as editor and proprietor of one newspaper. All his acquaintances join in wishing him many happy years of success in political opponents.
the path he has so long and successfully traveled. The " Oquawka Plaindealer" was the next newspaper enterprise
This was a weekly publication, commenced
started in the county.
July
24,
by
1852,
and so continued
Francis
March
until
Dallam,
A. 6,
1855,
editor
and
when Horace
proprietor,
Bigelow, Esq.,
purchased a half interest in the establishment; from that time until May 6, 1856, when Mr. Dallam sold his interest to James H. Keed. The firm of Reed & Bigelow continued the publication of the paper until May 1, 1857, when they sold the whole concern to J. K. Magie
and David Mitchell.
It
was whig
in politics at
after the defeat of Scott, in 1852,
drifting with the
1856,
when
it
wreck
it
its
commencement and
shared the fate of
its
party,
cast its fortunes with that organization, to which
afterward adhered.
and
until the formation of the republican party in
Magie
& Mitchell disposed
it
ever
of their interest and
the paper was next under the control of Lewis Leslie
;
then of M. H.
Jamison, when, under the editorial control of a Mr. Chamberlain, it was removed to Biggsville, in this county. Shortly after Chamberlaia
from the paper and Judson Graves became its editor. Subsequently Graves removed the paper to Kirkwood, in Warren county, retii-ed
when,
after a brief period,
Galesburg, in this
he again moved, and
this time to the city of
state.
The '^ CKpper" is a small weekly paper, established in BiggsviUe by M. M. Eowley, editor and proprietor, about the year 1874. It is repubKcan in politics, and still continues under its first management, and is meeting, as it deserves, with very fair success. Its editor is an excellent writer for such a paper and earns the deserved success he has enjoyed.
:
COUNTY OFFIOEES. The "Raritan Bulletin," a weekly paper, is published in the town in the southeast part of the county, by Eobert Barnes, as
f Earitan,
It was established in the year 1875. It is indeand is meeting with deserved success. Its editorials vince marked ability and its circulation is rapidly increasing. "The Henderson County Journal " was established in Oquawka by Ingene A. Hail, editor and proprietor, in the month of May, 1872. It In June, 1872, Mr. js,s a weekly paper and republican in politics. [ail, its editor, removed the establishment to Macomb, in McDonough ounty, in this state, where he continued its publication until August, 878, when he returned with his paper to this county and again comlenced its publication at the county seat, under the name of the 'Henderson County Journal," a weekly issue, devoted to the interests The paper is ably edited by Mr. Hail, its f the republican party. iroprietor, a gentleman of refinement and sterKng worth, and is provttg for its owner a good investment. All the papers here named have received not alone from their larty friends, but from the general pubHc of the county, a generous
and proprietor.
ditor
endent in politics
upport,
which bears evidence of the intelligence of the inhabitants.
COUNTY OFFICERS. The names of the county county
f the
lection or
is
shown
S.
Ifred
Dhn
Knowles
McKinney Rice
Cowden
i'illiam
Filliam Elliott Ifred
Knowles.
oseph B.
Jamison L D. Henderson rancis J. C. Peasley.
Jseph B. reston
Jamison
Martin
enjamin C. Coghill
.
.
Surveyor Probate Justice of the Peace State's Attorney Probate Justice of the Peace School Commissioner
April 17, 1841. April 22, 1841.
Aug.
2,
Sheriff
April
5,
1841.
Aug. Aug.
2,
1841.
2,
1841.
.County Commissioner School Commissioner
County Commissioner County Commsisioner
lichael
Crane
»hn F.
Morgan
Brooks Knowles Wilson M. Graham J.
Ifred
51
DATE.
April April April
D. Henderson. .Sheriflf
William C.
date of their
Clerk Circuit Court Clerk County CommisBioners' Court Recorder
i^illiam
aiah
tiie
OFFICE.
Pollock
filliam 0.
from the date of the organization
appointment
NAME. ohn
officers
in the following table, with
Rice
County Commissioner Coroner County Commissioner County Commissioner's Clerk Recorder Probate Justice of the Peace
5,
1841.
5, 1841.
17, 1841.
May
20, 1841.
June
30, 1841.
1841.
April "5, 1841.
April
5,
1841.
Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug.
1,
1842.
1, 1
842.
1,
1842.
7,
1843.
7,
1843.
7,
1848.
7,
1843.
HISTORY OF MEECEB AJW HENDEE80N COtTNTIES.
900 NAME.
OFFICE.
William E.Hopkins Alexander Marshall William Cousland S. S. Leet
School Commissioner
Julius Gifford
Sheriff
David B. Rice Ebenezer Chapin.
..'..Coroner .
County Commissioner County Commissioners' Clerk
.
Cowan
Harvey Russell Samuel Mitchell John S. Peasley Joseph B. Jamison A. N. Armstrong. ...i Robert S. Blackwell Matthew Findley William C. Rice Daniel Edmunds
.
S.
Cowan
County Treasurer Surveyor School Commissioner Coroner
James A. Maury John S. Pollock James H. Stewart Samuel P. McGaw James A. Maury
Coroner Clerk of the Circuit Court State's Attorney
Downey
Lambert Hopper John Logan Charles
S.
Cowan
George W. Connelly A. N. Armstrong.
Wm.
L. Stockton
Richard W. Richey Jonathan Simpson Richard W. Richey Asahel Johnson Melzer C. Paul
Cowan George W. Connelly Charles
Feb.
5, 1845.
S.
Garrett Nevins Jonathan Simpson George W. Cowden.
Sheriff
,
.Sheriff
,
Coroner County Judge. Associate Justice Associate Justice
.County Clerk Treasurer Surveyor .School Commissioner
,
County Judge School Commissioner County Judge Associate Justice Associate Justice
County Clerk County Treasurer County Surveyor School Commissioner Sheriff
,
Aug.
1846.
Aug.
1846.
.Aug.
1846.
Aug. Aug.
1847.
•
1846.
.Aug.
1847.
Aug. Aug. Aug.
1847,
1847.
.Aug.
1847.
Aug. Nov. Aug. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
County Commissioner .County Judge County Justice of the Peace County Justice of the Peace County Clerk
Robert Crownover A. N. Armstrong William McMillan Booth Nettleton. ... Booth Nettleton
Peter
.
Probate Justice of the Peace Recorder Treasurer School Commissioner ..Surveyor States Attorney
George W. Penny Charles
Sept, 12, 1844.
Coronor
County Commissioner County Commissioner
S.
7, 1843.
School Commissioner
Jamison Rose
Charles
7,1843.
Aug.
,
Sheriff
Matthew Findley
Jer.
...Aug.
County Commissioner
D. B. Rice J. B.
DATE.
Surveyor.-
1847.
1847.
1847. 1848. 6, 1849. 6, 1849. '
6, 1849.
6, 1849. 6, 1849. 6, 1849.
6, 1849.
Nov. Nov.
6, 1849.
Nov.
5, 1850.
Nov. Nov.
2, 1852.
.Nov.
2, 1852.
Nov.
2, 1852.
Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
8, 1853.
5, 1850.
2, 1852.
8, 1853.
8, 1853. 8, 1853. 8, 1853. 8, 1853.
Nov.
8, 1853.
Feb.
18, 1854.
Nov.
1855.
Nov.
3, 1857.
Nov.
3, 1857.
.Nov.
3, 1857.
Nov.
3, 1857.
Nov. Nov, Nov. Nov.
3, 1857. 3, 1857.
3, 1857. 2, 1858,
COUNTY OFFICERS. OFFICE.
NAME.
Wm.
Charles E. Birdsall J.
Eldridge Barnes
GJ«o.
W. Connelly
Wm.
B. Jamison.
DATE.
County Surveyor Coroner School Commissioner Assessor and Treasurer County Surveyor
Jamison
B.
901
Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
2,
1858.
2,
1858.
8,
,
1859.
8,
1859.
8,
1859.
Attorney
lames H. Stewart
State's
John M. Wilson
Sheriff
1860.
Hugh L. Thomson Z. D. Fanning Richard W. Richey
Clerk CHrcuit Court
I860..
Coroner County Judge Associate Judge Associate Judge County Clerk School Commissioner
Preston Martin
Wm. Hartford Wm. Hopkins J.
Eldridge Barnes
Wm. H. McChesney E. S. McAllister
E.
Eaper
Barnes
Isaac N. J.
Hartford.
.
.
Thomson James A. McKenzie
Hugh
...
".
County Surveyor County Clerk (appointed) County Clerk (elected) -Assessor and Treasurer School Commissioner
R. S. McAllister
J.
I860.. '.
Assessor and Treasurer
Moses McElhinney
Francis A.
1860.
L.
.Surveyor Clerk Circuit Court State's Attorney
Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Aug. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
Isaac N. J.
Hartford
Marion F. Button Simeon Donaldson
.County Clerk County Treasurer County Surveyor! County Superintendent of Schools
Simeon Donaldson Isaac N. J. Hartford
County Assessor Sheriff and Collector Coroner County Superintendent of Schools County Treasurer County Assessor County Surveyor
John A.
Superintendent of Schools
Wm. Bunger Hinton Park
Matthew H. Jamison Simeon Donaldson
Summers
loseph Braden
Harry F. McAllister. lames A. McKenzie loseph Brader
lonathan Simpson Richard W. Richey Pfeston Martin
Robert
W. Goddis
Roswell P. Randall
.Sheriff .
.'.
and
Collector
8,
1864.
8,
1864.
7,
1865.
.
.Nov.
Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
7,
1865.
7,
1865.
7, 1865. 7,
1865.
7,
1865.
7,
1865.
7,
1865.
6,
1866.
6,
1866.
Sept. 14, 1867.
Nov. Nov. Nov. Mar. -Nov.
5>
1867.
5, 1867. 5,
1867.
6,
1868.
3,
1868.
2,
1869.
Justice of the Peace
.Nov.
2,
1869.
Justice of the Peace
-Nov.
2,
1869.
iNov.
2,
1869.
Attorney
Sheriff
School Superintendent
County County County County
.
3, 1863..
3, 1863..
Nov. Nov. Nov. Aug. Nov.
.Clerk Circuit Court State's
_.
,
3, 1863..
1864.
Associate Justice .
5, 1861..
15, 1863.
1864.
Wm. Lomax Wm. H. Mills .
1861, 1861.
8,
Nov. Nov. Nov.
.
,
5,
1864.
County Judge
S. McAllister Simeon Donaldson
5,
8,
Cornelius D. Eltinge
Robert
1861.
.Nov.
Dec.
Associate Justice
1861.
5,
1863.
Coroner
Sheriff.
5,
3,
School Commissioner
Brainard
,
8,
Samuel H. Ruple Wm. ingerun
S.
1861.
5, 1861..
-Nov.
Nov. Nov.
Davis
5,
Judge
Superintendent of Schools
1868. 1868.
1868. 1869.
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COCIITIES.
902 NAME.
OFFICE.
D. C.
Hanna
Wm.
B. Jamison. ......
George Bell Daniel I. McMillan Jefferson H. Jenings. H. F. McAllister George Bell W. K. Smith William C. Rice D. Caswell HannaJohn A. Brook
Coroner State's Attorney Clerk of Circuit Court Sheriff
HoUiday
George Bell Sheriff Francis M. Jackson Coroner County Commissioner Isaiah J. Brook W. A. M. Crouch County Commissioner Joseph Allen County Commissioner Eli W. Smith County Treasurer William H. McChesney County Surveyor George Curry County Commissioner H. F. McAllister Clerk of Circuit Court James 0. Anderson .Sheriff Jefferson H. Jenings State's Attorney Millard F. Brown Coroner William C. Rice County Judge G. F. Wm. Froehlich. .County Clerk Eli W. Smith County Treasurer J. M. Akin Superintendent of Schools James Duke .County Commissioner Elijah Beal County Commissioner James 0. Anderson Sheriff Isaac P. Cowdon Coroner George Curry County Commissioner Adam B. Hamill County Treasurer Pitt K. Jagger County Surveyor Harry F. McAllister Clerk of Circuit Court James O. Anderson Sheriff Rauseldon Cooper State's Attorney James A. Caswell Coroner Samuel Pickering County Commissioner Robert A. Lomax County Commissioner Appleton Park .County Surveyor James M. Akin Superintendent of Schools
Nov. Nov. Nov, Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
:
'.
.
, .
.
Nov. Nov.
•
Nov.
Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
.
.
.
2,
.
•.
;
•
.
1869.
2, 1869. 8, 1870.
8, 1870.
1872.
Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
Coroner County Judge County Clerk.. .County Treasurer Superintendent of Schools County Commissioner County Commissioner County Commissioner
Joseph Allen Robert A. McKinley B.
Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
Sheriflf
James McArthur
John
DATE.
County Clerk .County Surveyor
1872. 1872.
1872. 4, 1873. 4, 1873. .
4, 1873.
4, 1873. 4, 1873. 4, 1873.
4, 1873. 3, 1874. 3, 1874.
3, 1874. 3, 1874. 2, 1875.
2, 1875. 2, 1875. 7, 1876. 7,
1876.
7, 1876. 7,
1876.
7, 1876. 6, 1877. 6, 1877. 6, 1877. 6, 1877. 6, 1877.
5, 1878. 5, 1878.
5, 1878. 4, 1879. 4, 1879.
Nov.
4, 1879.
Nov. Nov.
2, 1880.
Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
2, 1880.
.Nov.
8, 1881.
Dec.
5, 1881.
2, 1880.
2, 1880. 2, 1880. 8, 1881.
Among the old citizens of this county there is one who should not be overlooked in these brief biographies. It is the colored man commonly called "Nigger Dick," Eichard being his true name, and, like
;
COUNTY OFFICEES. lany others
who were
the cultivation
lid
the offspring of the slaVe system, he had but
one name, for family he
hat
903
had none.
The
and perpetuation of family
existence of slavery forties.
The
absence of
all
included in the family circle was essential to he perpetuation of what was termed, in the days of its power, the Eichard was born a slave in Greenville, •institution of slavery." hose sanctified relations
and chattel of Solomon Ehodes. was sold to John Billings. Mr. Billings ook Mm to the State of Missouri and sold him to Capt. "William *helps for the sum of $1,000, which, Dick remarked to the writer, va& more than the average white man would sell for in Missouri at Kentucky, in 1815, as the property
U the age
hat time.
of twelve years he
Capt. Phelps,
who
engaged at that time with
tnd
is
him
a brother of the late
S. S.
Phelps,
in the Indian trade, brought
Dick
Afterward Dick became a valuable assistant rith the Phelps brothers' in their Indian trade in Iowa and on the rontier. He at one time saved the family of S. S. Phelps, at their rading station in Iowa, irom death in their burning home. In doing 10 he risked his life, and was seriously injured by the explosion of pmpowder in the burning building. Ever afterward he was treated nth the greatest kindness by the Phelps brothers. He was always relcome in the families of the Plrelps brothers. In their trading ixpeditions in the west among the Indians, Dick was always their 'alned aid and faithful companion. For many years Dick enjoyed the ndts of his fidelity. He may be said to have been put on the retired ist, with pay and rations. Many are the good stories that are related Dick's expense, growing out, of journeyings among the red men. Hany a thrilling scene is related of his dealings with these natives whether in the deadly encounter, where personal bravery was a large actor in self-preservation, or in the swift race for life, where fleetness ad endurance were essential to success, Dick never found his superior, le possesses rare natural abilities. Although the child of slavery, he
Oquawka with him.
it
gathered a rare stock of practical every-day education,
las
and
fur-
dshes us evidence of the truth that his race is capable of receiving that raining that shall
fit
them
for those duties devolving
upon men who
system of government where all "just powers derived from the consent of the governed." Dick still lives among
rould perpetuate that
re
advanced in years, happy and cheerful. With and his gun, he is the same good-natured, jolly, honest Dick he was when first his foot trod the free soil of Illinois. He was
18,
and, although well
lis
horse
hat
any formal manner, and he says that he does not know what he would still be in law a slave, if had not been for the
lever freed in 'Dt
TOclamation of President Lincoln freeing the slave.
HISTOKY OF MEECEE
904
AND HENDEE80H
COUNTIES.
RAILROADS.
The
first
railroad enterprise in which the citizens of Henderson
county engaged, looking to the building of a road
in the county, was
&
Oquawka, a project to build and equip a road from Peoria, on the Illinois river, to Oquawka. On February 12, 1849, the general assembly of this state passed an act incorporating the company, when, on December 20, 1849, the first meeting was held to organize. Alexander Turnbnll, James W. Davidson, Wyatt B. Stapp, Preston Martin, John McKinney, Robert M. Patterson, Samuel B. Anderson, James Knox, Daniel Meek, William Moss, Alfred G. Curtinius, and Isaac Underbill, the commissioners, opened the books for the Peoria
The shares were fixed at $100 each, per cent payable at the time of subscription. At that time the managers of the enterprise estimated the cost of the road, including rolling stock, at from $6,000 to $10,000 per mile. The county commissioners ordered an election for the first Monday in May, 1851, of the legal voters of the county, to vote upon the proposition for the county to subscribe $50,000 to the capital stock of said company. The election was held and resulted in the proposition for such subscription being voted down by a large majority. By an act of the general assembly the charter of this railroad company was amended, and by one provision of the amendment it was provided that a branch road, extending from Sagetown (now Gladstone) might be constructed to a point on the Mississippi river opposite the city of Burlington, Iowa. The town of Oquawka, under a mistaken idea of the importance of the completion of the road to that point, gave to the enterprise no encouragement, and Burlington, seeing her opportunity, at once set about raising the means to secure the completion of the work to her over the branch. In this she succeeded, and Burlingsubscriptions to the capital stock.
and
five
ton became what _
Oquawka might have
and a railroad center
The Peoria 1855, on the
&
first
been, a great commercial point
for a large portion of the roads through Iowa.
Oquawka raUroad was completed to Monmouth in of January. The Chicago & Quincy raiboad was
completed to Galesburg at that time, and that company leased the Peoria & Oquawka line and completed the work to Burlington, and
commenced running their trains over the whole route, and in a short time afterward purchased the entire line, when the name was changed to the Chicago, Burlington Quincy railroad, and as soon as the
&
Quincy branch was completed to Galesburg, 110 miles, this name became universally known as one of the most popular railroads in the United States. That portion of the road from Sagetown to Oquawka the company never completed. The town of Oquawka graded, tied,
EAILKOADS.
905
and bridged the five miles of road between the two last named points, nnder some kind of an expectation that the road would be
in 1866,
by the company, but after the expenditure of $35,000 these proved to be witkout basis, and the work remained useless and of no value to the town. In 1849 the general assembly granted a charter for the Warsaw Eockford Kailroad Company, for the purpose of constructing a road from the town of Eockford, Winnebago county, Illinois, to the city of Warsaw, Hancock county, Illinois, near the foot of the Des Moines The route of this proposed road passed from north to south Eapids. through Henderson county. In 1853, at an election, the county commissioners were authorized to subscribe $100,000 to the capital stock of said company, to aid in In JSTovember, 1855, the commisthe completion of the enterprise. sioners, in accordance with the authority thus given, proceeded to make the subscription. The road was never completed, nor indeed was much, if any, valuable work done on the line, but the aifairs of the company fell into incompetent hands, and the subscriptions were frittered away, leaving no results of value to those who had, in an evil operated
expectations
&
hour, placed their riieans at the disposal of these managers.'
Henderson county, however, succeeded after some years in recoverunexpended bonds, and thus saved this much from the wreck of this wretched, bankrupt concern. The county subing back $21,000 of
sequently refunded the this
remaining portion of the indebtedness, and at
time has paid a greater part of the same,
fiiture
and
will in the early
be entirely free from this debt.
The Carthage
&
Company was chartered in and authorized to construct a road from Carthage, Hancock county, Illinois, a distance of Burlington Kailroad
1867 by the gefieral assembly,
Burhngton, Iowa, to
about twenty-six miles.
In about 1870 the Chicago, Burlington
&
Company purchased this road, and added it to its lengthening lines, and commenced operating it under the title
Quincy Eailroad already
Carthage & Burlington division of that road. The Eockford, Eock Island & St. Louis railroad was commenced by a company organized under the laws of this state in 1865, with intent to build a roiad from Eockford through the counties of Eock Island, Mercer, Henderson, and so on to St. Louis, touching Keithsburg and Oquawka as river points. That part of the road between Keithsburg via Oquawka to Sagetown was completed and put in operation in 1869, when the company changed its route, running south from Eock Island through the eastern portion of Mercer county to; Monmouth, Warren county, and thence to St. Louis. Subsequently, of the
:
HISTOEY OF MEECBH
&06
AND HENDEE80N
COUNTIES.
&
Quincy Company purchased the entire line Louis Company, and now operate the whole line. The short piece of road from Sagetown to Keithsburg was extended six miles farther north to New Boston, where it connects with the Galva branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy road. That part of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad within the limits of this county crosses the county line on leaving Hancock county, extending in a northwesterly direction, and forms a junction with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy road at Iowa station, between the towns of Lomax and Carman. Thus it will be seen that Henderson county has in operation about fifty miles of railroad, viz the east and west main line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, extending from the Warren county line to the Mississippi river, seventhe Chicago, Burlington
of road from the Rockford
& St.
the Burlington & Carthage branch of the Chicago^ BurQuincy road, extending from Burlington to Dallas City in this county, fifteen miles the Galva branch of the last-named road, extending from the south line of Mercer county by way of Oquawka to Gladstone, where it forms a junction with the main line, fourteen miles the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad from Iowa Junction to teen miles lington
;
&
;
;
the south line of the county, a distance of four miles.
There are other
lines of projected railroads, the routes of which
touch the territory of Henderson county, none of which,
at the present
The Peoria, Farmington & running by way of Monmouth, touches the northeast-
time, give promise of an early completion.
Keithsburg road,
ern part of the county. This road is completed and running cars irom Peoria to Farmingtom. Much grading has been done in Mercer county, from Keithsburg, eastward, and along the line much money has been expended, but work has ceased on the west •portion of tlie
and there seems
at present no indication of an early completion other lines of railroad are projected, running through the county from east to west, pointing to the Burlington bridge, but line,
of the road.
Two
whether these paper enterprises are merely speculative or not, there is no visible indications of active work upon them at the present time. These enterprises probably are only speculative.*
SENATORIAL AND REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICTS. NAMES OF SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES. In 1844, for the
Henderson county appears in districting At this appordistricts. tionment of the general assembly, Warren, McDonough and Henderson counties composed a senatorial district, and William McMillan, of first
time,
the states into senatorial and representative
* See page 62 for further information.
SENATORIAL AND KEPHESENTATIVE DISTB10T8.
907
Henderson county, was elected senator.
In the same year Henderson composed a representative district, and "William In the general assembly of D. Henderson was elected representative. 1846-8, WiUiam McMillam still held the office of senator, and John The constiCurtB, of Henderson county, was elected representative. tutional convention of 1848 made the counties of Hancock and Henderson a senatorial district, and Azro Patterson, of Henderson county, At the same time the counties of Warren, Mercer was elected senator. and Henderson became a representative district and entitled to two jeftfesentatives, and Abner C. Harding, of Wan-en, and Gilbert Tumbnll, of Henderson, were elected representatives. In 1850 Jacob C. Davis, of Hancock county, was elected senator, and Thomas Willits, of Mercer county, and Azro Patterson, of Henderson county, were elected representatives. In 1852 J. C. Davis still held the office of senator, and Samuel Darnell, of Henderson county, and Eleazer A. Paine, of Warren county, were elected representatives. In 1854 J. C. Davis stiU held the office of senator, and William C. Eice was elected representative. In 1856 Gten. Hiram Rose, of Henderson county, was elected senator, and A. V. T. Gilbert, of Warren county, represented the district composed of Warren and Henderson counties. In 1858 John P. Eichmond, of Schuyler county, was elected senator of the district to which Henderson county belonged, and William C. Rice, of Henderson county, was elected representative. In 1860 John P. Eichmond still held the office of senator, and William C. Maley, of Warren county, was elected representative. In 1862 Henry K. Peffer, of Warren county, and Thomas B. Cabeen, of Mercer county, were elected representatives from the Henderson representative district. In 1864 James Strain, of Warren county, was elected senator, and Jonathan Simpson, of Henderson county, was elected lepresentative. In 1866 James Strain still held his seat in the senate, and Francis M. Bruner, of Warren county, was elected representative. In 1868 Isaac McManus, of Mercer county, was elected senator from the Henderson senatorial district, and David M. Findley, of Henderson county, was elected representative. In 1870 Harvey S. Senter, of Mercer county, was elected senator from the same district, and William A. M. Crunch was elected representative. In 1870, by the adoption of the new constitution framed by the convention of that year, the state was divided mto fifty-one senatorial districts, each electing one senator, and each and Warren counties
senatorial district
constituting
a representative
district,
entitled to
three representatives to
the lower house of the general assembly. The constitution also provided for the cumulative system of voting
for
members of the lower house.
In the districting by the general
HISTOEY OF MEBCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
908
assembly, in pursuance of this constitutional authority, the counties of
Henderson and Hancock became one senatorial and representative, district, entitled to one senator and three representatives. In 1872 Benjamin "WaiTen, of Hancock county, was elected senator, and David Eankin and "William Scott, of Henderson county, and Edward E. Lane, of Hancock county, were elected representatives. In 1874 Benjamin "Warren still held the office of senator, and David Eankin and Paul D. Salter, of Henderson county, and Wellington Jenney, of Hancock county, were representatives in the lower house. In 1876 "William Scott, of Henderson county, was chosen senator, and Charles F. Gill, George F. "Walker, and John J. Eeyburn, of Hancock In 1878 WUliam Scott held over as senator, and Thomas B. Brumbrack, John J. Reybum and Brooks E. Hamilton were elected representatives. In 1880 John county, were elected representatives.
Fletcher, of Hancock county, was elected senator, and James Peterson, Eobert A. McKinley and Henry M. "Whiteman, of Henderson county, were chosen representatives.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS OF THE STATE OF
ILLINOIS.
The first constitutional convention that ever assembled in Illinois, was convened at Kaskaskia, in July, 1818. It remained in session until August 30, 1818. This convention was composed of thirty-three delegates, and adopted a constitution which the convention did not see fit to submit to a vote of the people. This constitution was ratified by congress December 3, 1818. In 1847 a second constitutional convention convened in this state. It assembled on June 7, 1847, and adjourned August 31, 1847. It was composed of 162 delegates. The convention adopted and submitted a constitution to a vote of the people, who ratified it on March 6, 1848. Abner 0. Harding, of "Warren county, was the delegate chosen from the district composed of "Warren and Henderson counties. The next constitutional convention that assembled at Springfield, January 7, 1862, and continued in session until March 24, 1862. It adopted a constitution and submitted it to the people for ratification or rejection, on the Tuesday
convened in
this state
after the third ity, rejected
Monday in
June, 1862.
The
the constitution thus submitted.
tution did not result so
much from any
people,
by a decided major-
The rejection of this consti-
real defects in the provisions of
the constitution thus submitted, as from other causes combined.
It
be seen by the date of the assembling of this convention, that it was during the second year of the war of the rebellion. Passion and prejudice held at that time high carnival. war of gigantic proportions confronted the northern states,. The federal government was will
A
909
CONS'irrUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.
menaced as never before had it been menaced. Many saw in the dire war only ruin to our whole country. Vast armies were
calamity of
being raised and concentrated at different points, preparatary to being sent forward to
meet the advancing
foe.
While the heart of the great mass of the people, without regard to party lines, beat true to the lawfully-authorized government and the old
They there was a small number of malcontents to create alarm. made up by their clamor in caucuses, conventions, and secret organizaJSTo doubt the representations of tions, what they lacked in numbers. their actings and doings in the North to some extent encouraged the It was at such a time that this convention assemrebels of the South. bled. Some of the early acts of this body, although perhaps springing from honest and patriotic motives, caused alarm in the public mind, aheady aroused and inclined to suspect danger in every unusual moveflag,
ment, and especially in a
body so potent
for evil as
was
this convention.
The majority of the members of the convention assumed that upon its organization it was no longer bound by any legislative enactments, but was sovereign in the exercise of supreme power of the state
was virtually an assemblage of the people, with
power
for a
full
;
that
it
and necessary
The
peaceable revolution of the government of the state.
law authorizing the calling of the convention prescribed the oath for
members
to take: to support the constitution of the state.
This a
be inconsistent to take an oath to support a constitution that they were about to do away with. It was claimed that the convention had the right to declare itself permanent and exercise all the power of the people of the state. The debates upon these subjects created in the minds of a large portion majority of the convention refused to do, holding
it
to
of the people distrust
and alarm. Tlie convention lost the confidence and moral support of the people, and a powerful opposition was organ-
ized to whatever the convention might do. The final work of this body was much superior to what the people had been led by the it would be; in fact, the constitution by them and submitted to the people for their ratification, was of high character as an organic law but such was the prejudice that had been engendered against the convention, and such was the party spirit which had been aroused, that the people refused to look at the merits
debates to believe
adopted,
;
of the instrument, and the constitution thus submitted was defeated by a large ma,jority. In this connection a fact should be recorded. The clause of the constitution, popularly known as the "black laws,"
which forbid the settlement of negroes in this state, and which was submitted as a separate article, was ratified by the people of the state
by about 100,000, although the constitntion was defeated
;
but
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESOiST COUNTIES.
910
by a provision of the schedule in such contingency, the separate Henderson county ratified the sepaarticle became inoperative. rate article, but rejected the constitution. radically since election
Public sentiment changed
At the date of the Warren and Henderson
the vote upon that occasion.
of delegates
to
this
convention,
and Jonathan Simpson, of Hen1869 another constitutional convention convened at Springfield. It assembled December 13, 1869, and closed its labors and adjourned May 18, 1870. It was composed of eighty-five members. It adopted a constitution and submitted it to the people for ratification July 2, 1870. It was ratified by a large majjority. Mercer and Henderson counties constituted one district, and James S. Poage, of Mercer county, was elected delegate. counties composed derson,
was
one
district,
In
elected delegate.
EFFORTS TO REMOVF: THE COUNTY SEAT. There have been in county.
The
first
this
efforts made to remove some more central point in the was made in 1859. At the session
county several
Oquawka
the county seat from
to
of these efforts
of the general assembly of that year an enabling act was passed, authorizing a vote to be taken
upon the question of removing
the seat
of justice to the town of Warren, twelve miles south of Oquawka, and
not far from what was claimed to be the geographical center of the county.
The
election
was held in November of that
year,
and resulted
in a majority adverse to removal.
In 18^5 the general assembly again passed an act authorizing an election to
be held upon the question of removing the seat of
justice to
the town of Sagetown (now Gladstone), five miles south of Oquawka.
The
election
was held
majjority against
in
November
of that year and resulted in a
removal of 114.
In 1869 an election was again held to vote upon the question of removal to the town of Biggsville, a town on the Chicago, BurUngton & Quincy railroad, about ten miles south and east of Oquawka. The majority in this case was also against removal.
In 1872 the question was again submitted to the vote of the electors of the county of removal to Sagetown, but the people again
by a majority of 170, against removal. At the present time the legal steps have been taken to obtain again the sense of the people of the county upon the question of removal, but the point to be subdecided,
mitted for the decision of the legal voters of the county has not yet
been fixed upon.
The towns of Biggsville and Gladstone
are each
cir-
culating petitions for signatures of the voters, which will be presented county court in September next, when the question will be
to the
THE POOE FAEM. decided which of the
911
two towns thus petitioning
shall
be the one upon
which the vote shall be taken in November next. Many who reside in the southern portion of the county feel
it
to
be
It is true a hardship to have to travel so far to the seat of justice. that the distance to be traveled would be more in accordance with
equity if the
county seat was more centrally located.
present county
situated within
seat, is
Oquawka, the nine miles of the northern
boundary of the county the county being thirty miles in length from If a geographical center was sought, it would be north to south. ;
little north of the town of Olena, near the residence of Brook and the farm of John N. Bruin, in township 10 north, The main objection urged to the removal is the burrange 5 west. den of taxation that would be laid upon the county in the erection of
founS to be a Isaiah J.
county buildings, court house,
jail, etc.
THE POOR FARM. In September, 1855, the authorities of the county purchased of
George Cronover the
N'.
W. J
of Sec. 26, T. 11
IST.,
K. 5 W., for the
purpose of providing a place for all county paupers.
It is situated
on Henderson creek. Upon this fai'm' the county erected commodious buildings for the accommodation of the unfortunates from time to time demanding public charity. The farm has been well improved, and has proved upon the whole an economical plan for caring for the poor of the county. In erecting the buildings, the basement of the larger building was about two miles from the county seat,
constructed into cells for the safe-keeping of such as might, while there sojourning,
need restraint or confinement.
In 1859 we
Such
at least
was the
pre-
however, an act passed by the general assembly authorizing the use of the said basement as a common jail of the county. As a jail the location has been found both insecure and expensive. Situated in a secluded spot, far away from help in text at the time.
case of need, this jail
find,
has proved anything but a safe deposit for per-
sons charged with crime, while waiting trial or transportation to Joliet after conviction.
prison, tures. trial,
Many have been
many have been
the escapes from this so-called
the expensive pursuits, followed
by few
cap-
the noted William Lee was confined prior to his conviction, and execution on the gallows in 1876 for the niurder
In this
jail
which event is described more in detail further on under the head of noted criminal trials.
of Jessie McCarty, in these pages
jail deliveries occurred in the summer .of and created for a time a sensation in the county. Confined at time in the jail were some ten prisoners, charged with various
One of these periodical 1880, that
HISTORY OF MEECEE
912
AND HENDEE80N
COUNTIES.
Most noted among these prisoners were offenses, awaiting trial. Martin J. Hall and Frank Peasly, under several indictments charging Less than two months before them with burglary and other crimes. the circuit court, when their cases would stand for term of the August plan and Hall laid a for escape. They succeeded in trial, Peasley obtaining from some of the paupers, who had access to the outside of "With these they conthe windows of the prison, two table knives. structed files, which they used successfully in sawing off the hinges of the heavy iron doors which secure the entrance to the cells, aed on one Sunday, when the guard was small and unsuspicious of danger, they removed one of these iron doors, weighing 500 pounds, and by the joint action of all the prisoners they were enabled to use it as a battering ram, with such success that they broke down the door of the jail leading to the house, and through this escaped, and thus left the jail
vacant.
Those on guard resisted such force of desperate
men
to the extent of their power, but against
they were powerless.
The
prisoners scat-
tered in different directions along the timber that skirts the banks of
Henderson
when on
creek.
Alarm was not long
a vigorous pursuit was begun.
in reaching the county seat,
Men
on horseback,
in wagons,
armed with rifles, guns and revolvers, scattered in every direcand continued the pursuit until night set in and darkness and
foot,
tion,
stoi'ms precluded further search.
Before night, however, a portion of
the gang had been captured and returned to their old quarters. ringleaders in the breaking eluded pursuit.
The next day one
The or two
more were captured in Warren county and sent back. The sheriff, J. Oscar Anderson, with his deputy, Truman G. Allen, showed themselves on this occasion to be able and efficient officers. They were in no wise at fault on account of the escape, but set themselves to the task of capturing the fugitives with commendable zeal. Three of the prisoners were still at large, one of whom was not an important one, but Hall and Peasley were the ones that the people They had were anxious should be captured and brought to trial. been a source of trouble to the people, who felt that they could rest more securely as to their property if Hall and Peasley were securely behind the bars. systematic search was kept up by our sheriff, who was leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of the prisoners. For a
A
long time no clew to their whereabouts was obtained, until at last Mr. Anderson, through his correspondents, learned that his men were in
Nebraska.
He
at
once started for that
men, and returned them
state,
found and captured his
safely to our county jail.
EERATA. Page 185, Hne Page 203, line
Page 588,
line
"John" read "James." 6, for "1832" read "1830." 15, for "5" read "6."
3, for
Page 670, line 19, for
"L"
read "S."
NOTED CEIMINAI. TRIALS.
915
NOTED CRIMINAL TEIALS. The
first
indictment for murder in Henderson county was at the
;nn of the circuit court, 1859. ossession of
A
May
dispute had arisen in regard to the
a flouring mill, and some altercations had taken place be-
owner of the mill, and his son, was a tenant, and rented the mill. This led to a personal encounsr between some parties at the mill and Addison Hollingsworth, the warrant was issued by a justice of the peace in jssee of the mill. reen one Joseph Hollingsworth, the rho
A
)quawka for the arrest of
Enoch Hollingsworth and Jacob Yeider, an
mploye of Joseph Hollingsworth, the owner of the mill. David Welch, constable,
with his warrant, proceeded in the evening to the mill to
whom he he entered the building, in a dendly manner, and informed them of his business. He was within few feet of the two young men when one of them, without any provoation, raised his rifle and shot the officer through the hip. The round proved fatal and Welch died in a short time. The parties were rrested and the grand jury at its next term found three bills of indictlent against Enoch Hollingsworth, Jacob Yieder and Joseph HoUingsrorth. The defendants were brought into court, and the case was emoved by change of venue to the county of Mercer for trial. In that onnty the ease was tried and Enoch Hollingsworth and Jacob Yeider rere convicted and sentenced to imprisonment at Joliet, and Joseph loUingsworth was discharged. James H. Stewart, state's attorney, ssisted by Charles M. Harris and Jonathan Simpson, appeared for lie prosecution, and Hon. O. H. Browning and Eleazer A. Paine were )r the defense. The next case of indictment for murder was that of )r. Edward Lawrence, who in 1863 was arrested and charged with the lurder of one Hunt, at Hopper's mills. The facts as they appeared in roof on trial, were that there had been a feud for some time existing etween the parties, growing out of heated discussion of the war queson. Hunt had made violent threats against the doctor of doing him odily harm. They met in a hotel and the altercation was renewed, tid Hunt made demonstrations as if to carry his' threats into execution, lake .the arrest.
Arriving there, he accosted the parties
>nnd in the mill with light burning, as
Lawrence drew his revolver and shot him, killing him. For he was arrested, indicted and put on trial. After a protracted
^nen lis
Lawrence was acquitted by the jury.
James H. Stewart, state's on behalf of the people, and the late Judge Cyrus Falker and Jonathan Simpson defended the prisoner. In August, 370, John Turner, alias Charles Cobum, was indicted for the murder f Frederick Watson, at East BurKngtoh. He was indicted and tried at August term, 1870, and convicted. His sentence was a term of ial,
ttomey, appeared
ffi
52
HISTOET OF MBEOEE XSD HENDEESON COUNTIES.
916
ten years in the prison at Joliet.
McKenzie,
state's attorney,
John
J.
He was
prosecuted by James A.
Glenn appearing
for the defense.
At
the Mai'ch term, 1870, of the circuit court, an indictment was preferred by the grand jury of the county against Daniel McCue, John
De Hague, and Warren
Park, for the killing of an unknown man,
in
seems that some years after the time of the alleged kiUing, a skeleton was discovered in an old cistern near Hopper's mills, and by some means suspicion fell upon the persons above-named. After the arrest of the defendants McCue was arraigned and plead not guilty. He was at that term of court put on trial, and the case submitted to the jury, who, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of not guilty, and the defendant was discharged. On this trial J. A. McKenzie, state's attorney, appeared for the people, and The case of Warren Park Col. James W. Davidson for the defendant. was sent by change of venue to Warren county, where on trial he was The case of John.De Hague, the other defendant, was reacquitted. moved b}' change of venue to Knox county, where, after a protracted trial, the defendant was acquitted by the jury. In this case, in Henderson county, J. A. McKenzie and Jonathan 'Simpson were for the people, and Charles M. Harris for the defendant. That one of the most brutal murders that has ever stained the history of this state was committed in the killing of this unknown man, none have ever doubted, the vicinity of Ellison creek.
It
but the verdict of the jury exonorated the persons charged with the foul deed,
and the
unknown,
as well as the actual perpetrators of the crime.
real facts
and
particulars of the case remain to-day
In 1871 a serious difficulty arose between Joseph B. Johnson and a of Ewing, near the town of Terre Haute, in township 8,
man by name
range 5 W., which resulted in the killing of Ewing by a shot from a revolver. For this Joseph Johnson was arrested and hfeld to bail in the
sum
officer
A
of $3,000. few nights afterward, Ewing having died, an with a warrant for the arrest of Joseph B. Johnson* John T. John-
son, his brother, and Thomas Johnson, theii* father, on the charge of murder of Ewing, proceeded, assisted by a posse, to the house of the
elder Johnson, to make the arrest. Arriving there after night set in, the officer and his assistants approached the house, as appeared from the evidence afterward, in a boisterous and tumultuous manner, and
demanded entrance. The Johnsons claimed that they feared it was a mob. and refused to open 'their doors. After much parley and noisy demonstration, shots were fired both from the outside and in the house. Thomas Johnson was dangerously wounded by a bullet through his breast one of the posse was killed and another badly wounded. The In the officer and his men then retreated and waited for daylight. ;
NOTED CEIMINAl TRIALS.
917
oflBcer returned with a great crowd, and all the inmates of arrested, and the men sent to the county jail, except were the house and the women left under guard. Johnson, Thomas term, March 1871, of the circuit court, Thomas Johnson and the At
morning the
Joseph B. Johnson were
by
tlie
grand jury indicted for the killing of
They both had
the persons as above stated.
change of venue to "Warren county,
their cases
removed by
when Joseph Johnson was
dis-
Thomas Johnson was put on trial and after ten days exanicharged. a juror was taken seriously sick, and the jury diswitnesses of ination term of court the case was sent by another same At the charged. McDonough county, as Judge Smith, who presided venue to of change important witness. became an In 1873 the case was tried trial, at the jury at Macomb, and a and resulted, after a proJudge Higbee before of Mr. Johnson. In this trial the people by J. A. McKinzie, John J. Glenn, and Mr. "Wheat, and the defendant by Col. Robert G. IngersoU, Jonathan Simpson, J. "William Lee was indicted at H. Stewart, and Col. J. "W. Davidson. the March term, 1876, of the circuit court for the murder of Jessie
tracted trial, in the acquittal
were represented
McCarty, the previous death and throwing her
fall,
body
into the
confined in jail until his indictment.
term of court for the
month
by beating her to Lee was arrested and
at East Burlington, river.
The
court appointed a special
of April following for his
trial.
At
the
and indictment the body of his victim had not been found, but a few weeks before the trial was to take place the body was found and fully identified. At the trial the most intense interest was manifested, the court room being crowded by the excited people, who seemed to fear that the prisoner would in some manner escape time of his arrest
that justice after
they believed should attach to his fearful crime.
He
was,
a hotly contested trial, convicted, the jury finding, as a part of
under the law, that the defendant should suffer death. Judge Smith sentenced him to be hung on the 16th day of June at the their verdict
The day arrived and the town was filled to overflowing by a morbid curiosity to witness the death penalty mflicted upon a fellow being. The sheriff of the county, George Bell, executed the order of the court by hanging Lee at the time appointed by the court. In this case J. H. Jennings, state's attorney, and J. H. Stewart appeared for the people, and Jonathan county
jail.
with persons attracted hither
Simpson for the defense. Larry O'Neil who had been indicted with Lee, as accessory to the murder of Jesse McCarty, was, in August, 1876, tried and acquitted. At the same term Charles Stiltz, of Sagetown, was indicted for the murder of his wife by stabbing her with a table knife. Being put on
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
918
some strange process of reasoning found The proof, to the minds of most persons that attended, was very strong, yet he was acquitted, but was constrained to feel that Henderson county was not a healthy location for him, and he J. H. Jennings, state's attorney, left the county for the county's good. and Jonathan Simpson appeared for the people, and Raus. Cooper for trial
before a jury, they by
prisoner not guilty.
tlie
the defendant.
July 4, 1877, a young man was killed at Carman by a pistol shot, and Jesse Asher, a young man living in the country near Carman, was In March, 1878, he was put on trial on an arrested for his murder. indictment charging him with the oflfense. After a warmly contested trial the defendant was convicted of murder in the second degree, and sentenced to confinement in the Joliet penitentiary for the term of ten years. He has since been pardoned by the governor. J. H. Jennings and Kaus. Cooper appeared for the people, and J. H. Stewart, Jonathan Simpson and I. M. Kirkpatrick for the defense. On June 11, 1867, John H. Cooper was shot and kiUed by one Jack Galligher, on the bank of, the river just above the town of Oquawka. Galligher, Richard Willitts, and William Cunningham were, at the August term of the circuit court, indicted by the grand jury for the murder of Cooper. A change of venue was had for Willitts and Cunningham to Mercer county, where their cases were dismissed, there being no prosecution. Galligher obtained a continuance to the following term, when a trial commenced. After nearly two days spent in endeavoring to empannel a jury, four only were obtained. The tlie defense advised the defendant to withdraw his plea "not guilty," and plead guilty, as by an oversight in the legislature in amending the law in relation to murder trials in 1867, there was no provision empowering the court to pronounce the death penalty, in
attorneys for
cases of a plea of "guilty"
him
by
the prisoner, but could only sentence
This the prisoner did, and Judge Smith sent the prisoner to Joliet for a term of twenty years. He was pardoned to the penitentiary.
by the governor some years
ago.
In this
trial J.
A. McKenzie
prose-
cuted on behalf of the people, and Jonathan Simpson and John
Glenn appeared
J.
for the defendant.
In March, 1871, John Thompson was indicted for the murder of
He was arraigned for trial in the Henderand pleading not guilty the ve"nue of the case was changed on his application to Warren county, where on trial there appeared to be no extenuating circumstances in the case and he was convicted and sent to Joliet for thirty-three years. J. A. McKenzie, James Huggins, son
at Raritan.
circuit court,
OQCTAWKA TOWNSHIP. state's
attorney,
defense in
appeared for the people, and
919 J.
Simpson
for the
Henderson county.
April 16, 1874, the family of
Emma J.
Judge R.
W.
ously in the night time.
Watson a
beautiful
young lady
living in
Richey, at Oquawka, disappeared mysteri-
Her
no some two weeks afterward her
friends sought for her without avail,
clew being found as to her fate until
An inquest body was found floating in the river in front of the town. was held by the coroner and a conclusion reached that she had been The coroner caused the arrest of Dennis Oquawka, and another man, on the charge of On a hearing before Judge Smith the latter was discharged murder. He remained in jail -for and Welch committed for trial without bail. a year when he was tried in the Henderson circuit court, and acquitted. The case presented many singular features, and is still shrouded in mystery. That the girl was murdered none can doubt who are cogmurdered by some one. Welch, a drayman in
they appeared in the trial of the case, but the been legally brought to the door of any one. On the trial, J. H. Jennings, state's attorney, assisted by James H. Stewart, appeared for the people, and Jonathan Simpson defended the nizant of the facts as
crime as yet has not
prisoner.
July
4,
1880, Stephen S. Phelps, son of S. S. Phelps, of
Oquawka,
was shot and killed at Sagetown, on the railroad platform, by one Archibald Toup, court,
who was
arrested
on an indictment charging
and
tried in the
him with murder.
Henderson circuit He was convicted
and sentenced to imprisonment at Joliet for a term of ten years.
On
and Jonathan Simpson appeared for the people, "and Stewart & Phelps for the defend ant. This closes the list of murder trials in Henderson county. It is a dark picture for a county of so small a population. A most remarkable case of justifiable killing occurred at the residence of I. J. Brook a few years ago, in which two men lost their lives and others were wounded this trial J.
seriously.
H. Jennings,
As a
full
state's attorney,
account of this aifair will appear in this volume, N"., 5 W., we shall omit giving the account
under the head of T. 10 here.
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP. In 1827 the Indians
had not yet departed from their hunting The Sac and Fox tribes had
grounds eastward of the Mississippi. first
received the recognition of the United States in 1787, at Fort
Harmer, by Gov.
St.
dair, wherein the government guaranteed them
920 its
'
HISTORY OF MEEOEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
protection.
It will also
be remembered that President
instructed Gov. "William li. Harrison, in 1804, to
secure a treaty with these tribes. year,
Eock
A treaty was
make
Jefferson efforts
to
concluded that same
by which the Indians relinquished all their beautiful lands on the river. The seventh article of that treaty allowed the Indians to
remain and occupy the United States.
long as it remained the property of was not till 1816 that the famous Black Hawk recognized that treaty, when, as he himself said, he touched the goose quill to the paper in its confirmation. The encroachments of the and their tricks, cnielty and whites, inhumanity practiced on the this country as It
ignorant savage, occasionally aroused that passion for vengeance that sleeps in the breasts of all men, civilized or wild, and brought devastar tion to the field and slaughter in the families of the early squatter, as
well as to the permanent and goodly inclined pioneers. It was not until 1829 that these lands were brought into market. In 1830 a third treaty was concluded by which the Indians agreed to
cross over the Mississippi peaceably
future
homes
a
and amicably,
to make their The reader can compre-
nearer the setting sun.
little
hend from the foregoing what were the attractions, as far as society is concerned, on the banks of the Mississippi river in 1827. No one for company save now and then the startling presence of a red man whose eye and manner and picture-tongue enquired, "
And who be ye who To chase
in
rashly dare
woods the
forest child,
To hunt the panther in his lair, The Indian in his native wild ? "
Three spots on the east bank of the Mississippi were well known to that which is now the site of N>ew Boston, named by them Denison's Landing, or Upper Yellow Banks, and the present site of Oquawka (Oquawkiek), signifying Lower Yellow Banks, and a thii-d, south of Keithsburg about three miles. Middle Yellow Banks. Like aU Indian language the name is the picture (of the object. The river, in times gone by, probably occupied a far more extensive bed than at present. Its waters washed the bottoms now luxuriant in growing wealth. At the three places mentioned the waves in theiianger and at their play had piled the yellow sands, and, receding, left them islands, as islands are formed in these years in the present bed of the natives
;
the river.
As drainage has
progressed the river channel has lessened
present comparatively narrow limits.
All these mutations of time have wrought in the banks mentioned. Oquawkiek, or Lower Yellow Banks, must occupy the few pages allotted. to
its
In 1827,
fifty-five
years ago, love of peace and tranquility of home
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
921
prompted Dr. Gralland to leave civilized surroundings and seek a habitation free from those crosses that are so often curses to the more enlightened family, concluding, like Byron, that "
There is a pleasure in the pathless wood, There is a rapture on the lonely shore. There is> society where none intrude By the deep sea, and music in its roar."
Here, not far from the
and began a
little
banks of the
river,
trade with the Indians
Dr. Galland erected a cabin
who were
at this time friendly
toward the whites if treated as they supposed rightly.
How
interest to S.
exten-
was cannot be said. In the fall of 1828 he sold S. Phelps, and afterward sought a home elsewhere.
sive his trade
his
a, small stock of goods furthenofLewistown, Fulton county, In his Illinois, began a somewhat limited traffic with the Indians. journeys into their country, he found Dr. Galland at Lower Yellow He purchased as above stated. In the Banks in the fall of 1828. spring of 1828 James Ryason came up the Mississippi river and landed
S. S.
Phelps, while yet a youth, with
nished by his father, Stephen Phelps,
He
here.
soon departed for Galena, but in the following
arriving four
days after Mr. Phelps' arrival.
fall
Mr. Ryason
returned
laid claim
a piece of land in what is Sec. 3, T. 10 N., E. remained chopping during the winter and in the following summer raised a crop. He then went for his family, returning with
as far as possible to 5
He
W.
them soon fiilly
Mr. Ryason belonging to a difterent precinct, will be Mr. Phelps continued his operations with the stock of goods was kept in the log cabin built by Dr. Gal-
after.
noticed there.
Indians.
A
This became an extensive trading post under the firm
land.
& Co.,
name
of
and his sons, S. S., Myron, and Alexis. The parent and Myron remained in Lewiston in business there Alexis went to Galena, where he became a successful miner. In 1830 he joined his brother at Yellow Banks and the two were associated for many years. Alexis spent most of his time ill the store, while Sumner loved to be with the Indians, with whom he formed an undying friendship. We refrain from speaking of him to any extent here as his history is to be found ftirther on. The two brothers were the sole proprietors of the post under the firm name of A. &S.S. Phelps. Their merchandise consisted largely of tobacco, S.
Phelps
the individuals being Stephen Phelps
;
beads made of clay, trinkets, whisky, etc., also prints of a high colored character, as these were most acceptable to red A small amount of goods would satisfy the Indians for valuable
clay pipes, flashy,
men. iiirs,
which were mostly taken
dence the Indians
in.
exchange.
To
illustrate the confi-
came to put in Mr. S. S. Phelps, the following
922
HISTORY OF MEEOEK AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
A certain gentleman in quite an
anecdote is told. canoe approaching.
early day noticed a found an Indian with furs to sell, among which As he came to the shore this gentleman offered
He
was a very fine otter. him some silver, but was answered, "T^ot enough," or its equivalent. Half dollar after half dollar was added to the amount until $8 was offered,
when
the Indian positively refused to sell
till
Mr. Phelps had
been seen. Soon Mr. Phelps appeared at the river and with a piece of flashy print, etc., to the amount of ninety cents, bought all the furs and afterward sold the otter to the former gentleman for $2.50. It is said the natives became more shrewd in later years in their trades and acquired a fair knowledge of the value of merchandise. The years of 1831-2 were generally stirring times along the Mississippi river, but Mr. Phelps was not molested. Black Hawk and his warriors were met by White Cloud, who came to strengthen the war feeling, opposite Yellow Banks. In the latter part of April Gov. Eeynold's army reached Oquawka on the way to the scenes of Indian trouble, known Arrived at YeUow Banks the army rested as Black Hawk's war. Col. March not arriving, three awaiting provisions from St. Louis. men were sent to Rock Island for provisions, as the army supply was exhausted. In the year 1832 a block house was built at Yellow Banks The scene of conflict in anticipation of danger, but no trouble came. was far to the north and east. It is due to Yellow Banks also to say, according to Charles Sargeant's story, an Indian who had married a Kickapoo maiden and was friendly to the whites in war times, known to the settlers as "Eed Blanket," lived at Yellow Banks, and that he it was who went in the night and apprised the settlers of Farmington of approaching danger from Black Hawk. In 1831 John McKinney, then of Kentucky, made a tour of inspection, voyaging on a steamboat up the Mississippi to Yellow Banks. In the following March (1832) he moved his family here. The day he landed was gloomy and rainy. The Phelpses were living in a double cabin. Arrangements were made for lodging for the family. Mr. McKinney's family consisted of self, wife, and two small children. The Phelpses and the McKinneys lodged in one apartment, while in the adjoining room were a number of Indians, who kept punching the fire, vociferating and singing continually till morning so that while children could sleep in their innocence, Mr. McKinney passed a wakeful night. Mr. Phelps is said to have been better satisfied when Indians were present at his home. Mr. Phelps owned a pony and Mrs. Phelps had a side-saddle. These were loaned to Mr. McKinney ;
as a conveyance for the family, while he walked, and
all started for
Seth Oaks' (McKinney's brother-in-law), eastof the Henderson
river.
;
OQUAWKA. TOWNSHIP.
923
Ai-riving at the Henderson river, it was found to be much swollen. tree The family dismounted ; the saddle was taken from the horse. Mr. MeKinney had fallen over the river, witli the top to the east. walking this log, carried the children over the river, led his wife as
A
walking himself, he led the horse, which swam was made ready and the journey He afterward secured his goods hauled resumed and finally finished. to the river, then had them canoed over and conveyed to the proper she walked over, and,
the other side; then all
safely to
place.
May
Yellow Banks. He found frame house of three or four rooms, and keepMr. Phelps must have built the yet in the Galland cabin.
1,
1833, Charles Sergeant landed at
the Phelpses living in a
ing store
fall of 1832, or in the spring of 1833. He and his were doing a lumber trade also at that time. Mr. Sergeant purchased lumber of them, which he hauled to the S. E. J of Sec. 84, T. 11 N., E. 4 W., which piece of land he had fought for in the war of 1812. Peter H. Cousland was here in the early Indian days. His brother, William Cousland, was hired by the Phelpses and had been with them from an early date. He married S. S. Phelps' hired girl in 1833, and in later years (about 1846) died and was buried here. "Negro Dick," as he is known, was in the service of Mr. Phelps, and still lives. The Indians being extremely averse to the black man, were about to despatch him. It was with a considerable effort that Mr. Phelps convinced them to the contrary', and thereby to save his life. In 1832 J. B. Patterson touched at Yellow Banks, then went to Galena. Liberty Gilmore, a carpenter, landed here about 1829; ui 1830, Josiah Osborn; about 1833,-Coquil S. Ward, a millwright in 1834, Martin H. Ward. I. S. Chapin became the first boot and shoe merchant; he landed in 1834 also A. T. W. Jack, who built the famous Jack's mills, on the Henderson, which were patronized for thnty miles around, and are still active. Their builder is dead. Travelers began to drop in more frequent. W. C. Ellet, a carpenter; D. M. Gordon, a tailor, from Georgia Daniel Hubbel Julius Hills Thomas Jones, a plasterer Harry Jennings, a merchant and lawyer, made their appearance about 1835. In 1836, Albert Hebbard, of New
frame about the brother Alexis
;
;
;
;
;
Hampshire Alfred Knowles,
who became the first clerk of the county number of carpenters, as Kenton & Mackey, Young & Russell, and Young & Blackburn, firms in the business Eeuben W. Young. ;
quite a
;
Harvey Eussel had come to the county about 1830, and became the
many of the early houses of Yellow Banks. Yellow Banks began to attract attention even prior to this time. Col. Duncan, afterward Governor Duncan, had visited the place with builder of
HISTORY OF MBECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
924
Eeynolds' army in
In 1834, Col. Patterson returned from for S. S. Phelps. Mr. Phelps had Alexis Phelps erected a handsome erected a dwelling in 1832-3. mansion for that day, now occupied by Judge E. "W. Eichey. 1832.
and became a clerk
Galena
The house was 40x36, Day.
While
two-story; the best house in this part of married at Lewiston in 1833, to Cornelia
He was
"Warren county. his
house was building, and awhile
prior,
he lived
in a
was a period in the history of the western country when men run wild on the probabilities of fortune in prospective gains from increased valuation of lands. A town was laid out and watered by the dews of expectancy, grew to immense valuations
cabin built by
(false) in
at such a
S.
S.
Phelps.
a very short time.
moment
It
Towns were flowers of an hour. Oquawka wa,s discovered to
that the site of
It
be
was suit-
and in the minds of men, predestined to rise in a Measurers were taken toward laying out a formal town plat. Governor Duncan purchased one-fourth interest of A. and S. S. Phelps, for which he was to pay $50,000. In the spring of 1836 able for a great
city,
very short time.
the town was laid out, Mr. ing.
Dewey, of Eock
Island, doing the survey-
Eeports of the projected city had gone
one of unsurpassed beauty.
At
this
out.
The
situation
was
point the river was deep, and the
which Were favorable to a the head of this landing stretched a beautiful elevated ridge at an oblique angle to the course of the river, terminating in an elevated and level bench of table .land that extended eastward to the valley of the Henderson river, a large and beautiful mill stream that poured its waters into the Mississippi about six miles belgw. This ridge would afford eligible sites for private residences. Occupying the intermediate space between the base of the ridge and river, at a depression of about thirty feet, but above ordinary high water mark, was a flat bench where the business part of the town was to be situated. This flat was of sufficient extent to afford a considerable extension of business. Still below and to the south was a lowe? flat called the bottoms, which, as the city would grow, might be filled in and gradually be occcupied by factories and mills, with all water power and shipping facilities necessaiy to an imcurrent near the eastern shore first-class
mense business. The plat was
:
qualities
From what might be
public landing.
laid out.
Col.
J.
B. Patterson, familiar with the
Indian tongue, proposed to christen the town Oquawkiek, signifying yellow banks. The name was tempered by S. S. Phelps and Governor
Duncan
to
Oquawka.
south, that lots in the
Men
Notice went east as far as Ifew York, and
new town would be
sold at auction in July, 1836.
flocked hither at the time in large numbers, eager for purchase
at
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
925
Governor Duncan actually offered a hundred thousand dollars for the town, payable immediately in Illinois state bank paper, Major Hart Fellows, of Eushville, was which the Phelpses refused. Lots sold at an' average of about $900, some engaged as auctioneer. In front of the Alexis Phelps' running up even into the thousands. (now Judge Eichey) property, was a row of lots 150 feet deep, constiLot eight of that block was bid to more than tuting block forty-one. $3,300, then two men claiming the bid, and, getting into a dispute Between concerning it, the auctioneer refused to let either have it. this block, forty-one, and Alexis Phelps' house, was a street seventyTo-day the block and the larger part of the street are five feet wide. whatever
cost.
•
in the river,
while the railroad occupies a very small portion of the
The measurement from Mr. Phelps' house to the edge of the The lot mentioned was embankment is but about) seventeen feet. street.
never finally sold.
A Dr. for his
MilldoUar from
The
sister.
]!f
ew York purchased
lots are still
her property.
secured a lot for
which he was to pay a
of similar lots.
It cost
getting part of his
ing
still
it
work
price_ equal to the selling price
in that year buit a
lumber and shingles from Pittsburg.
till
1859,
tious brick residence,
frame house,
The
old build-
It sheltered the,
when it was vacated in favor of the more pretennow occupied by Colonel Patterson. The land sale,
was termed, gave an impetus to Oquawka. in building,
number of lots
Col. J. B. Patterson
stands on the ridge a relic of the olden time.
Pattersons
as
him $600. He
a large
Carpenters found
but growth was not so rapid as anticipated.
William
Cousland built a small structure where he kept hotel and a saloon.
The panic of 1837 had its influence here as it did elsewhere. In 1837 Phelps sold his merchandise business to Jacob Rust. Rust failing, J. B. Patterson bought the establishment, which he conducted 1839 till 1847, when he sold out his stock of goods and moved the store to Keithsburg.
came Daniel Blackburn, a carpenter. He went to CaliAlso James Francis arrived about the same time. He became prominent in the town in corporation times, serving on the board of trustees seyeral times. Norman Patterson was also a carpenIn 1837
fornia in 1850.
ter in that
day.
In this year or the year before
Monmouth.
He was
house and a shop,
the
first
William Mason came from toward
blacksmith of the place.
He
built a
and was a first class workman. About 1847 he went to Oregon. It was probably 1834 or 1835 when Dr. Alpheus Eussel flung his shingle to the breeze in "Yellow Banks." He was the first physician. On the journey to Oregon, about 1846 or 1847,
"
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
926
In 1837 JohS Brown landed in Oquawka with a
he died of cholera.
cargo of dried apples, whisky,
Here he disposed of
etc.
his stock,
Monmouth where he found plenty of work at plastering. doing well he returned to Oquawka in the fall of 1838. He was
then went to After
obliged to await the arrival of the steamboat in the evening.
waiting he plastered Col. Patterson's
cellar, receiving
While
the contract price
In the following spring he returned from Ohio with a large etc., which he disposed of. remained here a short time then resumed his trade at Monmouth,
of $6.
cargo of dried apples, peaches, whisky,
He
where he lives to-day quite wealthy. In 1838 Oquawka aspired to become the county
seat of
county, as the history will show, significant of the fact that
import-
Levi Russel was a carpenter of some aided in building the early dwellings and stores of In 1838 Robert Wilson, a carpenter, and Joseph Lathrop
ance was considerably note.
Warren
its
He
felt.
Oquawka. must have arrived. Other early comers to Oquawka were William McEwin, John Munhart, John H. Monteith, John McGaw, Thomas McElrea, William McCoy, John Mitchell, Benjamin Taliaferro, lawyer.
In 1838 D. 1;he
Brainard made his
S.
arrival.
Phelpses, his chief business being
He
ally in horses.
then worked for
trafiic
He became
engaged by
with the Indians,
especi-
He
finally
B. Patterson.
J.
became a merchant, but reverses came, crippling him financially. He is one of the very few living who came at that early day. When S. S. Phelps built the residence now occupied by his widow, he and his brother, Alexis, added an addition to the old house. It was then occupied by J. R. Barnes as a hotel, known as the "Pioneer House. and depargiven on subsequent pages
It is impossible to ascertain the exact dates of arrival
men
ture of the
of the past.
A
table
is
memory of men and the few accessible records when S. ^. Phelps built a steam saw-mill Hard lumber prior .to this time had been largely
with dates as near as will afi'ord.
for
It
Solomon
was
Leet.
in 1840
Pine lumber was shipped from St. Louis or Pittsburg. Leet's miU remained but a short time, as Mr. J. R. Lockwood, of Prairie Du Chien, brought the first raft of lumber from Wisconsin down the river and left it at Oquawka in supplied by Jack's Mills on the Henderson.
1841.
It
was
late in the season,
so Mr.
Lockwood
left the
lumber
Being the
first from the river and sell. surroundthe large shipment of pine lumber it was eagerly bought by
for Col. Patterson to take
ing farmers, displacing their log-cabins with small frame houses.
It
;
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
927
an average of $25 per tliousand
sold for
Clark and James
feet.
They sold to B. F. Brooks, and Blandin latet built a saw-mill. became the founders of Blandinville. Mr. Brooks in 1856 became associated with
shortly ness.
Luke Wadleigh and
his son
Samuel Wadleigh.
withdrew, and later went to Burlington, where he
The mill proved a
Mr. Brooks
failure.
finally in
Samuel is
in busi-
1859 took
the machinery to Hannibal, Missouri, where he was killed by the boiler exploding.
Scott
& Bake's
son in 1856.
mills
were built about 1854, sold to Scott
& Hod-
In 1857 Mr. Eobert Hodson sold out.
The Oquawka steam works were erected in 1854 by Eussel, McFar& Co., giving employment to eighteen or twenty hands. The
land
following
is
a statement of the
from February 1 to September
amount of business done by 5l,
1856
:
this firm
Built (completed) twenty-five
houses at a cost to the proprietors of $8,643.53, cheapest building $123,
most expensive building $1,100 under contract, nine houses to ranging from $100 to $1,100 total for building since ;
cost $4,110.90,
February
;
$12,745.43; amount of orders for work
filled, $2,651.81 amount sold from shop not previously ordered, $1,200; hardware, glass, etc., $1,425; bought 400,000 feet logs, $5,600; amount of bills for
1,
lumber, $4,300.
The above merely shows the amount of business
done by the mills in that period of Oquawka's history. In .1856 was erected the steam flouring mills with two run of burrs
by W. B. Hopkins and Benjamin Han-ington. brick
and of large
size.
It
The building was of & Co built the
was in 1855-6 that Turner
foundry and machine shops.
came from Hancock county to escape music and teach the district school. In 1846 he formed a partnership with Abner Hebbard and C. S. Cowan, and engaged in the manufacture of furniture. Abner Hebbard was one of Lovejoy's company when the latter was killed while defending his principles. Mr. Hebbard came to Oquawka in 1842. He was an architect by trade, and soon withdrew from the firm before mentioned. He aided in building the court-house. He went to Galesb^rg, and was there killed by a circular saw. C. S. Cowan came- to In 1845 Joseph Ohickering
Mormon odium, and
to teach vocal
Oquawka about 1840. He withdrew from the firm also. He went to war in 1861, and afterward to l^ew York. Mr. Chickering continued the furniture factory. In 1851 Z. D. Fanning came to Oquawka and purchased a half interest with Mr. Chickering. In three or four years they opened a store, finally divided the goods, and Mr. Chickei^ the
mg manufactured
bedsteads alone for two years.
!
! !!
HISTOKY OF MEECEE
928
:
'
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
In 1857 he resumed the manufacture of furniture till 1661, when he The poetry about the old mare that worked began merchandising. the horse-power in the bedstead business, may be remembered
"Wunst upon
a day so dreary, while I pondered faint and weary O'er a tough old cherry bedstead I was turning, That grew many years before.
The old gray kept her broad feet planking Around her circle, spank, spank, sj)anking. Her tail switching, and her feet stamping. This I heard but nothing more. kept on turning, nothing else my mind concerning. For surely it was enough to think of that abominable bedpost I was turning,
So, as I
Mentioned
As
before.
turned on without delay. Sweating, puiBng, and gouging away, I heard the old beast distinctly say, I
I'll turn no more I'm old and well stricken in years My back is well stricken in years My back is all scabby and sore '
!
Mine eyeholes spout Oh, no
!
I'll
torrents of tears
ne'er turn
!
any more
The eyes ran out in days of yore Then I resolved I'd quit this turning. My bosom with compunction burning, j\Iy
!
bowels with affection yearning.
Toward that old
Here the stopped, and
old beast
mare.".-
came
to a
we have nothing
ing works, with
all
Asa
sole representative.
halt.
Of course the machine Oquawka turn-
the appurtenances, "old gray" turned out to grass
The
excepted,- are for sale.
the exception of
dead
to say, except that the
factory has gone, the mills are gone, with
Smith's saw mill. It
Mr. Asa Smith became
was its
Mr. Smith's mill remains the 1857 by Joseph Gray, from Iowa. possessor the same year, and Mr. Gi'ay debuilt in
Mr. Smith came to Oquawka in engaged in the daguerreotype business, also kept a book store for two years. He then embarked in the lumber business, and in 1857 bought the mill. The mill sawied about 10,000 feet of pine lumber per day. In 1859 Mr. Smith began the manufacture of staves, which has been his principal business since, although he saws considerable lumber. In 1872 he added another engine and planing
parted for Kirkwood about 1858. 1846.
works.
He was
first
.The mills are
still
in operation.
Alexander Moir came. to Oquawka in 1847. He was an extensive lumber dealer. From 1850 to 1855 he was associated with S. S. Phelps. He died on September 21, 1858.
OQUAWKA townShip.
929
William and James Moir were extensive dairymen in New York. James made a trip to St. Louis in 1843 for the purpose of shipping Learning of the extensive business done at produce to New York.
Oquawka was then Oquawka, that same .season he arrived here. Here Mr. shipping more than any other point between the rapids. Moir became associated with John D. Culver in general merchanIn 1846 Mr. Moir severed his connection with Mr. Culver, dising.
Mr. Moir, with his brother William York, conceived the plan of manfacturing highwines in eastern consumption instead of shipping the material to
who took Mr. Coghill as partner. yet in
New
the west for
New York
for distilling,
thereby saving the expense of freight on the
Accordingly a distillery of 500 bushels capacity was built in Oquawka. In the spring of 1847 "William and Eobert Moir
refuse.
1846 at
A copartnership was formed by became residents of Oquawka. Wilham and James Moir and David E. Roberts, a practical distiller, under the firm name of W. & J. Moir & Co. This was the most northerly distillery on the Mississippi. In 1847 it was conipletely destroyed by fire. It was immediately rebuilt completed in 1848. In 1861 David E. Roberts retired from the firm and Robert Moir became associated with his brothers, the firm becoming Moir Brothers. The firm became engaged extensively in lumber, general merchandise, banking, at one time the logging business on the Black river, and ;
November
various milling interests. firm of
ary 14, 1863,
21,
The firm continued James Moir died.
William Moir.
1856, death deprived the as
Moir Brothers.
Robert Moir then reorganized the firm, taking his
Janu-
nephew James
and brother-in-law John C. Nicol, as partners, under the firm name of Robert Moir In 1872 J. C. Nicol retired, followed Co. by James Peterson in 1875. Mr. Moir then associated his son John Moir with him, under same firm name as before. John died October Peterson,
&
There has been no change at this time (May 26, 1882) in name. In 1867 the wine house of R. Moir & Co., stored with highwines and bonded spirits, burned, resulting in a loss of about 13, 1876.
the firm
$10,000.
have built the warehouse 44x75, 50x68, three stories. James Moir finished the Blandin property, now owned by Mrs. Wilson M. Graham. Robert Moir erected his present residence in 1861 and 1862. The business of the Moirs has been more extensive than that of any other firm in Oquawka. It is well to add that but two' consignments Besides the distillery, the Moirs
storage 8,000 bushels; also brick block,
of highwines
were sent east
Home demand
till
the war broke out to unsettle markets. was equal to their supply. To-day
for their products
;
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
930
is general merchandising and banking. So long as the three brothers lived they were bound to one another by the Nothing was owned separate. The interest of one was closest ties. To this union of effort may be attributed to some the concern of all. extent at least the success that attended their efforts.
the business of the firm
It was in 1844 that John McKinney moved from the country and became an Oquawka merchant. He built a heavy frame storehouse, in which he, in connection with Ed. K. Adams, sold goods. The house McKinney and Adams is now the dining room of the Smith hotel. subsequently erected a lar^ brick business house with public hall. In 1854, after a successful career here, Mr. Adams sold and moved to
In 1873 Mr. McKinney located in Aledo. Jamison, one of the very first settlers of Henderson county; R. In 1854 he erected a brick business early he became a merchant. G-alesburg.
W.
house with stone front and a pubKc hall. He was a leading spirit in His public hall was 38x48, the town in business and as an official. fourteen large windows, and seating capacity ventilated on three sides, persons. destroyed tornado in 1876. for 300 to 350 It was by It was erected brick store buildwhen Phelps the first and largest 1848 S. S. immense business on the in Oquawka. It became the seat of an ing comer of Hancock and First streets. In 1849 the new hotel, the American House, was started, E. W. Young, proprietor. In 1848 the Oquawka hotel, Enoch Conger, proprietor, came into the hands of In C. Catlin, and was afterward rudely termed "Catfish House." PennsylDavid Welsh changed name Pioneer house to 1856 the of the vania house. The American house beearae the Eagle house. To-day there is but one hotel, the Smith House, opened in 1869, built by Alfred Knowles for a residence, at considerable expense. From 1840 to 1860 Oquawka flourished, reached her zenith and began to wane as early as 1858. "The Spectator" declared the town had taken a stand as one of the most important, in a commercial point of
Oquawka was the outlet for the proof duce the surrounding counties of Warren and Knox, as well as Henderson. It became proverbial among river men that Oquawka was view, on the upper Mississippi.
one of the best shipping points on the upper Mississippi. In 1848 the prices current in Oquawka were as follows wheat (winter), 55c. to 57c. wheat (spring), 40c. to 50c.; com, 15c. to 18c. oats, 15c.; Barley, :
;
80c.
;
flax seed,
60c.
;
white beans, 38c.
;
potatoes, 20c.
;
lard, 4c.
;
tal-
low, 9c. In the winter of 1847-8 there were shipped from Oquawka 5,200 hogs; wheat, 130,148 bushels; com, 48,316 bushels; oats, 8,086, bushels; barley, 1,130 bushels; beans, 804 bushels; flax seed, 44
bushels; mustard seed, 798 bushels;
hemp
seed, 36 bushels; potatoes.
"
:
: ;
OQOAWKIA TOWNSHIP. 175 bushels; grass seed, 16 casks; cheese, rels; pork,
butter,
12,555
pounds
;
boats of corn
;
;
;
one
flat
;
;
flour,
7,084 bar-
beef, 9 barrels; corn
;
pounds bees wax, 1,866 27 pounds wool, 3,630 ;
ginseng,
;
3
sacks
three
flat
peat,
hay 90 tons
of which indicates
all
21,580
hides,
sacks
21
tobacco, 2 hhds.
;
4,880 pounds
rags,
;
whisky, 790 Ijarrels; bulk pork, 359,776 pounds;
;
pounds
bacon,
;
20 casks
2,250 barrels; lard, 1,034 barrels
meal, 440 barrels
pounds
933
eggs,
;
3,
880
boats of pork
;
dozen two flat
boat of hay
furs amounting to $1,151.20 ; ; the business done in that early day. In
town street would be lined with loaded wagons, would be crowded. In the country farmers would run their teams' in order to get their loads to market early, while many started one day and camped out all night so as to be able to unload early next day, before the rush of business. Says James Peterson "I have taken in as many as 361 loads of grain in a day for Moir Brothers." Says Col. Patterson "I have a number of times received a himdred loads of grain after sundown. Every successive year brought increased trade. In 1852 the exports exceeded the lead exports of Galena by $51,873. The total valuation of shipments for that year was $441,746, and imports $412,880. Along the river were a number of mammoth warehouses, crowded to their uttermost with grain and provisions, and no room for thousands of bushels needing storage. Stretching along the river was 2,730 feet
prosperous days the also the flat
:
of
graded rock wharfing, averaging thirty-five or forty feet in width.
As
early
as
1854 great steamboats anchored and weighed anchor,
and carrying away produce. All was active and proand people declared there was no probability of Oquawka's declining that here were all the elements of prosperity as indestrucbringing goods gressive,
;
by the shore. As the Chicago, BurKngton & Quincy railroad was built,' Oquawka having been wronged of its interest, towns sprang up to the east and south trade waned in Oquawka. Then came the hegira of many of Oquawka's best business men, who saw their interests would be sgrved in other places, and who have largely built the smaller towns, and many of whom have added to the wealth and solidity of Aledo, Galesburg, Monmouth, Burlington and other places. tible as
the flood that rolled
;
The following
list
contains the names of
many
of those
who aided
ia
showing about when they came. The are not supposed to be correct, but merely approximate. Some cannot be given at all. Those heretofore mentioned are omitted
the town's business in the past, dates dates
here C.
M. Harris, lawyer, came 1833
63
;
W. D.
Henderson, dry-goods,
;
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
934:
1837
;
S.
liquors, 1838 R. W. Young, 1840 1847, J. K. Barnes, 1841, Pred Ray^ P. Barnes, 1841, W. P. Litten, 1859,'
N. Snook, groceries and
Enoch Conger, 1840, C. Callin, 1850, Hiram Eose, 1850, John
;
D. Welsh, 1853, hotels J. B. Simpson, dry goods, 1843 H. Rammers, cabinet and chair factory, 1840 McDill & Maury, drugs J. H. McDill, physician, 1848; J. A. Maury, physician, 1847; J. Perkins A. Wittman, shoemaker, early J. Prugh, tin shop, 1851; hotel, 1842 W. M. Graham, dry goods, 1844 George Muck, wagon maker E. Benner, dry goods, very early S. P. McGaw, tailor, when young S. T. Records, grocer, when young James Gary, wagons, buggies, etc., 1850 Abram Rife, grocer, wholesale and retail, early Fred. OdenF. Eames, saw mill, early dahl, grocer, 1850 David Lysle, meat George Shores, meat market, when young John market, 1852 Kelley, tailor, 1851 J. H. Struck, wagon shop, 1851 Stephen Beckman, wagon shop, 1851 W. L. Powers, tailor, very early John Edwards, dry goods, 1850 J. 0. Cabeen & Co., tinners, 1855 P. S. Linell, harness maker, 1852 J. A. Caswell, drugs, 1854 0. 8. Bearce, drugs, 1852 C. Park, physician, 1850 IS". A. Chapin, raised here ;' John L. Wilson, merchant, 1851 Wilson Thomson, merchant, 1852; I. ]Sr. Morris, merchant, 1850; A. D. Frazel, Thomas W. Kinsloe, 1850; John E. Bosler, 1853 J. C. McDill, raised here; Samuel Marsden, 1844 Reynolds Brothers, drugs, 1856 Thomas McDill, drugs, raised here Collins & McLinn, books C. B. Matthews, jeweler, early Charles Matthews, gunsmith J. H. Zeigler, boss carpenter, 1852 George Cunningham, cooper, 1853 H. F. Patau, cabinet maker, 1850 James Cunningham, blacksmith, 1853 W. Weigand, blacksmith, 1851 Bissell & Waterhouse, tinning, 1858; George Adair, harness, 1850 Frank Ramage, boots and shoes John McFarland, saw mill, 1841 T. Carl, mason Carl Schultz, mason, 1850 Jacob Spangler, stone mason Christopher Bruce, stone mason, Benjamin Hari-ington, carpenter, early J. Yerger, cooper, 1849 1851 James Scott, saw mill, 1857 Robert Hodson, merchandise, 1856 D. Morgan, hotel W. C. Rice, judge, 1853 Jonathan Simpson, lawyer, 1848 James H. Stewart, lawyer Harry Jennings, lawyer, very early J. R. Snelling, physician, 1850 J. 0. Patterson, physician, 1856 A. P. Nelson, physician, 1848 Tryon & Day, dry goods, very early Jonathan Turner, foundry, 1855 W. B. Hopkins, steam flouring mills, 1856 B. Harrington, steam flouring mills, 1856^ Burkleo, Blandin Bros., lumber, 1855 Pearce, physician, 1853 physician, 1852 P. A. Lock, physician, 1879 J. A. Postlewait, Hibbard, physician, 1879 Codoogan & Richey, hotel, 1853 hotel Bernard Struck, William Bradbury, R. M. Patterson, J. P;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
—
.
— — ;
;
;
.
.
].
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
935
E. VanPelt, merchant Joseph C. Graham, Norman Ebenezer Chapin, very early James R. Moffett, Hiram
Capt. "William
Patterson,
;
;
John Lour, grocer, 1875 John Joseph Eames, John Gumming, millwright,
Bigelow, carpenter
;
;
Pollock, physic-
Joseph 1856 William Odendahl, confectioner, 1850 John W. Pence, dry goods^ 1877; John W. Brown, hardware, 1872 Justice Charles Schlotzhaur, livery, 1857 ; ScUotzhaur, wagon maker, 1857 Charles Haffiier & Son, furniture, J. C. Peterman, mechanic, 1857
ian
;
harness, 1852
Linell,
;
;
;
;
;
;
1852
:
T. C. Smith, hotel, 1851.
A LITERARY
RELIC.
The following scrap in relation to Warren county from Mitchell's Illinois, published in 1837, will doubtless prove interesting many readers: "Oquawka, or Yellow Banks, is a town recently
Kambles in to
It
settled.
is
situated
on
the
Mississippi
about
river,
midway
and Rock Island rapids, and is the The town is laid in principal depot "for freight between those points. two sections on an extensive scale. There are two large warehouses in the town, one store, one grocery, two taverns, and several dwelling-houses. There is a good flouring and saw miU about two miles distant, and a steam mill is about to be erected. "The site of this town was sold by the original to the present proprietor for $200, by whom a fourth part was transferred last autumn t» an enterprising land dealer for $24,000, who has since realized from the sale of individual- lots the full amount paid for the whole, and
between the
Des Moines
yet has parted with
only a small part of his purchase.
many
The
lots sold
changed hands at an advance of 100 The proprietors of the town purpose making a railroad from
a year ago have, in per cent.
river
cases,
hence to Peoria, on the Illinois river."
POSTOFFICE. Conveniences for carrying mail ferent
from those of the present.
fifty
pointed the first postmaster in 1834, store.
No
years ago were somewhat
When
Mr.
S. S.
he kept the
dif-
Phelps was ap-
office in his
cabin
mail came four times a day at stated hours, but as oppor-
he sent the mail across the country to Monmouth, and it. In time the mail routes were established, which facilitated conveyance. Mr. McNeil, postmaster of Monmouth, who carried the mail in his hat, came over to do the carpenter work on the new postoffice. Mr. Phelps concluded to have a nice office. Slabs were split and shaved for weather boards, walnut lumber was bought at Jack's MiUs for trimming, and the office niade neat. Part of tunity offered
m like manner sent after
HISTORY OF MERCEB AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
936
the weather-boarding
Phelps
now on
is
a Sagetown building.
In 1837 Mr.
sold his store.
About 1838
Col. J. B. Patterson received the appointment of poBt> performed the duties of the office till 1855 (March 14), master. He when he was displaced by James A. Caswell. It was but a short time till
Col. J. B. Patterson
was again possessor of the
office.
The
colonel
subsequently resigning was succeeded by F. A. Dallam, of the "Plaindealer," who in turn was followed by Lewis Leslie, also editor of the "Plaindealer."
November he has
Charles
1864,
5,
W.
was sworn the recipient of the
soldier,
efficiently
Green,
a brave
and honored
honors.
Since that date
performed the duties of postmaster.
In Phelps' and
official
Patterson's day a letter stamp cost twenty-five cents.
credited his friends,
The postmaster and some accounts might be shown to-day yet
unpaid.
TOWN The town
plat of
Oquawka
is
PLAT.
best understood
by quoting from the number of lots
It is quite full, except in stating the
records of 1836.
It is well to state, as the county history shows,
for public purposes.
were donated to the county by the Phelpses that Oquawka might be a permanent seat of justice. The county history treats this
that 200 lots
question fully. "Oql/Wvka, State of Illinois, Waehen County.
1
J
"Oquawka is situated in Warren county, on the fractional sections numbered fifteen and twenty-two, in township numbered eleven north, of range numbered five west of the fourth principal meridian. Each street in
Oquawka
seventy-five feet in width, and each alley twenty
is
feet; lots fifty feet
front
by one hundred and
fifty
feet in
depth,
excepting the lots in fractional blocks on and near the river and those fronting on North and South Market, which have the depth indicated
Survey made from a stone for a comer at the with the center landing at the corner of block No. 55, and all the corners establislied as required by the laws of the State of Illinois. All of which is hereby certified at Oquawka,
on the
lines of lots.
intersection of
Knox
street
in the county of Warren, and State of Illinois, this ninth day of July,
A.D. 1836, by Alexis Phelps, deputy for William C. Butler, County Swrveyor.
"Know
all
men by
these presents that the undersigned, owners
and proprietors of Oquawka, do hereby give and set apart tor public use all streets, alleys and public grounds as marked on the plat of said
OQUAWKA. TOWNSHIP.
937
between the west end of Knox street on which is situated the store and warehouse of S. Phelps & Co., which they are to continue to use and occupy until required to remove their buildings by the corporation of said town, which is not to be done until the expiration of two years from the first of May next, after which said fifty feet square to be appropriated for
town, exeeptiBg fifty feet square
and the river,
pubUc use.
"Lot twelve in blocks seventy-five and thirty-seven, and lots ten in block forty-eight and eight in block seventy-five, appropriated and set apart for a Protestant
Episcopal church, Methodist Episcopal church,
and Baptist church, each of
said denominations have their choice of said lots as they may first be preLot JSTo. 9 in blocks No. 5, 37 and 75, and pared to build thereon. in block No. lot No. 7 48, appropriated for the use of schools. "ti testimony whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed our seals at Oquawka, this nineteenth day of July, Presbyterian church, of Christians to
A.D. 1836.
State of Illinois,
1
Warren County.
>
"Stephen S. Phelps. "Alexis Phelps. "Joseph Duncan.
[seal]
" Cornelia Phelps.
[seal]
"Phebe Phelps.
[seal]"
[seal]
[seal]
me this ninteenth day of July, 1836, Phelps and Phebe, his wife, Alexis Phelps and Cornelia, his wife, and Joseph Duncan, all personally known to me, and severally acknowledged the foregoing deed by them made to be their act and deed for the purpose therein expressed, a'nd Personally appeared before
the above
named Stephen
S.
Phebe Phelps and Cornelia Phelps, wives of the said Stephen Phelps and Alexis Phelps, having been examined by me separately and apart from their said husbands, acknowledge that they signed the
the said S.
same,
knowing the contents thereof, freely and voluntarily without
fear or coercion
expressed.
of their said husbands, for the purposes therein
Given under
my
hand and J.
Filed
seal the date
B. Patterson,
above written. J.
P. [seal]
and recorded July 20, 1836, "Warren county records. certificates of swarts' first addition.
State of Illinois,
1
Warren County. / Swarts' addition to the 11 N., 5
W. Each
town of Oquawka
is
situated
on the S.E.
street in this addition is seventy-five feet wide,
22,
and
;
mSTOEY OF MEECEE
938
iLND
HENDEESON COUNTIES.
and each lot fifty feet in front by one hundred and fifty feet in depth. Survey made from a stone at the northeast corner of this addition and all the corners established as required by the laws of the State of Illinois. All of which is hereby ceiiified at each alley twenty
Monmouth,
feet,
in county of "Warren, State of Illinois, this fifteenth day of
William
October, A. D. 1836.
C. Butlbe, Surveyor.
Acknowledged by Abraham D. Swarts, before Gilbert Tumbull,
J. P.
A. D. Swarts' second addition was made in 1863, including blocks 10 and 11. His third addition, including blocks 12, 13, 14 and 15,
was made
in 1854. Both additions were surveyed by A. N. ArmIn 1854 MoflBt made an addition of blocks 1 and 2 from the N. E. 1 of Sec. 22. In 1857 William S. Chenoweth added one and, a half blocks of the S. E. J of Sec. 22. James E. White, surveyor. strong.
OQUAWKA INCORPORATED. As
the population of
Oquawka
increased, as
its
business enlarged,
the importance of internal improvements became manifest. subscription for public benefits were not always successful.
Private It
became
necessary to improve the river landing by building wharfage.
Prior
to 1842
Oquawka had no town Necessity
for expenditure.
in this case. 9,
Oquawka was
is
organization, hence no public moneys
the mother of invention, and so proved
incorporated by vote of the citizens July
1842, under the village laws of the State of Illinois, electing for
first
W.
its
board of trustees John Harris, who received twenty-eight votes E. Ellet, twenty-seven votes J. U. Monhart, twenty-three votes ;
Daniel Hubbel, twenty-one votes Phelps received nineteen votes; Dr. Alpheus Kussell, fourteen votes. Says the meager record, Alexis Phelps was made J. B. Patterson,
twenty-two votes
;
also Alexis
president,
How
and John
S.
Pollock, clerk of the board.
long the corporation
may have
may have
passed,
and what
memory
men are
able to disclose.
of
continued, what measures
it
improvements made, neither records nor
Circumstantial evidence, and, in
All records seem to have been lost. of some two or three
fact, recollections
men, plainly indicate the abandonment of town corporation at a date not many, years after organization. In 1849, when cholera threatened, the question of incorporation was discussed as a means of quarantine if necessary. It is known that some dispute arose as to money borrowed by the corporation for wharfage improvements, which money is denied having been paid by the then existing corporation. In 1850
many
citizens
determine whether or not
made a call for a ballot, wherein they might Oquawka should be incorporated agreeably
^
:
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP. law of the
general incorporation
to the
939
state, said ballot to
be taken
Whether or not such action was carried out does It waS' about this time not appear, but if the trial was made it failed. that county and town donations to perfected railroads were the order of the day, and Oquawka was deeply desirous of securing the Peoria & Oquawka road; any appropriation having been voted down by the November
16, 1850.
improvements calling for money necessitated town might herself make appropriations to April 12, 1851, a ballot was taken, and incorporaher own interests. April 22, same year, election for trustees resulted, as the tion voted. In 1852 the town voted $10,000 to the plankofficial tables indicate. Sixty-one votes for, and but one against. In 1853 road project. Oquawka voted $25,000 toward the Peoria & Oquawka railroad, and finally secured the charter, but through legislative chicanery lost road and money. Bonds are discussed in county history. In 1854 Oquawka voted to extend the town limits one mile each way from the court house, except on the river side. Election was confirmed by the board county
;
also plank-road
an incorporation that the
January
9,
Dr.
1855.
John
S.
was the topic of considerable
Pollock prepared the extension
amusement
at the time, as the
act.
It
wording
would indicate, around town, but the further and particular description
make the intention of the act
Commencing
clear, to-wit
house in said town, thence
at the center of the court
running due south one mile (set a stake), thence east one mile (set a
making the distance on the south
stake),
line
from the river one mile
and 168 rods; thence north two miles (set a stake), thence west to the Mississippi river.
In 1856 a suit in
was pending and was carried
which the validity of the incorporation of
to the
supreme court
Oquawka was
in question.
town of Oquawka were exercising the powers and franchises of a corporation without authority, and sought to raise the question of existence of such a corporation. At the vote for incorporation the result was determined by ballot instead oiviva voce; an error considered by some to be inexPlaintiffs setting
forth that the president
cusable in the eyes of the law,
and upon
and
trustees of the
this error raised their ques-
tion.
The supreme court held that "municipal corporations are created pubhc good are demanded by the wants of community, and
for the
;
the law, after
long continued use of corporate powers and the public acquiescence, will indulge in presutaptions in favor of their legal existence."
of the
Further: "It
is
unnecessary to decide upon the materiality
mode of voting under the
acts of the legislature
statute
and constitution of 1848.
The
referred to are public acts, and authorized the
:
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AUD HENDEESON COXraTIES.
940
president and trustees of the town of Oquawka, as a corparation,
to
subscribe stock in a certain railroad company, and also to subscribe stock in a certain plank-road company, upon conditions in said acts
In
mentioned."
brief,
the incorporation was sustained, and Oquawka
In time the citizens became aware their town would be benefited under city government. Accordingly, February 21, 1871, there were but four opposing votes to the scheme. At the continued as before.
next meeting of the board, February 25, 1871, an ordinance was passed dividing the city of Oquawka into three wards as follows, to-wit All :
drawn from the Mississippi river eastward along the center of Warren street to the eastern boundary of
that portion lying north of a line
said city, to constitute the first ward.
All that portion bounded on
the west by the Mississippi river, on the north by the south line of the first
ward, on the east by the eastern boundary of the
city,
and on the
south by a line running from the Mississippi eastward along the center of Pike street to the east boundary of said
ward.
city, to constitute
the second
All that portion lying south of the second ward, to constitute
the third ward.
The
city election,
March
3,
1871, for mayor, marshal,
and two aldermen from each ward, resulted as indicated in the official table. The six aldermen were divided by lot into two classes. One class for one year's service, William Boden, Robert Hodson, and Joseph LineU, and second class for two years' service, J. A. CasweU, James F. Francis, and Samuel Wadleigh. City government continued for nearly ten years, when the citizens voted, August 2, 1880, to resume village organization, and September 4, 1880, elected a boai'd of trustees. The last nieeting of the city council was held September 9; the 13th, following, the village board met. into classes as before,
They divided themselves
Robert Hodson, Joseph LineU, and Leonard
Schell for one year, and S. S. Phelps, J. A. Caswell, and J. A. Pence
two years. The town continues under village laws. The following list includes all the officers of importance since 1851, the date of permanent incorporation. The records are not complete 1851. Ebenezer Chapin, president; John S. Pollock, William D. Henderson, John McKinney, Julius Giftbrd, trustees R. M. Patterson, clerk William C. Rice, treasurer James Mitchell, constable. for
—
;
;
;
—William D. Henderson, president;
1852.'
Julius Giftbrd, John
Pollock, Ebenezer Chapin, Benjamin Harrington, trustees
Cowen, clerk
;
Charles
S. S.
William C. Rice, treasurer H. N. Ives, constable. Gilford, president Paul Birdsall, Asa Smith, G. A. Russell, E. G. Allen, trustees J. S. Pollock, clerk; W. C. Rice, 1853.
;
;
—Julius
;
;
treasurer.
1864.—W. R. Jamison,
president;
E. Benner, John
M.
Fuller,
;
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
941
David McFaxland, E. Chapin, trustees; C. S. Cowen, clerk;
W.
C.
Jacob Spangler (resigned), James Mitchell, constable. 1865. W. E. Jamison, president S. S. Phelps, William Moir, C. S. Cowan, clerk W. C. Frederick Kay, B. F. Brooks, trustees Eice, treasurer ;
—
;
;
Ece, treasurer
;
James
;
Mitchell, constable.
1856.—William Moir, president; William H. Phelps, Frederick Kay, Josiah Ziegler, Joseph Hand, B. F. Brooks (appointed vice C. S. Cowan, clerk S. S. Phelps, William Moir, deceased), trustees Foster, William constable. treasurer 1857. B. F. Brooks, president Joseph S. Hand, Joseph Ziegler, W. H. Phelps, Frederick Ray, trustees C. S. Cowan, clerk S. S. William Foster (succeeded by David Welsh), conPhelps, -treasurer ;
;
;
—
;
;
;
;
stable.
1858.—J.
Hand, president; W. H. Phelps, J. H. Ziegler, E. H. N. Patterson, clerk
S.
George Shores, Julius Gifford, trustees S. S.
Phelps, treasurer
1859.
—B.
;
J.
;
;
R. White, constable.
F. Brooks, president; S.
Phelps,
S.
David McFarland, Samuel Mickey, trustees S. S.
Phelps, treasurer
I860.—R.
;
James
;
J.
Phelps, treasurer
C. E. Crandall, constable.
—
J.
M.
Collins, clerk
B. F. Brooks, John
A. Caswell, trustees
David McFarland, ;
George Shores,
W. W.
Craig, constable.
Richey, president
W"..
;
C. S.
;
M. Wilson,
Cowan, clerk
;
S. S.
1861. Frederick Ray, president George Shores, Joseph S. Hand, H. Ziegler, Samuel Mickey, trustees C. S. Cowan (succeeded by ;
;
D. P. Kimerer (sucby Ehsha Hinds), constable. 1862. William Wiegand, pi'esident Hiram Rose, Sr., C. B. Mathews, William Montgomery, S. Meguire, trustees E. H. IS". Patterson, clerk E. H. N. Patterson, treasurer Elisha Hinds, constable. 1863. James F. Francis, president James Cunningham, David McFarland, Leonard Schell, John M. Fuller, trustees H. L. Thomson, clerk George N. Connelly, treasurer C. E. Crandall (succeeded by James Mitchell), constable. F. Button), clerk
;
S.
S.
Phelps, treasm-er
;
ceeded
—
;
;
;
;
—
;
;
;
;
—
1864. James F. Francis, president; John M. Fuller, James Cunningham, Lewis Rapp, Lewis Schell (Francis resigned, and John
McKinney,
Jr., appointed), trustees; H. L. Thomson, clerk; Elisha Hinds (succeeded by D. Parks), constable.
K
land,
— W. H. Montgomery, president
A. W. Lehew, John McFarGeorge Cunningham, Christopher Stripe, trustees; E. H. N.
1865.
Patterson, clerk;
W.
;
S. Sterling, constable.
1866.—W. H. Montgomery, president; A. W. Lehew, M. A. MuUiner, P. H. Chapin, C. Stripe, trustees E. H. N. Patterson, clerk ;
John Wilson, treasurer ; Jacob Spangler, constable.
;;
HISTOKY OF MEEOEE AND HENDEESON COTOTTIES.
942
—
Luke M. A. Mulliner,
Eobert Hodson, A. W. Lehew, H. N". Patterson, clerk; John Wilson (succeeded by Eobert Hodson), treasurer Eufus Scott (succeeded by L. H. Fullerton), constable. 1868. J. F. Francis, president; Thad. A. Kinsloe, J. H. Zeigler. Julius Poershman, W. H. Montgomery, trustees E. H. N. Patterson, clerk Eobert Hodson, treasurer Thomas Hickman, constable. 1869. John McKinney, Jr., president; W. H. Montgomery, vice1867.
Strong, Jr., president
;
C. Stiipe, trustees; E.
;
—
;
;
;
—
James Cunningham, Christopher Stripe, T. A. Kinsloe, trustees; E. H. N. Patterson, clerk; Eobert Hodson, treasurer Thomas Hickman, constable. 1870. J. H. Ziegler, president; T. A. Kinsloe, vice-president; James Cunningham, C. Stripe, Julius Poershman, trustees E. H. N. Patterson, clerk Eobert Hodson, treasurer E. I. Jempson, constable. 1871. S. S. Phelps, mayor; aldermen: J. A. Caswell, W. M. Boden, 1st ward Eobert Hodson, J. Francis, 2d ward; Samuel Wadleigh, J. S. Linell, 3d ward E. H. N. Patterson, clerk Eobert Hodson, treasurer; E. I. Jfempson- (succeeded by P. F. Cauldwell), president;
W. H. Montgomery, ;
—
;
;
;
—
;
;
;
marshal.
—
1872. S. S. Phelps, mayor; aldermen: J. Spangler, 1st ward; Eobert Hodson, 2d ward J. S. Linell, 3d ward E. H. N. Patterson, clerk Eobert Hodson, treasurer P. F. Cauldwell, marshal. 1873. S. S. Phelps, mayor; aldermen: J. Poershman, 1st ward; "W. H. Montgomery, 2d ward Samuel "Wadleigh, 3d ward E. H. N. Patterson, clerk Eobert Hodson, treasurer Jeremiah Loucks, mar;
;
;
;
—
;
;
;
;
shal.
—
1874. Eobert Hodson, mayor; aldermen: J. Kissel, 1st ward James Cunningham, 2d ward S. S. Phelps, third ward J. B. Pat terson, clerk; Eobert Hodson treasurer J. Loucks, marshal. 1875. Eobert Hodson, mayor; aldermen: J. Loucks, 1st ward; W. H. Montgomery, 2d ward Samuel Wadleigh, 3d ward J. B. Pat terson, clerk Eobert Hodson, treasurer Thomas Hickman, marshal. 1876. Eobert Hodson, mayor aldermen John Kessel, 1st ward; James Cunningham, 2d ward S. S. Phelps, 3d ward J. B. Patterson, clerk Eobert Hodson, treasurer Thomas Hickman, marshal. 1877. Eobert Hodson, mayor; aldermen: Patrick Purcell, 1st ward James Montgomery, 2d ward S. S. Phelps, 3d ward J. B. ;
;
;
—
;
;
;
;
—
:
;
;
;
;
;
—
;
;
;
Patterson, clerk; Eobert Hodson, treasurer; H. Watson, marshal.
—
1878. S. S. Phelps, mayor; aldermen: Asa Smith, 1st. ward Eobert Hodson, 2d ward J. S. Linell, third wai-d J. B. Patterson, clerk Eobert Hodson, treasurer E. I. Jempson, marshal. 1879. D. C. Hanna, Mayor; aldermen: James Peterson, 1st ;
;
;
;
—
;
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
943
James Cunningham, 2d ward E. Cooper, 3d ward G. F. "W. Robert Hodson, treasurer E. I. Jempson, marshal. aldermen Asa Smith, 1st ward J. 1880. S. S. iPhelps, mayor J. McFarland, 3d ward L. H. Hand, clerk A. Pence, 2d ward Eobert Hodson, treasurer E. I. Jempson, marshal. 1880. Robert Hodson, president S. S. Phelps, J. S. Linell, J. A.
ward
;
;
Froehlich, clerk
;
;
;
—
;
;
:
;
;
;
—
;
Pence, J. A. Caswell, L. Schell, trustees 1881.
—Robert
Schell (to
fill
Hodson, president
vacancy), trustees
;
;
G. F.
W.
Froehlich, clerk.
John Kessel,
;
W.
G. F.
J.
B. Linell, L.
Froehlich, clerk
J.
;
B.
Martin Walters, constable. 1882. Eobert Hodson, president; J. A. Pence, L. Schell, D. C. Hanna, trustees G. F. W. Froehlich, clerk J. B. Linell, treasurer treasurer
Linell,
;
—
;
;
J. Loucks, constable.
Otber
and
officers,
tables
of"
the dates of
whom
cannot be
service cannot be ascertained,
by
like complete, are
town
Simpson, Esq., and town sexton, altogether by Joseph N-ealy. Other offices are of minor impor-
or city attorney, filled mostly filled
whose
made anything J.
tance.
JUSTICiES
OF THE PEACE OF
OQUAWKA PRECINCT.
B. Patterson; 1839, J. B. Patterson; 1843, Harry Young, Samuel Darnell 1846, Tlios. D. Jones; 1847, E. M. Patterson and James H. Stewart 1849, Peleg Giffordj R. M. Patterson, J. Eust, James Scott, and Jno. M. Fuller 1850, Paul D. Birdsall 1854, James Scott, Jno. M. Fuller, Wm. H. Jenkins 185Y, John Geddis, Julius Giflfbrd 1858, A. S. Waterhouse; 1861, James Scott, Jno. M. Fuller, D. P. Kimerer; 1865, James Scott, Jno. M. Fuller 1869, Ira Putney, Joseph Froehlich, Luke Wadleigh 1873, Wm. H. Montgomery J874, Richard "W. Ricbey 1877, Ranseldon Cooper, W. H. Montgomery 1880, Joshua F. Powers 1881, Joshua F. Powers and W. H. Montgomery. In 1836, J.
Jennings, R. "W.
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
OQUAWKA AND WASHINGTON PLANK
ROAD.
Across the Mississippi river
was a large scope of Iowa territory To do so it was necessary to construct a passable highway over the low fiats on that side of the river, and also to institute a ferry. The question of a plank road was agitated in 1850 or 1851, but fiothing was accomplished till July 12, 1852, when whose trade
Oquawka
desired to secure.
the corporation of Oquawka voted $10,000 toward the enterprise, sixtyone votes being cast in favor, and but one against the project highly ;
fligniticant
subscribed,
of the interest manifested.
Prior to
this,
stock had been
and at a meeting of the stockholders July 21, 1852, held
HISTORY OF MEHCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
944:
.at
the house of Mr. A. Banta, of Des Moines county, Iowa, Jolin
Salladay presided, and E. H. N. Patterson was secretary.
Wm.
C. Rice stated the object of the meeting
were adopted, and
officers elected
;
Judge
articles of incoporation
preparatory to legal organization.
The officers elected were Wm. D. Henderson, president; Charles S. Cowan, secretary.; E. Benner, treasurer, all of Oquawka; and E. K. Adams and Judge Wm. C. Rice, of Oquawka, and W. W. King and James Welch, of Iowa, directors. After considerable
and
efforts, defeats
road were taken by private parties;
S. S.
successes, the
bonds of the W. and J.
Phelps, $3,000;
& Co., $2,000; McKinney & Adams, $2,000; John Edwards, $500 E. Benner, $500 William C. Rice, $500 B. ISTettleton, $500. It was not until April 6, 1853, that all difficulties were removed and the contract was let to W. W. King, with William C. Rice as engineer. The length of the road was to be a little more than four and a quarter miles. The eastern terminus opposite the urpermost house in Oquawka, and the western terminus near the house of Mr. Salladay. A. Banta contracted to furnish the piles and Mr. King erected a sawmill and furnished the lumber from his own timber. Work was begun and Oquawka watched its progress with satisfaction. In 1855 all was ready for the ferry boat. A ferry company was organized, and James
Moir
;
;
;
Van
Moir, James Findley and William third
week
William
Pelt went to Pittsburgh, the
in June, 1855, to bring the steam ferry boat, via
Van
Pelt was
made
boat, built at Wellsville,
St. Louis.
and James Findley pilot. The a cost of $5,700, was christened
captain,
Ohio, at
"Oquawka," and was the subject of universal conversation. September 29, 1855, an immense crowd thronged the banks of the Mississippi to greet Captain Van Pelt and behold the Oquawka. The boat was large and roomy, combined with strength and speed, and supplied with two engines. Transportation was soon begun emigrants westward crossed the river at Oquawka in the streets of the town strangers were numerous; trade from Iowa became good, and all Oquawka needed to consummate her provisions for a great destiny was the Peoria & Oquawka railroad, the history of which may be found in ;
;
(We may add
general history.
in this parenthesis that instead of
bringing corn from Iowa to Oquawka, as was expected, the
Oquawka for Iowa company about two
carried corn from
consumption).
first
faU
it
The boat was
years when Robert Moir purIn 1859, probably, it was sold to Zach. Morgan, of Burlington. It finally sunk near Fort Madison. The plank road was finally abandoned, as the Iowa territory, of which it was the outlet to Oquawka, failed to prove of much advantage. The bonded indebted-
operated by the
chased
it.
:
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
945
Oquawka, for this road and the railroad graded from Sagetow^ The failure in the plank-road to Oquawka, amounts to about $31,000. probably due largely to the failure to secure the investment was
ness of
expected Peoria
&
Oquawka
railroad.
STORMS. Limited space will not allow the recording of all storms, but
may find room. The Oquawka "Spectator," of "May, 27, the town was visited by one of the severest we have ever experienced. During the middle of the day
perhaps the severest 1850, says:
storms that
dark clouds of threatening appearance lay along the horizon to the northwest.
At
four o'clock the gathering storm
came
rolling up,
accompanied by heavy peals of thunder, and soon broke upon us, forcing
man and
beast to seek shelter fi'om
its
merciless peltings.
The
with the falling hailstones, from smallest size to those Nearly every pane of glass on the north side larger than hen's eggs. air
was
filled
of the buildings in
town was
broker;.
From our
office (Spectator office)
and dwelling 167 panes were broken, and others were scai'cely fortunate.
more
All the glass on the exposed side of the court-house and
church (Presbyterian church)
were broken.
To the growing crops
the
damage cannot be great, as they are not as yet sufficiently far advanced. The storm was far worse in the southern part of Warren
young fruit, etc. In some parts of the state blown down, fences prostrated for miles, houses unroofed, hogs, large and small, killed, in great numbers, fruit trees broken and bruised. It was death and general desolation to the fowls, cranes, plovers, and prairie chickens." The writer might recall the tornadoes of 1872 that demolished the Methodist church, and that of 1876 that despoiled the Moir brick block, but others must be county, destroying the
timber trees were
passed by.
FLOODS.
Few
there are, even in the state,
waters of the Mississippi again flooding in 1844,
and
its
who remember the exceeding high
tributaries in 1828.
The waters were
and again in 1849, spreading over the bottom
and lower parts of the town, but not to an extent to destroy as This can not be better described than by quoting directly from the "Spectator's" special issue of June 3 of that year, which is given in full, with head lines. It was issued from the lands
did the flood of 1851.
The little brick stands in defiance of even the father of waters. The special reads " Tremendous overflow ! The rise of 1828 sivrpassed ! Immense
second story of the brick building used as an office. Btill
destruction
of property
!
Dwellings deserted
!
Disastrous
effects
of
946
HI8T0EY OF MEBOEIi AND HENDEE80N COUWHES.
tke floods above
and helow
!
The channel of
—
the Mississippi probdhlm
changed ! Tlie waters are upon v.s ! We "write amid a scene of conAll the business portion of fusion and excitement seldom witnessed. one or is covered two houses, with water deep enough town, except our to aiford passage for steamboats.
The condition
of affairs
is
beyond
description, and can only be realized by being seen. The flood of 1844 was nothing in comparison with the present, and as nearly as it can now be ascertained, the memorable rise of 1828 failed of reaching On Thursday last the water commenced flooding the present mark. the lowest portions of the flats and the report was brought us by Capt. Harris, of the Dr. Franklin, of a veiy heavy rise coming down. By Friday morning the water had risen several inches and every exertion was made to secure the grain and other property from any injury that might result from the continuation of the rise. The water, however,
rose so rapidly as to cause the destruction of large quantities of pro-
Many of those suffering from the effects of the flood are farmers duce. who had grain stored here in sheds, and who, in spite of every exertion, have sustained heavy losses. Throughout the whole of Saturday the work of salvage was carried on with renewed activity. During the evening and night the river commenced rising more rapidly than ever, while a heavy thunder storm, roaring and crashing around, added to the already gloomy prospects. On Sunday the town presented a scene of bustle and activity. Families, driven from their tenements by the encroaching waters, were deserting their homes and seeking refuge in the upper part of town, for in this case the homestead exemption law failed to secure them in the undisturbed possession of their property. On Monday the water was still coming up and it was foimd necessary to remove all the household goods and considerable quantities of merchandise to higher ground. Wagons, skiffs, and rafts were occupied all day in conveying men and merchandise from point to point. "At this moment (Monday evening), the entire bottom presents a spectacle of devastation. From the bank of where the river used to be, to the foot of the sand ridge, the water is from four to iive feet deep, and is standing from ten to fifty inches deep in the houses west of the east side of Second street, south of and including "Spectator row," and the whole of the flat south of the postoflice. In our press
room the water
is
over twenty-five inches deep.
The farms along
the
bottom of the ridge are completely inundated, and many of the fences have disappeared. Several hundred cords of wood have been washed down stream. The distilling premises are under water and operations suspended. Messrs. Moir will sustain quite a loss by damaged corn. "Just as we are putting up this hurrygraph a flat boat is passing up
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
94T
laden witlt several hundred sacks of grain, and others are
First street,
warehouses. Lumber yards are being floated down to hold tliem fast rafts and boats are plying eTerywhere, and men are wading, shoulder deep, from house to house. The river is still rising, though more slowly, (Tuesday morning). different
loading at inlaad, or
staked
;
having risen only three inches during the last three hours, while for the twenty-four hours ending at eight o'clock J^esterday morning, it
The Oswego is loading from the second window of the warehouse of S. S. Phelps & Co. Large quantities of lumber and shingles have been noticed floating by since daj'Water hip deep around our press and we are compelled to light. Hope the water will go down soon. Reports issue this by hand. from above and below.report a similar condition of affairs." A week afterward the river was only four inches lower. The "Burglington Telegraph," commenting on his neighbor, says " Our near neighbor appears to be a severe sufferer by the floods. Our rose over sixteen inclies. story
;
:
Patterson, of the
frieud. Col.
His press
'Spectator,' is said to enter his office
Of
entirely under water." "Telegraph " spoke with the liberty of the press.
through the roof
The
is
course the
Oquawka were estimated at about 17,000 bushels of hundred bushels of oats, considerable salt, sugar and
losses of
corn, several
a The highest point reached by the Mississippi river since fall of 1881 and spring of 1882, flooding the flats. The
merchandise, together with loss'fi'om total suspension of business for long period.
was in the
town did not suffer, partly from the fact that the lower portion of •
filled to
has-
it
such an extent that the sidewalk in front of the door of the
hub of wagonsThe high water
Phelps brick store building, once so high that the wheel
would touch
mark
is
is
it,
chiseled
now on
a level with the ground.
on the stone door casing of the Phelps brick
store.
«
OQUAWKA HISTOEICAL AND GEOLOGICAL
SOCIETY.
Oquawka had long felt the need of some literary institution higher where men of study and thought might meet and dis-
than the school,
cuss science and study literature. Accordingly an informal meeting was held at the office of J. Simpson January 2, 1860, for the purpose
of taking steps
toward the organization of a society having for its. of a cabinet of geological specimens and curiosi-
object the collection
books embracing standard instructand the securement of lecturers of talent. J. Simpson was appointed chairman of a committee to draft a constitution, ties,
the purchase of a library of
ive literature,
etc.
January
siding, the
9,
1860,
at
a meeting,
report of the committee
was
R.
W.
Eichey, Esq.,
pre-
received and a constitution
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
948
"The Henderson County Historical and Geological Society," setting forth the objects of the society as above indicated, and providing the offices of president, vice-president, adopted christening the society
recording secretary, corresponding secretary, treasurer, librarian, and The following persons signed the constitution: Dr. three regents.
K
W. M. Graham, E. H. Patterson, James Cunningham, Sylvester Meguire, Samuel Wadleigh, Robert Moir, H. Hanson, E. W. Eichey, John JEdwards, Hugh L. Thomson, James Peterson, Jonathan Simpson. Others became members and the promise was good. Soon, however, war rent A. Caswell,
Cephas Park,
J.
Luke
Jr.,
Strong,
the nation and absorbed the attention of the public mind. tions trembled
and
because of
infancy.
its
the shock.
all felt
The
The doors were
and 1865 some meetings were
association
All
war
more
In 1864
closed for years.
held, but the
institu-
felt this
virtually proved the
death of the society.
The
ladies of
Oquawka, desirous of entertainment and improve-
ment, organized a reading club, meeting in different parlors
for the
enjoyment of literary study. This was effected in 1873. The officers of the body were Mrs. H. N. Chapin, president Mrs. J. A. Other members Pence, secretary; Mrs. Mary Barton, treasurer. were Mrs. J. A. Caswell, Mrs. WiUiam Stockton, Misses Cora and Ada Caswell, and Miss Cora Simpson. A room was soon procm-ed and furnished. The use of the books belonging to the Historical and Geological Society was procured. Interest increased in this direction. Entertainments and sociables were had. As funds allowed, books were purchased. In 1881 it was decided to consolidate the Library Association and the Historical and Geological Society, '9?hich was done July 9, 1881. The officers elected were Mrs. J. A. Pence, president Mrs. J. A. Caswell, vice-president Mrs. W. N. Boden, secretary Mrs. Mary ;
:
;
:
;
;
Barton, treasurer, and Miss
were
Mary
Caswell, librarian.
Three
directors
also provided.
The Oquawka Library Association, as consolidated, now has a room and about 532 volumns of the best literature. There are about forty members of the society proper and quite a number of reading members. About 1,000 books are read each year. One dolpleasant
and fifty cents yearly dues. Those who read the books are charged $1.50 per year for their use. Thus a good library is at hand for a small amount of money. The growth of such lar initiation to the society
an
institution
ought to be permanent and substantial.
^
: ;
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
951
ODD-FELLOWS. The principles of brotherly love, relief and truth Supreme Master himself. Out of their depths societies having for their object the love and care of No nobler theme can occupy us, no nobler family.
the
to
our duties as a
common
are as eternal as
have sprung the the great object
human
prompt us
brotherhood.
was for this purpose that Odd-Fellowship was instituted. Born under an American sky, nourished by American succor, the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows has grown to such proportions that It
wherever a few are gathered together the order
is
represented.
Its
was Baltimore, its birthday April 26, 1819. Its founders were Thomas Wildey, John Welsh, John Duncan, John Cheatham, They declared theii- object to be "the aid and Richard Eusli worth. and protection of brothers in sicknesss and on travel, and for the purpose of benevolence and charity," and the motto they adopted was: "We command you to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the birth-place
and educate the orphans." The only creed it requires of its candidates is a belief in the one hving and true God. All men of good moral character, of whatever party, sect or creed, are alike open to its responsibility and entitled to dead,
benefits.
its
All brothers, whatever their rank, social, political or
meet each other as equals, feel safe in and ready to grant it, sympathize, console and enjoy all without fear of exposure and ridicule. Such motives and objects prompted the few who instituted and the many who have perpetuated Tranquil Lodge, No. 193, Oquawka, Illinois. This lodge was instituted under a dispensation from the grand lodge December 19, 1855, Warren Lodge, No. 160, assisting. The charter members, who were elected to the principal offices, were W. B. Linell, Noble Grand Z. D. Fanning, Vice-Grand G. S. Higgins, Eight Supporter; N. A. Chapin, Permanent Secretary; and B. F. Eamage, Treasurer . Libbey. This meeting occurred in and the day time in the masonic hall of that day. Another session' was held in the evening, when the following parties were initiated F. A. Dallam, P. S. Liaell, F. Garternicht, J. McFarland, O. S. Bearce, W. W. Collins, Dr. J. E. Snelling, N. A. Chapin. After an hour's interim the session was resumed, when O. S. Bearce was appointed Warden; F. Garternicht, Outside Guard J. McFarland, Inside Guard Libbey, Eight Supporter to the Noble Grand W. W. CoUius, Left Supporter to the Noble Grand P. S. Linell, Eight Scene Supporter financial,
in the world at large,
each other's care, free to ask aid
;
;
—
;
:
—
;
;
;
.
;
Dr. J. E. Snelling, Left 54
Scene Supporter.
The lodge
set apart
Friday
HISTORY OF MEECEE AITO HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
962
evenings for
sessions
its
It
expended immediately
for incidentals
and regalia $282.31.
The lodge enjoyed a prosperous
To January
career.
1,
I860,
seventy-two had united with the order, including the charter members. Where are the seventy-two now? But seven of them are now con-
nected with Tranquil Lodge, joining in the order in which they occur in this series Frasell,
:
F. Garternicht, J. McFarland, E.
I.
James Cunningham, Samuel Mickey, and
When
Sumter's cannonry called for brave
men
Jempson, M. A.
Capt. J. E. White. to crush rebellion.
Tranquil Lodge became participant in the Union's
battles, in
her
George Boyer died December 25, 1863, from a wound received from a shot from the shore while he was passJames M. Phelps was ing down the Mississippi river on business. killed at the battle of Fort Donelson; George W. Collins was killed at Chickamauga Fred Kaiser died in 1864 Rev. David Pershen died 18 Charles M. Ammerman died November 3, 1871 and J. M. Best George D. Carpenter was killed iu Kansas by a runadied in 1874. way team in 1879. Some others have died, but not while in this Many have united with other lodges, and are doing their lodge. good work. After the war Tranquil Lodge rallied from her struggles. Till the spring of 1867 the room had been occupied by both Odd-Fellows and Masons. At that time the Masons withdrew. Nothing was left (rightly) but bare walls and iloor. Tranquil Lodge immediately repaired the hall in good style and substantially, expending for the purpose $594.16. The hall is 30x60 feet, neatly and well ftimished. During the existence of the lodge 167 have been members. The present number in good standing is forty-three. The society has cash in the treasury $900, and hall fixtures and regalia worth about $500. The past grand officers at present connected with this society are: F. Garternicht, Capt. J. R. White, E. I. Jempson, J. M. AMn, B. Alleman, S. Allen, George Bell, James Cunningham, M. A. Frar zell, J. H. Frazell, J. Kessel, S. Mickey, C. Stripe, W. F. C. ScheU, U. Stephenson, A. A. Goempler, W. Odendah], J. W. Pence, H. N.
blood, and in her victory.
;
—
;
;
;
Patterson, K. Cooper.
The
of the present (May, 1882), are:
officers
C. Stripe,
Y.G.;
J.
M. Akin, Sec;
C. F.
W.
S.
Collins,
N.G.;
Schell, Ti-eas.; E. L.
Jempson, W. J. W. Brock, Con.; A. A. Goempler, LG. T. 0. Allen, O.G.; J. R. White, R.S.KG.; C. Radmacher, L.S.N.G.; James Cunningham, E.S.V.G.; W. P. Herbertz, L.S.Y.G.; Martin Walters, R.S.S. James Thomas, L.S.S. The old war-horses of twenty years ago are still faithful to the ship. ;
;
;
;;
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
953
The Kebecca members of this lodge have numbered about forty-three, It is needless to speak of the charities of whom but sixteen remain.
and their
bestowed on deserving brothers cares sustained
by mutual
families,
and of the
special
labor.
MASONIC.
—
OqwMvka Lodge, No. 123, A.F.A.M. The society of Masons is most ancient social institution in the world, though the old myth that masonry was coeval with creation, or that its birth was as far back as the age of Noah, has long since been exploded, and all such superstition is repudiated by intelligent Masons. No order is
probably the
represented in the world as that in consideration. Oquawka Lodge was organized in the old brick school-house, in 1861, in August, in pursuance of a dispensation from the Grand Lodge, so universally
C.
G. T. Taylor,
M.W.G.M.,
present;
The
H. Stewart, J.W.
John
Curts,
W.M.; James
meeting under the dispensa^ tion was held October 7, 1851. Besides the above-named persons, "W. K. Talbot, J. E. Davis, A. D. Frazell, Gen. Hiram Eose, and E. H. N. Patterson were elected members under dispensation. The worshipiiil master appointed Hiram Rose, S.D. W. K. Talbot, J.D. A. D. Frazell, Treas.; E. H. N. Patterson, Sec; and J. E. Davis, Tyler. October 7, 1851, John S. Peaseley and E. P. Mason became identified with the lodge. November 4 following, a constitution and by-laws were adopted. John S. Pollock, I. N. Smith, C. C. French, and James N. Smith became very early members; also J. Simpson, R. W. Crane, and Israel L. Stocton. The lodge continued to hold session in the school-house till some time in 1853, when they rented the hall now used by the Odd-Fellows, both lodges meeting in the same hall till 1867. In 1867 the Masons rented their present hall. It is neatly furnished. The lodge has an active membership of thirty-eight. A few times the lodge has performed the sad duty of burying the dead. War deprived the lodge of some noble lives. The lodge has been honored in the state senate by Gen. Hiram Eose in the legislature by J. Simpson and James Peterson on the bench by J. H. Stewai-t. The worshipful masters of the lodge have been John Curts, A. D. Frazell, J. H. Stewart, John M. Wilson, J. Simpson, E. C. Cabeen, J. A. Caswell, James Scott, John E. Bosler, H. N. Patterson. The present Scott, S..W.;
iirst
;
;
;
worshipful master is
James Peterson, who has
noa-consecutive terms. J.
R. White,
J.W.
;
A. M. Smith, S.D.;
filled that position
Other present officers are
:
M. H.
ten
Mills, S."W.
James Cunningham, Treas.; J. W. Tolman, Sec; John Kessel, J.D.; H. F. Patan, Tyler.
HI8T0EY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
S5-J:
CHURCHES. CONTRIBUTED BY REV. HEZEKIAII HANSON.
The
First Pi-esbyterian church of
Oquawka,
(old school),
was organ-
ized June 13, 1840, by a committee of the Schuyler Presbytery, consisting of Eevs.
the organization
Samuel Wilson and George Stebbins. The record of According to an order of the Presbytery as follows
is
:
of Schuyler at their sessions held in Monmouth, in April, 1840, a committee appointed to organize a church at Oquawka, consisting of Eevs.
Samuel Wilson and George Stebbins, proceeded to the duty assigned them on June 13, 1840. James Jameison, and Mary, his wife, Mrs.
Ann McKinnej', (widow), Esther W. Stebbins, Thankful Day, Sarah Jameison, wife of Josej)h Jameison, Daniel Linn, and Daniel Richey, having presented certificates of good and regular standing in other churches, and having expressed a desire to be constituted as a church
of Jesus Christ, were accordingly organized as a church in connection
James Jameison, formerly a ruhng Warren county, Illinois,
with the Presbytery of Schuyler.
elder in the Fall creek Presbyterian church, in
was elected and its
installed the first elder of this church on the day of
On
the same day, OrindaEames, Hannah Lancaster, and Charles A. Furin, were received into the Of those who were organized as a church, all are dead ex-
organization.
Elvira A. Francis, church.
cepting Mrs.
Abner Short
Biggsville, in this county,
is at
present a
land Presbyterian church of that place. year, Mrs.
who now resides in member of the CumberOn November 7, of the same On July 17, into the church.
(then Sarah Jameison),
and
Mary Cousland was
received
David B. Rice, from the chm-ch of Macomb, Illinois, on certificate, and Miss Isabella H. Phelps, of Oquawka, on profession of her faith, December 4, 1841. In 1843 seven were received six by certificate, and one. Miss Caroline Woods, February, 1843, on profession of her faith. * On March 11, 1843, David B. Rice and Marvin Tyron were elected elders. Mr. Tyron declined to accept, and D. B. Rice accepting, was then set apart as a ruling elder, and installed as an elder of this church. The first dismission from this church to another church was on July 16, 1843, given to 1841, two persons were received
:
:
Mrs. Mary Cousland to the Fall creek church, belonging
to the
Salem
Association of United Baptists.
May
Marvin Tyron was again elected as an elder, and then accepting was set apart to that office and installed as such. Eev. George Stebbins was the first stated supply of this church, beginning 25, 1844,
with the organization. is
The last record of his presence with this church The sessional records show that on May 25,
that of July 16, 1843.
OQUAWICA TOWNSHIP. 1844,
was present
Eev. Samuel Wilson
,955
as moderator.
The were four persons received into the church. deaths in the church is as follows: "Departed this
first life,
In 1844 there record of any at Jack's Mills,
Miss Caroline M. Woods, aged about twenty years. She was esteemed and beloved by all who knew her, and loved as a Mrs. Arabella Smiley, christian while alive, and lamented in death. died March 20, 1845. Mi-s. Isabella H. Eice (daughter of S. S. Phelps), These were all three regular teachers in the Sunday April 5, 1845. They school, and the only members of our church that were teachers. were likewise regular attendants upon the different ordinances of God's Thus in a small church like ours, we deeply feel their loss." house. July 24, 1844,
The Eev. The
first
W. K.
Stewart, of
Macomb, supplied this church at times. is March 22, 1845. October 1, 1845,
record of his presence
was engaged as a stated supply for twowas given to the Congregational Mr. Perkins was church at La Harpe, in Hancock county, Illinois. ordained to the gospel ministry in October, 1846, and remained as the In 1845 eight persons were supply of this church until May, 1847. received into the church by certificate. May 3, 1846, Samuel Gordon For several was elected, ordained and installed as a ruling elder. years the supplies of this church held monthly services at White Oak Springs. The Eev. Samuel Wilson supplied frequently, and in 1847 he preached the last two sermons of his life. He was taken ill while supplying this church, and on returning to his home in Monmouth
W.
Perkins (then a licentiate),
thirds of his time,
Rev. Mr. Ferguson, of
died.
vals
the other part
from
May
27, 1847, to
Macomb,
June
supplied this church at inter-
24, 1849.
May
31, 1849,
Eobert M.
A. Maury were elected, ordained and installed as rnhng elders in this church. During the year 1847, the session of the church discussed the propriety of receiving Mr. D. E. Eoberts as a member of this church on account of his being engaged in the distilling business, and after referring the case to Presbytery, who refused to advise, they permitted him to withdraw his letter. In 1849 he was, Patterson and Dr. J.
however, received_
on his
letter,
but no record
is
made
of
how
the
was settled. The next minister
matter
who statedly supplied this church was the Eev. who began his service April 7, 1850, and finished his labors March 1, 1854. On November 14, 1851, Mark Graham, Thos. W. Kinsloe, Jno. Welch, E. Mathews, and Thomas Lowther, were W. K.
Talbot,
elected as ruling elders.
Eev.
W. K. Talbot
church,
During the
diflieulties
latter part of the ministry of
arose which greatly weakened the
and was the occasion of several troublesome cases of discipline. The Rev. Obediah J. King was the next stated supply. He began his
,
HISTORY OF MEECEK
956
AJSTD
HENDEE80N COUNOIES.
labors September 30, 1854, and continued
On
October
5,
them up
1856, the Rev. Hezekiah Hanson, a
to
August
member
1856.
then of
Carlisle Presbytery of Pennsylvania, preached his first sermon in this
church, and was at once engaged to supply for three months. this time the congregation issued a call for
him
During
as pastor of the church,
which was presented to him through the Prebytery of Schuyler, at a meeting held in Oquawka on May 5, 1857, at which time he was installed as the first pastor, and has continued to be the pastor ever On May 7, 1882, he preached his twenty-fifth anniversary since. sermon of his installation, and at that date was the second oldest installed pastor in the Presbyterian church in Illinois.
The Sunday
now
school in connection with this church, was organized
through the special efforts of Rev. W. Perkins. Mrs. Salome Plaelps and Mrs. Osborne secured the first contribution for purchasing books for the school, amounting to $25, and for years Mrs. Phelps continued to see that the school was supplied with the as
it
is
in ISil,
necessary books.
Previous to the erection of the church building the
Sunday school was held services
of the place,
in the old school-house, as
now
was
all
the religious
standing near the Methodist Episcopal
On June 3, 1842,'WiUiam Phelps and wife, and Myron Phelps and wife deeded the lot on which the church building stands, to the church. The first trustees were J. B. Patterson, Alexis Phelps, and James Jamison. The church building was erected during the years 1842-3. In July and August, 1857, the church was repaired, the gallery in the church was taken down, the vestibule removed, the very high pulpit and high backed pews were lowered, and the church furnished by the ladies with a chandelier and carpet. The organ now in use was substituted for the melodeon, wliich had been in use for some years. "Watt's psalms and hymns were laid aside, and "The Hymnal" was introduced in their stead November 3, 1867. In May, 1869, the church was repainted and refurnished by the ladies, with carpet, sofa, and communion table. In June and July, church, and used as a wagonmaker's shop.
1876, the church was again repainted and other repairs
made
at
a cost
of over $200. In March, 1876, the church received a legacy of $500 from Mrs. Jane Dorr, of Springfield, Illinois, who had been at one
member of this church. On May 13, 1876, The Presbyterian Hymnal was introduced instead of The Hymnal. In 1878 the church had a new roof put on at a cost of $85. During the months of time a
September and October, 1881, the church building was completely overhauled, taking out the windows and replacing them with new gothic windows and blinds, plastering the ceiling, repapering the church, carpeting the entire church, and furnishing
it
with new
pulpit,
"
; :
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
made the whole cost of which was amount whole was paid at once, not leaving a dollar to The
and heater, and other repairs were $929.78.
957
;
The congregation is greatly indebted to the committhem, consisting of H. F. McAllister and W. B. Eice, appointed hy superintending the work, as they have now one of the planning and
be provided for. tee for
neatest
and most comfortable church buildings (though small) in the
county.
The church has never been strong in membership, owing to the number of denominations in this small community, and the Presbyterian element being for a long time divided between three Presbyterian churches, namely, the Associate Keformed, the Cumberland PresBut it has always had the byterian, and the Presbyterian Old School. cordial support of many of the most liberal givers in the community. The present officers of the church are Rev. Hezekiah Hanson, pastor members of session, E. W. Eichey, Joseph Chickering, Eleazer Pogue, Asa Smith, H. F. Pattan trustees, E. W. Eichey, Joseph Chickering, :
;
"W. 0. Else.
The record of fifth
this church, as
anniversary sermon,
is
given by the pastor in his twentya good one. In it he says
certainly
"During the early history of this church, and the town's highest prosperity, this
much
for the
fifteen years,
work of the church and to-day
it
Schuyler Presbytery for
work of the church,
its
means
time of
has done during the past ten or
it
stands in the front rank of the churches of
its
contributions to the general and special
average per
by any of the churches. questionable
as
that, too, in the
congregation did not contribute as
And
for raising
it
member being
equal to that given
has never resorted to any of the
money
for
any purpose.
It is a great
be able to say that during a period of over twenty-five congregation has liberally responded to every appeal in the
pleasure to
years this
church, oftentimes giving
more than was asked
churches have a better record for peace
;
for,
never
less.
Few
for this over a quarter of a
we have had but four cases of discipline, and during the terwar of the rebellion, when excitement ran high everywhere,
century rible
and while
many
of the churches were distracted and torn to pieces, through without the least trouble. In 1856 there were both "Cumberland" and "Associate Eeformed " Presbyterian congregations in Oquawka, worshiping in the
we passed
safely
No church has been erected by them. The following notes in honor to Hezekiah Hanson, so long the
halls.
pastor of the Presbyterian church, are furnished by E. Hezekiah Hanson was borti in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, faithful
20, 1824.
His early
life
was passed
in Mercersburg.
He
Mathews December was
atten-
;
HISTORY OF MEECEK AOT) HENDEKSON COUNTIES.
958
tive to his books, graduating
from Marshall College
in 1845, being
then but about twenty-one years of age. He became interested in He then entered Westtheology, studying with Dr. Thomas Creigh. ern Theological Seminary, at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. 4,
1848, he was licensed to preach
by the
October
Carlisle Presbytery and or-
Mr. Hanson devoted himself to the pastorwhen he became pastor of the PresbyOf his labors here as pastor the church terian church of Oquawka. history speaks louder than the writer can speak. It seldom occurs that a minister remains in charge of one flock a quarter of a century. There is but one other instance in the state of Illinois. Mr. Hanson, dained August 22, 1849.
ate in his native state
till
1856,
during his ministry, has to this date. May 23, 1882, delivered 5,644 sermons and lectures, attended 346 fnnerals, performed the marriage
ceremony 256 times, received into the church 325 persons, 213 of he baptized. His labors have not been confined to the church
whom
he has taken an active part in educational aifairs, having served on the He has mastered the mysteries of school board in an important era. both Odd-Fellows and Freemasons. Mr. Hanson was married at his native place April 17, 1849, to Miss Nancy T. Dick, who died December 25th following. He was next wedded February 10, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth B. Eoney, of Duncannon, Pennsylvania. Three children Three are living Mary, Frank and EHzabeth. are dead. :
First Baptist Church.
Father Hovey.
He was
—The
pioneer preacher of this
a native of
West
Yirginia.
faith
Here he
was
labored
and here he died, and was buried six miles southeast of Oquawka. He was venerable and honored. Meetings of the Baptist church were held at different places. When Dr. S. H. Euple came to Oquawka in Up to that 1 859, he found them holding meetings in the court-house. date fifty-seven members had been connected with the Baptist church. In 1862 Allen's hall Elder S. F. Ives was the court-house pastor. was secured, and in 1863 McKinney's hall was used, and continued to be the place of worship till 1870, when the present large edifice was constructed at a cost of $5,550.
The building
is
well fiimished, has
stained glass windows, the largest bell in the town, and
is
supplied with
an organ. The leading subscribers to its erection were J. E. Bosler, Mrs. Eobert Moir, Benjamin Harrington, Frisbie Sloan, John Nicol, Eobert Moir, James Musgove, Lewis Duke, James Duke, Lewis Duke, Jr., J. H. Zeigler, James A. Caswell, Hiram Eose, E. T. Pence, Drs. 5. H. Euple, C. Park, and Milligan. Services have been held up to March 1880. Some members having died and many having moved away, the church is weak, yet will not be long without services. The ministers
who have been
in charge since Elder Ives, are Eev.
Norman
OQtTAWKA TOWNSHIP. called
Parks,
1866
November
29,
1862
;
Father John "Warren, called July Elder "Walter L. Wood, called
Eev. E. N. Elton, April 30, 1869
;
959
;
and E. G. Cheverton, who was ordained here His labors were closed in 1880. March 30, 1880, Mrs. June 3, 1879. Since its organizar Moir reported the church entirely free from debt. The present membership is twentytion 163 have been members. The ofScers are Fiisbie Sloan, deacon Dr. S. H. Euple, clerk. eight. The Trustees, Dr. S. H. Euple, Frisbie Sloan, and Isaac Thomas. Sabbath school was organized in the court-house in 1859, through the General Hiram Eose was the instrumentality of Dr. S. H. Euple. first superintendent, J. E. Bosler, librarian, and 0. S. Bearee, secretary. A good library and plenty of papers were furnished. No school in the
spring of 1877;
;
has been lately sustained.
—
^After some years of worship at private dwelland in the school-house in the town, the Methodist society of
Methodist Ohv/rch. ings,
Oquawka numbered about fifty members in 1856. Services were at and had been for some time, held at the court-house. Eevs. Frank Chafey, Urial Giddings, Wm. Haney, and John P. Brooks labored with the church during those years of inconvenience. In 1856 efforts, which were successful, were made to build. A large brick edifice 44x64 was erected at an expense of $4,462.54. The church was dedicated September 21, 1856, by Bishop James, in an eloquent discourse. There had been subscribed $2,242.64. During the service of dedication $1,478.18 was contributed, leaving $741.82 as an indebtedness. Eev. J. S. Cummings became pastor, and the church prospered. At one time the society numbered about 180. The church subsequently sufi'ered damage by storm to the amount of $60. Again in 1872 by a terrific storm the church was almost demolished, having the rear blown in, crushing the pulpit and despoiling the furniture generally. The cost of these repairs amounted to about $1,200. The church was rededicated by Eev. Stephen Brink, the pastor. The that period,
now
have been D. S. Brainard, S. Sterling, Henry Camp, Edward Morgan, and others. The trustees at the building of the church were James Eyason, Lambert Hopper, John Eeed and D. S. Brainard. The present trustees are Luke Wadleigh, J. 0. Anderson, James Thomas, and "W. church
is
out of debt.
Its class leaders
James Eyason, "W.
S. Sterling.
The pastor in charge
is
Eev. David McLeish.
SCHOOLS. Wherever a few pioneers settled together, mind as well as wealth received early attention. There were not very many school children in Oquawka when the first school was kept by Ehoda Greeno, about 1838.
—
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEBSON COUNTIES.
960
She taught for a number of years at different periods. She came from The school-house, not very pretentious, Ashtabula county, Ohio. The first winter schoolstooi on the southwest corner of block 43. master was Thomas McElrea, who had previously taught in the country. In 1840 Rev. George Stebbins, a Presbyterian minister, became a laborer both in the church and school, the one branch of the educational business being at that time insuiBcient for a livelihood. He taught the village school. He also conducted a private advanced class The members of the class were E. H. N. Patin Latin at his home. terson, Nealy A. Chapin. William H. Phelps, and D. S. Brainard. They were preparing for college, but only one, E. H. N. Patterson, finished the contemplated course, graduating at Jubilee College. William II. Phelps attended college a short time, became a merchant, and later a farmer. Nealy A. Chapin became a successful merchant of Kirkwood. D. S. Brainard became a merchant but met with reverses in fortune. Rev. Stebbins was a scholar of considerable attainments.
Another early teacher was Thomas Hutchison. the old school-house in the north of town. school-house, especially for
Simpson made
his
home
summer normals,
in
Oquawka.
Schools continued in
The
court-house became a
etc.
In 1848 Jonathan
In that year appeared
in the
" Spectator" the following: The undersigned intends to open a school at the court-house in
Oquawka, on Monday, December
18, for the
in-
struction of youth in all branches of English education usually taught
in our J.
common
schools.
Terms, $2. 50 per term of twelve weeks.
Simpson.
The school proved
lasting about two years, with an Miss Bigelow (now the widow of the
a success,
attendance of about 100 pupils.
Eames, and now of Minneapolis), was assistant teacher. became imperative. Accordingly, about 1848, a tax of $1,200 was levied for school-building purposes. Prior to this it was also intended to build a school-house in the north part of the town, and about $400 collected for that purpose. The $1,200 proving too little for the former enterprise, the $400 was added to the $1,200, and in 1850 the new brick school edifice was erected at a cost of about Luke Strong, John Gillis, and others whose names do not $1,800. About 1857 it became appear, were early instructors in this building. necessary to secure additional room. The basement of the Methodist church was rented for two or three years for school purposes. For several years subsequent, Moir's hall was fitted into a school-room. About 1858 some people and directors called for an additional schoollate Capt. 0.
A new school-building
building in the north part of town. After a defeat at the polls a second trial
allowed what •
is
known
as the
Oak Grove
edifice to
be
erected.
(JQUAWKA. TOWNSHIP.
961
Asa Smith performed the labor and furnished the material for $824. This was utilized till about 1878. An effort was at one time made to establish a seminary, by George
A
and Charles E. Birdsall. German Lutheran church. an addition was the
town
is
now
building was erected, but soon sold for a
In 1873, at an expend of about $3,000, The education of
built to the brick school-building.
confined to the enlarged building.
were refurnished at an expense of $625.
In 1880 the rooms
Since 1860 the principals of
George Birdsall, C. C. Button, J. A. Summers, the schools have been John E. Chapin, Cyrus Chapin, S. H. Peterman, E. G. Stiles, J. M. Akin, George L. Guy, John S. Muir, J. R. Logue, E. G. Glenn, and :
John Brock.
HEALTH. Perhaps no place along the Mississippi river has enjoyed exemption fifty years than has Oquawka, on the sand, where no water lingers to become stagand the Mississippi river hurrying its waters by, carry-
from disease to a greater degree during situated as
it
nant and foul,
is
ing whatever obnoxious debris
In 1849, virulence
when
and
may
fatality,
Oquawka
list,
This was nearly the limit of the In 1851 and 1852 sick.
number were
although quite a
cholera claimed
much
suffered some, losing three persons
one week and two the next week. death
settle into its vicinity.
the cholera attacked various places with so
some ten or twelve victims, but the number is far Since that time its deadly work in other places.
below the results of
Oquawka unmolested. But in 1854 and 1856 small-pox made
cholera has left
its
appearance.
For some
time the doctors differed in their diagnoses, the usual similarity be-
tween
it
and other eruptive diseases baffling the medical
However,
skill of
some.
was soon verified and announced by the doctors in convention. The board of town trustees in February, 1855, appointed Drs. C. Park, J. A. Maury, H. Burkleo, J. E. Snelling, George C. Pearce, a sanitary committee, with authority to impose such restrictions, where disease existed and upon persons having been exposed, as they deemed proper. The board proceeded to vaccinate all within the corporation Hmits. Each committeeman received $10 for his labor. In 1871 the small-pox rumors again took wing, but proved only a case it
,
of varioloid.
It is said that
highly favorable to health. eral health statements.
the fish diet so largely indulged in
is
Life of fifty years here confirms the gen-
HI8T0EY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
962
LAWYERS. Harry Jenings was the after its organization.
Oquawka in Then day.
1845.
He
James
attorney that settled in the county was a native of Kentucky. He died in first
C.
Hutchinson practiced some at an early M. Harris, Flemming, and
—
AVilliam C. Rice, Charles
.
James H. Stewart appear upon the docket as residents of the county. M. Brocklebank, John W. Jones and John Mitchell come next in order of date fl. Swift, who practiced a year or two before his death, also resided here. James T. Sanders, Jonathan Simpson, Marion Williamson, Williard B. Spaulding, Marion F. Button, James D. Wolf, C. C. Secrist, J. H. Jenings, J. F. Duff, Rauselden Cooper, Simeon Darnell, David R. Waters, Daniel M. Hammack, complete the list of attorneys who have resided and practiced in this county. Of this number Hany ;
Jenings, Swift, Mitchell, Spaulding, Hutchinson, Flemming, Button,
and Williamson are dead, and Rice, Simpson and Cooper main as resident attorneys.
alone
re-
BIOGRAPHICAL. John B. Patteeson, of Oquawka, Illinois, was born in Virginia, January 11, 1806. His father, Thomas Patterson, was a native of Londonderry, Ireland, a finely educated gentleman, who was ardently devoted to the cause of education,- and spent the greater portion of his State
life
as a professor in different educational institutions in the
of Virginia.
when
The
subject of
this
sketch
removed
to
Win-
After receiving such education as he was able to acquire in the schools of the county of his residence, and uTidergoing the usual vicissitudes that fall to the lot of boys similarly chester
situated,
he
quite a boy.
at the
age of eighteen entered a printing
oflBce to learn the
After two years of experience, he took charge of the mechanical department ot the "Winchester Virginian," a new demoart of printing.
and remained in this employ for one year. On January was united in marriage with Mahala Jane Nojion, of Loudon county, Virginia. In April of the following year he started a new democratic paper, the "Leesburg Observer," advocating the claims of Andrew Jackson to the presidency. This enterprise proved not to be a pecuniary success, and the paper was discontinued. In May, 1829, he went to the city of Washington and commenced the publication of the "American Argus," which, after the issue of a few numcractic paper, 11,
1827, hrf
was discontinued for want of paying support. In March, 1832, he joined the advance guard of the grand army that was soon to follow, and set his face toward the great west, and ai-rived in Rock Island the following month. From this place he was invited to Galena to take
bers,
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP. charge of the
"Galenian," a paper publislied at the time in the far
mines of Dlinois.
famed lead
963
His engagement was to continue for a Black Hawk war, then just begun.
few weeks or until the close of the
At Galena he joined Capt. Milton Waugh's company of Col. James Strode's regiment, and was by the colonel detailed as regimental printer (a new office) and served as a staif officer until the close of the war,
and continued on the paper until October of that year. connection with this paper he returned to
Rock
After
and employment of Col. Davenport in his large mercantile establishment, who was also a member of the American Fur Company. He remained thus employed, and in keeping books for the Indian On the return of that renowned warrior and agent. Major Davenport. and his party, from their celebrated tour of the chief. Black Hawk closing his
Island,
entered the
Mr. P., at the solicitation of Black Hawk, preand published his autobiography. He came to the Yelpared, wrote summer of low Banks in the 1834, and made arrangements to spend great cities of the east,
the fall
and winter trading with the Indians in the country west of the Going to Keokuk, Iowa, be was detained some six weeks,
Mississippi.
and while thus waiting he opened a school
and taught ten scholars. This In September he came up to the Yellow Banks, loaded a boat and started for the Forks of Skunk river, Iowa. Arriving there, he built a storehouse and remained trading with the Indians until April, 1*835, when he came down the Skunk river on a rudely constructed raft, upon which he freighted his furs was the
first
school ever taught in Keokuk.
Arriving at the Mishe found the ice solid, nor did it break up until the 7th of April. In 1836 the town of Oquawka was laid out, and Mr. Patterson opened in that town a general retail store and continued the business for many years. In February, 1848, he commenced the publication of the " Spectator," a weekly newspaper which he continues to manage and edit at the present time. In 1849 he admitted his son, E. H. N. Patterson, as associate editor and proprietor, the firtti contimiuig until 1875, when his son went to Colorado and became editor of the "Georgetown Colorado Miner." The press on which the that
he had collected in trade with the Indians.
sissippi
river
its first advent, was the first press on which the Burlington "Gazette" was printed for some years, and is still a good press. Mr. Patterson held the office of justice of the peace while he resided in Rock Island in 1833. He also held a Uke office at the Yellow Banks, then in Warren county, in 1835; in 1838, postmaster at Oquawka; in 1837, was appointed brigade inspector and commissioned colonel. Col. Patterson is one of the oldest editors in the state, and few, if any, have had continuously
"Spectator" has been printed since
brought into Iowa,
IIISTOBY OF
964
MEBCEE AND HENDEE80N
COUNTIES.
editorial charge ot one paper for so many consecutive years. now past his allotted three-score-and-ten years, and feels that he now living on borrowed time. Still mentally and physically vigor-
unbroken
He is
is
he bids fair yet for a long time to remain to cheer his friends, with he has been so long and favorably known. Abnee Davis was a native of Vermont. He was born September Lucy Oaks Davis, his wife, was bom October 27, 1797, in 21, 1798. the same state. After their marriage they removed to Saratoga county, New York. In 1835 they removed to Illinois, landing at Monmouth, They made a temporary home Illinois, November 25 of that year. On August 6, 1836, Mr. Davis sought that winter at Center Grove. out and found the land which he subsequently settled on and made his homestead. He held a patent for the N. W. J of Sec. 36, T. 9 N., R. 5 W., and this was the land that he came to find. He was a soldier in the war of -1812, and had passed through the bloody battle of Lundy's Lane, under Gen. Winfield Scott, when he encountered on For that sanguinary field the British army under Sir John Harvy. his services Mr. Davis had drawn a patent for the land above described, where he resided until his death.' He died December 10, 1874:, aged curious incident eighty years, nine months and eleven days. occurred a few years ago, which shows the unscrupulous character of a class of "land-sharks," or pirates, that fattened and grew rich in warring upon the titles of farmers to the lands they had honesth' purchased and owned in this county. These sharks would manufacture pretended genuine patent titles to a farmer's land, and, with the ous,
whom
A
audacity of a highwayman, present
it
to
him, coolly informing the
owner that the title by which he claimed to hold his lands was worthas a less, and demanding of him large sums for their pretended titles ;
last resort,
threatening the farmer with a suit in ejectment in the
United States court at Chicago. Rather than risk a ruinous litigation many a deluded citizen parted with his money to
in a distant court, fill
the pockets of those rascally sharks, receiving in return a pretended
title
not worth the paper upon which
it
was
written.
One
of these
upon the home farm of Mr. Davis. Going out from a neighboring town in his fine buggy to view the premises from which he expected to realize a small fortune by frightening the occupant into a so-called compromise, by which he would be able to dispose of his bogus title for a large sum, he encountered Mr. Davis at work in his farm-yard, pitchfork in hand, stacking sharks had in his possession a bogus patent
title
The shark at once made known his business, informing Mr. Davis of his lack of genuine title, and ofiering him his forged title for a large sum. Mr. Davis parleyed with him for awhile, when the grain.
OQUAWICA TOWNSHIP.
965
him witli a suit in ejectment. At this Mr. Davis and leaping from the stack, and in language not to be misunderstood, and that, too, made still more pointed by the sharp points of his fork, he informed his would-be persecutor that on the battle-field he had earned that land, 'and received the title from his government that he had fought for his title was ready to fight again. About that time a land-shark was seen beating a retreat from the Never did a swindler premises, followed by a pair of sharp fork-tines. than did this one time make until he had placed many make better his himself and intended victim. miles between Jonathan Simpson, who has been at the head of the bar of Henderson county for more than a score of years, and is one of the leading practitioners of western Illinois, is a native of New England. His ancestors were of those who left England and went to Amsterdam, Holland, that they might acquire the privilege of worshiping according From here they, with the other persecuted ones, to their own beliefs. drifted to America, and finally to Penobscot county, in the State of Maine, where Jonathan was born August 28, 1825. His father, Jonathan Simpson, was a ship captain, engaged in European-China trade. He died at Point Aupetro, Guadalupe, while Jonathan was yet quite young. His mother's name was Abigail Knowles. He grew up as most boys under similar circumstances would. At the proper age he was sent to Professor Wooster's institution, at Bangor, Maine, for the preparation of young men to enter college. Having finished the curriculum of studies, he prepared to enter Walterville college, where he might receive more liberal instruction. Ill health compelled him to lay aside his studies, and after traveling for some time in the south he retm-ned to his native district and commenced life as an instructor. The year 1846 was spent in ti-avel, mostly on the West India Islands, to recuperate his wasted energies. His health being much improved he went to Louisiana where he remained a short time. During the year 1847 he came to Oquawka, Illinois, where he has ever since resided. Soon after his arrival he embarked in merchandizing, in company with his brother, Jason B. Simpson. Being unsuccessful at this, and consequently acquiring a dislike for the business, at the end of four years they closed out their business. Having read law for a speculator threatened boiled over,
;
;
while prior to his studies.
He
ber of congress practice in 1853. office
advent at Oquawka, he concluded to finish his legal M. Harris, afterward a mem-
entered the ofiice of Charles
from the
At
fifth district,
His
ofllcial
fill
the
Henderson county, and was reduties were conscienciously fulfilled, to
of school commissioner,
elected in 1856.
was admitted and commenced
the election in 1854 he was chosen to for
.
HISTOEY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COrafTIES.
966
Although he had been a life-long on he declared for the vigorIn 1862 he was chosen as the union ous prosecution of the war. candidate of Warren and Henderson counties, to represent them in the convention called to revise the constitution. He was elected by an overwhelifling majority, defeating Judge Ivory Quinby, of Monmouth, When the convention assembled Mr. Simpson was apIllinois. pointed on the Committee on Bill of Eights, on the Committee on Mr. Simpson was Schedule, and on the Committee on Law Reform. an active worker during the season, and introduced several important propositions. He proved himself to be of no mean ability as a fundar mental legislator. In 1864 he was chosen as the union candidate to represent Henderson and Mercer counties in the general assembly, against editor Birdsall, of Aledo, Mercer county, defeating him by a the satisfaction of his constituency.
democrat,
when Fort Sumter was
iired
Here, as in every other public capacity in which he
large majority.
served the people, he proved to be a valuable functionary. these
positions he has filled two unexpired county
official
Besides
offices,
with
great credit to himself and those he represented.
married
man
Colorado),
Quincy
Mr. Simpson is a and has three children living: Cora Frances (now in
Donald (in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & and Frederick (printer and student in school, aged
railroad),
eighteen years).
Stephen Sumner Phelps was born in Palmyra, Ontario county, York, August 1, 1806. His father and mother, Stephen and Lois Phelps, were natives of Wethersfield, Connecticut. The parents of both removed to Palmyra at an early day, and there the young people were married and remained until after the birth of their children. From thence they moved to Canandaigua, where they opened a hotel, which, as late as 1860, was known as the "Phelps' House." Yery
New
recently the fire fiend destroyed the building, but the old well remains
mark the spot^ Although they did not formally unite with the Quakers, yet the elderly people attended the meetings and held some
to
were instructed in many Stephen Sumner was the fifth child in a family of seven, having two brothers and two sisters In Canandaigua he older, and two brothers younger than himself. attended such schools as the place afforded, and succeeded in masterof the tenets of the Friends,
and
their children
of the principles of that freedom loving people.
ing the arithmetic as far as the celebrated "rule of three." Emigration
commencing
to
wend its way westward,
the Phelps boys,
turned their eyes toward the undeveloped west. boy, starting out to find a
home
for the family,
among others,
Alexis, the oldest
walked from Canan-
daigua to Kentucky, where he taught school for several months,
after
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
on
New York via lUiflois, performing the return trip In 1820 Alexis, accompanied by a younger brother, the
returned to
(?hich lie also
969
foot.
came
to IlUnois,
and
selected a residence for the
subject
of this sketch,
Family,
near the present sight of Springfield,
Sangamon county.
they broke eighty acres of land the next spring
and
Here
built a log house,
of 1821 they were joined
by the remainder of the family. years, and then removed to S. S. Phelps engaged in the Indian trade Lewiston, Fulton county. for his father and traded through all the country north and east of In the fall of 1826 he built a trading house at Starved Eock Peoria. on the Illinois river, and not far from where Ottawa now stands. It was at this place that he met Shabbona, who was then a dignified chief of sixty-five, and took great delight in narrating many reminiscences [n the fall
Ihey remained in
of his
Sangamon county four
life.
was married to Miss Phebe Cliase, of Fulton Leaving his yOung wife at her home, he went to join his brother
In 1828 S. S. Phelps county. Alexis,
mean time gone to Galena, and engaged exwho now wrote, that if Sumner would come he would give him one-third of the profits and assume
who had
tensively in lead
and assist him, all risk.
He
in the
mining, and
accepted the offer of Alexis and arrived at Galena on the
Alexis sent him on to Dodgeville, on the Wiswhere he put up a furnace, as the brothers proposed to extend their business by engaging in smelting. Mr. Phelps also put up a log house at Dodgeville for his home. Everything being now ready, he started to Fulton county for his wife. On his slow and toilsome journey through a wild and unsettled country, he was taken sick from mineral poison, caused by working with the lead, and was obliged
first
of Mai'ch, 1828.
consin river,
to
abandon mining.
About this time Jeremiah Smith, who afterward built the mill commonly known as Jack's Mill, landed at Yellow Banks and proceeded
He brought the news that Galland, who had setOquawka, was discouraged and wished to sell his claim. The father of Mr. Phelps sent Smith back to buy the claim for his son, and paid $400 for it. As soon us he had sufficiently recovered his health he and his wife took possession of the purchase, and September 10, to
Lewiston on foot.
tled at
up their household gods in the rude log house previously by Dr. GaUand. One wagon held all their earthly wealth. table was a box that had contained their goods, their couch was
1828, set
occupied Their
formed by rough poles fixed in the side of the house, called in old settler
S. S. Phelps was "die stake and rider bedstead." by a younger brother, William, and for many years the brothers were inseparable. They had expected supplies to
parlance,
accompanied lives
of the 55
HI8T0EY OF MERGER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
970
be brought up the river to them on a boat, but an early and severe winter prevented navigation, and the little family suifered much from Their bread was made the cold and from the scarcity of provisions. pounded in a vessel formed from corn piece of a hollow trunk from a of a tree, their meat was the wild
game
killed by the brothers, who and shot gun. The brothers soon established quite an extensive trade with the Sac and Fox Indians. William went to New Boston, or Upper Yellow Banks, as it was then called, and, notwithstanding the opposition
were good marksmen with both
rifle
of other traders, succeeded in holding his position opposite the mouth of the Iowa river, for the purpose of trading with Keokuk's people,
who had a village on the Iowa about ten miles above, where it emptied into the Mississippi. After remaining there until their trade with those Indians was secured, William returned to Oquawka. Dr. Galland had retired to the head of the lower rapids of the Mississippi, and again becoming discouraged, sent word to the Phelps brothers that William moved if they could hold his claim they were welcome to it. down, and after several severe skirmishes with both red and .white men, maintained his position, and they thus had access to the Indian villages of a large scope of country.
In -1830 the trade with the Indians on the Des Moines presented a for adventurous men the brothers procured a United
good opening
;
and William moved to Iowa, and established a trading S. S. Phelps remained to hold possession of post near Farmington. Yellow Banks. The American Fur Company, with John Jacob Astor, of New Y'ork, at its head, and Pratt, Shonteau & Co., of St. Louis, as assistants, opened a determined resistance to what they considered an mfringement of their rights. They made many threats of robbing and destroying the pack trains of S. S. Phelps, who passed from trading States license,
post to trading post, as circumstances required, often can-ying large
packs upon his
own
shoulders.
He
hesitated at no danger, but ever
dauntless and alert, he conquered where defeat appeared certain.
was
so successful in overcoming all obstacles,
and met
He
danger with
such bravery of action and flashing eye, that he acquired great popularity with
name
both Sac and Fox Indians,
who
united in giving him the
of Wah-wash-e-ne-qua-Hawkeye, because they said his eye flashed
in anger or in danger like that of an angry hawk.
Amid
and trials, difliculties between the Indians and the agents of the government were increasing, which finally culminated in 1832 in the Black Hawk war. S. S. Phelps was offered the office of commisary, and ranked as major, but remained at the trading house at Yellow Banks, as it was thought that he could exert more these struggles
.
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP. influence so
971
near the villages of the dissatisfied savages, than in
active service.
The settlement
at
Oquawka now
more
consisted of the log
and a rude structure, which was called by courtesy a store, and rejoiced in the honor of being the first frame house in Warren county. The mill, situated about a* mile and a half from town, on what had been termed the Devil's Half Acre, by Feter Cartwright, had been
dwelling,
and the Jamison settlement had also been made. The Indians, this time, were divided into two bands, one under Keokuk, and the
built,
at
other to
Hawk.
under Black
Trusting to his friends
among
the Indians,
warn him in case of danger, Mr. Phelps did not build a
promised to
warn the neighboring settlements,
with the red
men
should
arise.
also, if
any
fort,
and
difiiculty
Their only safeguard against an attack
was the huge logs, which formed the walls of their dwellings, in which were formed loop-holes, through attacking
enemy.
had been defeated.
The wave of
Many
which the inmates could fire upon an battle swept to the north. Stillman
hearts beat anxiously for fear the victorious
would descend the river, and massacre the settlers in the Mississippi valley. Gov. Reynolds, of Illinois, passed up to Rock river to meet the conquering chief. Black Hawk, and on his route stopped at Yellow Banks, and left a case of twenty-six guns, and the requisite ammunition, with Mr. Phelps, that they might be prepared. for an attack by the Indians. Things were in this unsettled state when one savages
night
Tama, an aged Fox
chief, arrived at the
trading house to inquire
news from the seat of war. He was accompanied by his wife and son. Tama had a town about three miles below the town on the Iowa side. He had been a great chief and noted scout. In the war of 1812 he had given valuable assistance to Edwards, then Governor of Illinois territory, and carried papers from the Governor, certifying to the fact, and recommending Tama as the friend of the white man. He was kindly welcomed, and soon the if
his
white brother had heard any
of night brooded over the little settlement. At early dawn the household was awakened by the trampling of many hoofs. All sprang from their beds with visions of the torch and tomahawk of the red man before their eyes. Oaths and demands for silence
admittance in the unmistakable English
tongue somewhat reassured
Passing from the house, Mr. Phelps found it surronnded by more than fifty drunken soldiers, led by a Capt. White, who was as much under the influence of drink as his men. Capt. White approached
them.
Mr. Phelps
mg
and angrily addressed him:
"You
are accused of harbor-
demand that you surrender them to us." Mr. Phelps replied: "Tama, his wife, and son are the only Indians here. Tama you know as well as I do, and that he has Indians, our natural
enemies, and I
:
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
972
always been the friend of the white man, and has rendered valuable Now he is aged and in the last I should give him up, the blood of every stages of consumption. assistance as a scout in our army.
K
white
settler for
up. "
Capt.
miles around would be the
forfeit. I will not give him he would give him time to reconsider the matter, and, leaving half his men to guard the house, he withdrew the remainder to a short distance, breakfasted, cleaned and reloaded the guns. Mr. Phelps and men did the same. At the expiration of an hour the captain returned and again demanded the surrender of the Indians. He received a negative answer, and then ordered Mr. Phelps Not wishing to appear afraid, he to accompany him to the store. replied that he would in fifteen minutes. Mr. Piielps re-entered the house, and not pausing to count his men, which should have consisted of Joe Smart, William Cousland, and two other hands, he called Smart and told him to station the men at the loop-holes, and defend the family and Indians till the last, and to avenge him if he fell. The young chief glowed with anger, like the war-horse that smells the battle from afar and Tama, tottering on the verge of the grave, announced himself willing to reload, all that his feeble hands could now do. Grasping his faithful gun, Mr. Phelps announced himself ready and proceeded to the store. He entered and sprang over the rude counter, which thus formed a partial breastwork, and resolved to sell his life as dearly as possible. The soldiers crowded into the little building and thus formed one solid target of humanity, for the ball from the man at bay could not fail to cut down many in its flight. Capt. White again demanded "Are you ready to give up the Indians? If in three minutes you do not promise to surrender them to us, we will shoot you, throw your body into the river, burn your house, and kill your men." Kegai'dless d! I of consequences, Mr. Phelps exclaimed: "Shoot, and be d in whites will never yield the Indians to you. all the Safety of The Illinois forbids it. If you take them by force, upon your heads will rest the murder of many innocent families and upon you will fall the displeasure of your superior officer, who never intended that the aged and the true should fall, to satisfy the vengeance of a defeated soldiery." As he gazed into the muzzles of the leveled muskets of the soldiers, visions of his family (which consisted of his wife and two children, Isabella and Alexis) at the mercy of the red men flitted through his mind. Capt. White clearly counted, one, two, and just as Mr. Phelps was about to pull the trigger, determined to have the first shot, shouts of "Shoot the drunken dogs; give no quarter to cowards!" were
White then
said
;
;
heard, and the
men rushed from
before they saw their foes.
the house and threw
These proved
to
down
their arms
be the hands from
the
OQtJAWKA TOWNSHIP.
973
and the farmers of the Jamison settlement, led by Judge Pence, Some were and accompanied by Jeremiah Smith and Thomas Wells. without coats, some without hats, and mounted on horses with the plowmill
upon them.
harness yet at the
William Cousland had slipped from the house
beginning of the trouble, and, protected by the scrubby "black
which grew nearly to the door, had succeeded in warning to the rescue. Judge Pence assumed command and ordered the soldiers under arrest. Although they were six Capt. White made to one, they submitted without any resistance. This Judge profuse apologies, and wished to shake hands with Tama. Pence refused, saying: "Such as you are not worthy to grasp the hand of the noble Tama." He then guarded the Indians to their When the Indians were canoe, and watched them out of danger. safe, Mr. Phelps thanked his friends and said: "I told you I would The time has come when we warn you when it-was time to fortify. must protect ourselves not from Indians, but from white men." When the crestfallen soldiers were released, they marched to Rock river, to join the army there. The settlers now proceeded to arrange for protection in case of more trouble. fort was built on the Pence farm, and one at Oquawka. Several kegs of powder were placed under the store, in order that it might be blown up in case of an attack. train was laid underground from these to the fort, by sewing up strips of linen and fining them with powder. These were jokingly called "sausage bags," but there was never any necessity for using them^ Not long after this Mr. Phelps visited Keokuk's village on the Iowa
jack " trees, the friends
who hastened
;
A
A
in
hopes of hearing
more
definite
news concerning the progress of the
He was accompanied by one hand, and took
war.
carry a
pack of goods as
if
the precaution to
on a trading expedition.
He
found his
and the town in the possession of a band of braves from Black Hawk's army. Aagry from defeat, for the tide of war was now turning, and inflamed by drink, they shook the gory scalps of innocent women and children in the faces of the white men, and threatened to serve them in the same way. By appearing unconcerned, and bent on trading with the squaws and the aged men in the Tillage, and giving where he could not sell, Mr. Phelps was enabled to dispose of all his goods. Then, as if that was his only object in comfriends
ing,
absent on a hunt,
he quietly got into his boat and leisurely paddled
Tmtil
a bend in the river hid the boat
down
the stream,
from the view of the savages, when he bent to the oars and hurried down the river momentarily expecting to hear the war-whoop On the way of the pursuing enemy. he passed the floating body of a murdered man, which did not tend to allay his fears. Black Hawk was conquered and taken to St. Louis a
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTtES.
974
Gen. Scott passed down the river with a portion of his army, and en route, stopped at Yellow Banks. He was in the prime of life, and as he bent his tall form to enter the doorway of the humble log house, he grasped the hand of Mr. Phelps and thanked him in Drawing up his magnificent proporheartfelt words for his services. tions until his head reached nearly to the ceiling, he utter curses, not prisoner.
loud but deep, against the miscreant captain
who dared
to risk the
murder of so many innocent victims. After the close of the war, William Phelps, who had been in active service on the Rock river, returned, and the brothers bent all their energies to establish their trade with the Indians in Iowa. In the meantime, the members of the American Fur Company had used every means in their power to drive out the intruders, as they considered them, and had succeeded in getting the governor of Iowa enlisted on their side. Many were the brought the governor's ears against Sumner and WiUiam charges to for the Indians. At last resolved Phelps selling whisky to they to put a stop to the false charges by stratagem, as all fair means had failed.
They sent a man to Burlington who innocently threw himself in the way of the secretary of Governor Lucas. After many hints of knowing something about Mr. Phelps that the governor would like
to
know,
he said the hands had buried some kegs near the trading house on
the
Des Moines. He also gave the seci-etary a drawing of the place, and indicated the precise spot where the kegs could be found. As soon as the governor heard the news, he sent the secretary and a United States marshal with orders to search the premises. The party arrived at the government agency at night, but did not make their presence known to Major Beach, who was then government agent, and a staunch friend of Mr. Phelps, until morning. They then demanded that the agent should accompany them and assist in the search. This he willingly did as he knew the charge to be false. They arrived at the trading house while the inmates were at breakfast, and proceeded at once to business. They preferred the charge and demanded tools to work with, but were refused on the plea of not believing in furnishing the means Major Beach began to suspect some joke and ofifered to pay the hands, if Mr. Phelps would lend them to him as a friend. This was done, and two colored men, Dick and John, were soon at work, and after a few minutes digging, the spades struck a keg, and Dick, rolling up his eyes, said: "Here he am, Marsa." The excavation showed the heads of other kegs and the secretary eagerly called for an auger, which was lent to Major Beach, atter much demurof condemning themselves.
ring.
The
secretary
commenced boring
the result in breathless silence.
for whisky, while all awaited
After energetically working for a short
"
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP. time he tiiumphantly
Amid
drew out the auger
975
to find it
covered with lard.
the audible smiles of the spectators, the secretary turned silently
meet his wiley informant leisurely riding past, and thus "See here, sir! have I not met you somewhere?" him: addressed replied Very likely I have been there frequently. calmly The man broke the camel's back, this was the last of the straw that last Like the fur company. They proposed to S. S. Phelps that of the opposition join their company and take personal charge of the entire he should did in and remained in it until after the 1834, business, which he larger portion of the Sacs and Foxes removed to Kansas, having a trading post between Fort Scott and Topeka. In 1833, S. S. Phelps had been joined by his brother, Alexis, who away only
to
'
:
;
'
made Oquawka his home until his death. After the close of the war they interested themselves in improving the town. The little log-house had given place to the building long known as the pioneer, and S. S. Phelps had the large columns which supported the front, hewn of solid logs and ornamented by hand in St. Louis and brought up the river on a boat. In 1836 the town of Oquawka was laid out and made the county seat of Warren county, and S. S. Phelps was the first sheriff of the county.
made such inroads on
Pioneer Hfe tion of the wife left
him with
the naturally delicate constitu-
of Mr. Phelps, that after ten years of
six small children, in a
wedded
life
she'
new country. In who still (1882) sur-
comparatively
was married to Miss Salome Patterson, Salome Phelps was born in Stowe, Vermont, in 1814, moved to Mentor, Ohio, in 1824, afterward removing to Saybrook, Ashtabula county, and from thence to Monmouth, Illinois, in 1835. Three children were the fruits of this marriage. In 1840 Mr. Phelps finished and moved into the house in the southern suburbs of the town, and where he resided during the remainder of his life. Death entered 1838 he
vives him.
the family circle April, 1845, oldest child,
and claimed
a bride of a few months,
as his victim Isabella, the
she having been married to
David B. Eice, in the January previous.
In September of the same was called upon to lay his oldest son, Alexis, by her side. Alexis, accompanied by Norman Patterson, a brother-in-law of Mr. Phelps, and for years an inmate of the family, had taken a drove of horses to the Indian country, and on the return trip, under the scorching August sun, they were obliged to drink of the impure waters year Mr. Phelps
hy the roadside, wells being thus contracted
unknown in
that unsettled country.
They died within forty-eight hours of each other. in the
They
a malarial fever which terminated fatally to both.
Indian trade until 1849.
He
Mr. Phelps remained and firm
retired with the respect
HISTORY OF MEECEE AUD HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
976
members of the company and the love of the rude he had spent so much of his life. For many years some of the tribe visited him annually and were ever welcome guests. Mr. Phelps frequently made pilgrimages to visit them in their homes, and their white brother, as they delighted to call him, was greeted with all the manifestations of joy that an Indian can give. He thoroughly understood their nature. He had eaten with them, and smoked Never did he fail in his promise, the pipe of peace in their wigwams. nor in bringing to them the quality of goods for which they contracted, knowing that an Indian is like a child, if they are once deceived their confidence is gone forever. He frequently trusted them with large amounts and seldom lost by the uncivilized savage. But their intercourse with the whites was so corrupting that he made it an invariable friendship of the
men
with
whom
rule to refuse to credit
He
them when they could ask
for
it
in English.
could speak and understand their language as well as he could his
own. While he contended that the red men should be thoroughly conquered when in rebellion, he as firmly believed that if the white men were honest in their dealings, the Indians would never rebel, for as they never forget an injury, so also do they ever remember a favor. Mr. Phelps was ever first in forwarding the interests of the town, nor was his aid confined to his own state. It was he who furnished Edwards with funds to start a paper in our neighboring state of Iowa, and which he named Hawk-Eye, in honor of his friend and
He and his brother Alexis built the first school-house and supported the first teacher. When Henderson county was separated from Warren, in 1841, the brothers donated 100 lots to the county, thus securing the permanent location of the county seat at Oquawka. benefactor.
They
largely assisted in building the Presbyterian church, donating
the bell, which
men working They
was rang
all
for the first time at the funeral of Alexis,
night in order to get
it
in position for that purpose.
Phelps was the president of the first board of officers, was the first merchant, the first banker, the first and last mayor of Oquawka. He also at one time was owner of the also built the court-house.
S. S.
steamer Pavilion, and frequently acted as pilot, as he was perfectly At an early day he piloted the Pavilion up the Iowa, being the first pilot who had ever taken a boat up that river. In 1852 while on his trip to the east to buy goods, Mr. Phelps narfamiliar with the river.
rowly escaped death by the burning of the steamer Henry Clay, on the Hudson river. The providence which had watched over him through the struggles of his early life, preserved him from the death which overtook so
many who were
passengers on that
ill-fated boat.
Many
sorrows and troubles attended his declining years, yet he ever met
OQUAWKA TOWNSmP.
977
them with the same courageous spirit with which he encountered the He retained, amid all his trials, that dangers of his pioneer life.
which rendered him a favorite with young and old, and In 1861 he lost life. wealth, and retired permanently from business, but earned his hard in interest the welfare which he was lively of the town of felt a always president of its was board of officers at the time of his and founder,
jovial nature
delighted in relating reminiscences of his early
death.
was
In 1866 he
called to
mourn
the loss of his daughter, Emily,
H. M. Patterson was laid The youngest child, S. S. was down by the 'murderer's hand only a few months cut Phelps, Jr., father's death, making the fifth that preceded the previous to his spirit land. From blow the this Mr. Phelps never fully refather to After many escapes land and covered. by by water, from the ax of man, and the malice of the white, he met with the accident the red his death, the door yard On the which caused in of his own home. morning of the 4th of November, 1880, he left his house with a step remarkably elastic for one in his seventy-sixth year. He slipped upon the sidewalk, falling with such force as to break the shoulder bone and also fracturing the large bone in the right arm. Whether the fall also injured his lungs is not known, but certain it is, that from that hour he and in 1867 another, Laura, the wife of E.
by the side of the loved ones gone before.
steadily declined,
sumption, until
evincing every
December
symptom
23, just eight
of that fatal disease, con-
weeks from his
fall,
he "went
From
the first he said it was impossible for him to recover, and he earnestly set about putting his house in order. Owing to the
home."
paroxysms of coughing he was unable to converse with his friends, yet he delighted in their visits, and no one was refused admittance if he.
knew of their was
all
that
call.
was
A word of greeting and a kindly grasp of the hand
in his
power
estness of a heart filled
to give, but those
with love toward
all.
he gave with the earn-
No
fears entered into
contemplation of death, but calmly he prepared for it, as if he were indeed going home. Although he never united with any church, he his
power of Christ to save and felt that he was his Mr. Phelps was always identified with the whig and repub-
firmly believed in the savior.
The love of liberty instilled into his mind by the Quaker made him the enemy of oppression in any form, and that of slavery was particularly obnoxious to his principles. Ever generous, many owe to him their start in life, and if in the days of his adversity a few, Uke the adder, turned and stung the bosom that warmed them, the majjority remained his friends through life. The troubled heart is lican party.
parents
at peace,
the
weary brain
at rest.
In the beautiful groimds which his
:
HISTORY OF MEECEE AKD HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
978
generosity furnished for a cemetery to the people of Oquawka, that
is
mortal of
S. S.
Phelps, awaiting the
call
lies all
of the resurrection
After life's fitful fever he rests well. [The foregoing, a labor of love, is by Mr. Phelps' daughter, Phebe E. Button.— Ed.] William Hanna, says: "I was born June 19, 1827, in Fayette county, Indiana. My mother's name, prior to her marriage, was She had one brother and ten sisters, ten of whom, includCrawford.
morn.
ing
my
mother, lived to be married, raising families amounting in the
aggregate to eighty-seven children: forty-four boys, and forty-three Each of the ten sisters was an honor and a blessing to the man girls. .
who married
her.
My
father
showed
his
good sense by marrying a
Crawford, although three of his brothers had married into the same family before he did. It was a trait of my father's family, whdh they
had found a nest of good eggs to take them all. K there had been ten Hanna men, I have no doubt but that all would have wedded Crawfords true, the girls would have had something to say about it, too, but as my father and his brothers never asked for anything but what was right, they usually got it. Had this been the case, I have no doubt but that they would have succeeded, and the last ope would have got just as good a wife as the first one. Mrs. Jeremiah Bake, my mother's youngest sister, who settled in Henderson county in 1836, will be remembered by all the old settlers as one of the best women who ever lived in the county. My father settled in Warren county in 1835, which then included Henderson county, near where Little York ;
now
Our family
is.
dren, and one hired
at that time consisted of father, mother, six chil-
We
man.
wintered the
first
winter in a log cabin
16x16 and slept all in the same room, and had plenty of space left to keep everybody who came to see us. My mother was noted for being a good cook, and having a faculty of making a stranger feel at home people used to go out of their way to get feet square, cooked, ate,
;
to stay over night with us
reminds
me
;
of course,
we used
short bedsteads.
of an incident, though a small matter
itself, still it
This
shows
accommodating disposition of -my father. We used. we had plenty of house room. On one occasion, when there was a long, lank fellow, by the name of Eobert Hutchison, whom the old settlers will remember as being about eight feet high, had come to see my sister they called it sparking in those days. My father showed him to bed, and as he did so, remarked in a strong light the
the short bedsteads for some years after
;
'Mr. Hutchison, I am sorry that we haven't a bedstead about the house long enough to accommodate you, but I will shove a table up to the foot of the bed, and when you are tired of lying doubled up just
.
OQUAWKA. TOWNSHIP. run your legs out
on the table and
979
Whether Mr. Hutchi-
rest them.'
son took this provision for his comfort as kindly as my father meant howit, I never knew, but I do know that he did not marry my sister ;
ever, he did as well,
Hanna.
My
father
perhaps, by marrrying
my
cousin, Elizabeth
gave his children as good an ediication as the
county afforded at that time.
In the winter of 1835-6, the people of
our neighborhood built a school-house of round logs, with greased paper for windows, instead of glass, hewed puncheons for seats, and a
door hung with leather hinges. house, with a dirt floor
I
commenced my education
under me, in
1
835,
Green in a frame school-house twelve years all
the teachers of those
in that
and iinished at Pleasant having learned about
later,
days were capable of teaching in a
district
In fact, the teachers had to study of nights and school at that time. The worst of it all is, I have Sundays to keep ahead of the scholars. had to unlearn a great portion of what little 1 had learned at school. For instance, geography taught me there were twenty-seven states in the union, and that the 'great American desert' commenced at the Missouri river, and extended to the Eocky Mountains. A glance at a map of to-day stamps the atlas that I studied as an unmitigated fraud. I drove an ox team across the plains to California in 1849 ; made a few thousand dollars at mining and keeping 'ranch,' returning in 1851. "I married Miss Sarah Findlay, daughter of James Findlay, who settled in Warren county in 1832. We have two children living and one dead. Our son is known as J. Ross Hanna. I settled on a farm of my own in Henderson county in 1851, and followed farming on what is known as Cedar farm until the fall of 1864, when, being somewhat •disgusted with the kind of implements farmers had to work with, especially plows and cultivators, I resolved to go into the manufacturing business. In that year, Messrs. AV. S. Weir, Dr. W. B, Boyd, and myself, formed a joint stock company for the purpose of manufacturing farm implements, with a capital stock of $25,000. At the end of tbm-teen years we found our capital had increased to $1,000,000, after having paid dividends to the amount of $163,000. In order to do this we have had to make good goods and lots of them, and inasmuch as we warranted our goods to give perfect satisfaction or no sale, I flatter myself that we have been doing some good, not only to ourselves, hut to our fellow-men. We have a shop capacity for about six hundred men, and still we have a demand for all we can make. I am now president of the Monmouth Mining and Manufacturing Company, and have been for some years. Since my connection with it we have gradually been paying off the indebtedness, and we are now, although about $19,000 in debt, increasing our capacity about fifty per cent.
HI8T0EY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N OOUKTIES.
980
by yearly enlarging our buildings and putting up more kilns. We have learned, by seven or eight years' experience, how to make good goods. This gives us a demand for all we can make, and more too. There is no investment that a farmer can make which will bring a better return than to buy tiling and under drain his wet land. I am, and have been, president of the Monmouth National Bank for seven or While I can compliment our patrons on the fact eight years past. that we have lost less than $500 by them in all this time, I am proud to be able to say that they have not lost anything by us, and I trust they never will. I am now engaged in building a railroad from Peoria, Illinios, to Keithsburg, on the Mississippi. We commenced this en-, terprise in 1875. I was elected president at our iirst meeting, which position I still hold. We commenced with an empty treasury, and have held our own pretty well ever since. I speak advisedly on this point, as I am treasurer as well as president. We now have twentyfive miles of road completed and are running two trains daily each way from Peoria to Farmington. We have most of the grading done on the entire line, ties paid for, and the bridging completed for fifty miles, costing us so far about $450,000, and no bonded debt, except
To every man who
$13,000.
tificates entitling bill for freight, all
subscribes a dollar or more,
we
issue cer-
the holder to a credit of twenty-five per cent on each
or in
payment
for one-thousand-mile tickets, so that
subscribers will lose will be the interest on their subscription from
the time they
done,
who
who had
will
pay
it
own
until they can ride or ship
the road ? do you ask.
it
out.
When
this is
I answer that the
men
the nerve to advance the necessary money, untU such time
and to siich a point as will enable them to realize on their bonds. I have been twice mayor of the city of Monmouth. In matters of religion, I believe that the grace of
the whole family of mankind.
God
will finally restore to happiness
I believe that holiness and happiness
and that the only way to be happy is to be have never connected myself with any church or religious I was born a society, neither with a secret organization of any kind. democrat, raised a democrat, and expect to die a democrat, if the old party does not die before I do. I would like to say a few words to those who are finding fault with railroad, banking, and manufacturing corporations, and middle-men generally. I have been on both sides of the counter, and know of a truth how it is by experience, the best of teachers. I have plowed corn fi-om early morn till dewy eve, row by are inseparably connected,
good.
I
row, three times in I'ow with an old rusty iron shovel, bought directly from the country blacksmith, which I had stocked myself, without the intervention of a middle-man, and fed the corn thus raised to hogs,
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
981
and sold them in the metropolis of Plenderson county for $1.50 per I have swung the cradle to cut our wheat, bound it hundred, net. with bloody fingers, threshed
ox team hauled for forty-six
it
to
this country,
turers to
out by driving horses over
to Chicago,
it, with an 200 miles away, and sold it
I know by experience that we had not we now have. The fact is, railroads have
cents a bushel.
one-tenth of the luxuries
made
it
market
and a combination of
capital has enabled manufac-
put in improved machinery and manufacture goods of a
and at a price never dreamed of by a cross-roads mechanic. The true policy, in my opinion, and I charge nothing for it, is for every quality
which he is best fitt^ed by nature, if it is and exchange his products with some one who is better fitted to supply his other wants. Every article should be raised or manufactured where it can be the best and cheapest, and sold where it will bring the greatest net results, without restriction in any way, or, in other words, free trade between man and man, this vride
man
to follow the vocation for
nothing but raising pop-corn;
world over."
Hon. HiEAM Rose, the subject of these memoirs is another examcrown for self effort and an upright life. His notes
ple of success as a
would be incomplete without brief reference to his parents.
"
His
father,
Jeremiah Rose, was born in Charlestown, Maine, and there spent most
When
yet a youth he enlisted in the revolutionary war. Miss Sarah Snow, daughter of the well knovni Dr. Snow, of Maine. Four sons and four daughters were born to them and raised in Charlestown, The sons became vigorous, useful men. Moses became a member of the legislature and state senator. He also of his
life.
He was married
to
occupied other positions
of
trust.
He
died
December
31,
1880.
Hiram was the second son. Joseph was a successful farmer. He was killed by a falling tree. Elbridge filled several local positions of public trust. The daughters were intelligent, industrious educators. They were Polly, Abigail, Pathia, and Abigail dying, the name was given to the youngest daughter, who is now Mrs. Rev. Calvin Millet. Mrs. (Snow) Rose, was a woman of noble character. She died in 1842, of cancer. When her husband and boys were drafted into the Aroostook war, Hiram said to his mother, "Mother, how will you get along without us? " She replied, "God bless you, go and do your duty to your country and come home like men." No tears were shed. Jeremiah Rose continued at Charlestown. About twenty miles from Charlestown, and three miles east of Bangor, is the old Rose Place, so named from the fact that the father and two brothers of Jeremiah were there drowned in the Penobscot river. In October, 1854, Mr. Rose thought to visit his son Hiram, at Oquawka, Hlinois. Although about ninety years of
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HPINDEKSON COUNTIES.
982
made
He
remained with his son in Oquawka till his He was buried in Oquawka cemetery. death, January 23, Hiram Rose, to whose memory these notes are prepared, and whose portrait is in this work, was born in Charlestown, Maine, January 6, 1807. At the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed to learn the trade of Possessing but a frail constitution, he was obliged to blacksmithing. abandon his trade at the age of nineteen. His father beiag a poor man, Hiram's" education was limited to that gained at home. But under this disadvantage he and his brothers pushed on to success. At One year the age of twenty-four he engaged in mercantile pursuits. later he located at Newport, Maine, where, in company with the Hon. Fred. Eay, he carried on merchandising and lumbering. In 1850 Mr. Eose made a trip west, coming by stage from Chicago to Galesburg. The railroad question was at that time incubating and Mr. Eose was He delivered railroad speeches at requested to speak in its favor. Galesburg and other places. In 1851 he settled in Oquawka, Ilhnois, where, in company with his old partner, Mr. Fred. Eay, he engaged They also became proprietors of the Pioneer in the lumber business. After embarking in business here, he was tendered a promisHotel. ing position in the railroad company, but declined. He continued his business. At the end of three years Mr. Eose closed his hotel business and became engaged in the land business, which proved a successAfter several years he devoted his time to the imful undertaking. provement of a 290 acre farm, which was left as a support for those who had aided him in his labors. Mr. Eose never devoted himself altoage, he
the
trip.
1856.
.
gether to himself, but lived also for others.
July 23, 1841, he was
commissioned by the governor of Maine, colonel of the 4th reg., 1st Brig., 8th Div., Maine militia. September 17, 1842, was promoted to
March 29, 1844, again pro1st. Brig., 8th Div. moted Major General of the 8th Div. In 1843-4 he represented the November 22, 1845, he was 10th district in the Maine state senate. Brigadier General,
appointed postmaster of Newport, Penobscot county, Maine. After his removal to Ilhnois he was appointed by Maine as commissioner for Illinois.
In Henderson county he
in 1857, to represent
them
made many
friends,
who
chose him
in the state senate in the twentieth general
There he labored to secure the charter for the proposed, Oquawka. At home he was connected with the city government. But active lives must cease as well as those more plodding. Mr. Eose succumbed to death's call February 1, 1879. At the age of twenty-one years he was converted and united with the Baptist church. A year afterward he became a member of the masonic frar ternity. In Oquawka he was a charter member of the masonic lodge. assembly.
railroad to
.
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP. He
died leaving
children.
many
He was
983
and a loving wife and
friends
by the
laid to rest
five
side of his father, in
adopted
Oquawka
His marriage took place first in Newport, when twenty-two She died in 1854, of years old, to Miss Parthena Miles, of Newport. Mr. Rose was married May 6, 1855, to Miss cholera, in Oquawka. Hannah Main, of Newport, Maine. She is a daughter of William and cemetery.
Betsy (Snow) Main.
"William
Main was a native
of Rochester,
New
Hampshire, and his wife, Betsy Snow, was a daughter of Dr. Stephen
Both died in Maine. Dr. Snow, the gi-andfatlier of be 102 years old, dying on the evening of his He was very widely known. Mrs. Rose was born April birthday. No children have been born, but five children 8, 1829, in Newport. have been adopted and raised by Mr. Rose Hiram Rowell, or Hiram Rose, as he was known, who died in Henderson county, September Snow, of Maine.
Mrs. Rose, lived to
:
23, 1877,
aged forty-eight years
Staples, of St.
Cloud, Minnesota
;
;
now Mrs. James who died November 29, McCuUom, of Burlington,
Frances Merrill,
Mary
Rise,
Lizzie Rise, now Mrs. Winfield All the and Agnes M. Hart, now living with Mrs. Rose. children adopted Mr. Rose's name. Eugene A. Hail, editor and proprietor of the Henderson county "Journal," was born December 26, 1860. His father, William S.
1868
Iowa
;
;
and
Margaret William S. Hail followed saddlery for a time in Kentucky, then moved, about 1832, to Macomb, Hhnois, where he yet lives. In Macomb he engaged at his trade, also speculated in lands, loaned money, etc. But security for others proved his failure in business. He then engaged in the drug business. For several years he was deputy county clerk. During the war he was one year in the quartermaster's department. Eugene A. Hail is one of a family of eight children. He was educated in the common schools. At the age of fourteen years he entered the office of the Macomb "Journal," on which paper he worked about four years. He has since been continuously in the publishing business. In 1872 he became proprietor of the Henderson county "Journal," continuing little more than a year. In 1878, in August, he resumed control of the "Journal." Since that time the "Journal " has prospered till to-day. Although so young it enjoys a circulation equal to any Hail, is a
native of Franklin, Kentucky,
his mother,
(Chapman) Hail, of Kentucky, near the Tennesse
line.
It is devoted to the furtherance of republican and the interests of the county and surrounding territory. It is a folio, seven column paper, and does credit to its editor. April 25, 1876, Mr. Hail was united in marriage with Miss Lena Iseminger,
paper in the county. principles
daughter of J.
M. Iseminger, of Macomb, and a native of
Illinois.
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
984
John W. Brock county, Illinois.
is
a native
of what
He was bom May
now
is
16, 1837.
Otterville, Jersey
His father was from
mother from Georgia. Both emigrated west about In 1819 his father accompanied his (the father's) brother-in-law from St. Louis to Council Bluifs, where the latter had contracted to supply the post of that place with supplies. The trip consumed the
Yirginia, and his
1818.
summer.
The journey was made
in keel boats propelled by oars,
or cordell, as circumstances necessitated or permitted. The parents of Mr. Brock were married in 1827 and settled the farm on which John W. was born two years later. Until eighteen years of age John's sail
summers were passed
in farm labor, while the winters afforded him
opportunities for school and
entered
McKendree
college,
home
study.
At
the age of eighteen he
from which he graduated
in June, 1858,
with the degree Bachelor of Science. From 1859 to 1861 he taught In August, 1861, he enlisted at Camp Butler school at Elsah, Illinois. as second lieutenant in Co. D, 27th 111. Inf., serving his country till November, 1863, when he resigned on account of disability. He was engaged in the battles of Belmont, Farmington, Stone River, Chickamauga and several minor engagements. In the fall of 1865 he engaged in the general merchandise business in Madisonville, East TenDecline of prices from nessee, which he continued about two years. those of war times to those of peace proved injurious to his interest, causing failure in tliis project. Madisonville is the county seat of Monroe county. While in the goods business he was city postmaster. In 1867 he was elected county superintendent of schools in that county, and immediately became engaged in putting into successM operation the "free school system." In 1868 Mr. Brock went to Florida, where he was in the saw milling business at Live Oak. While there he acted as one of the county board of education. He was also appointed Soon colonel of the 1 3th regiment of state militia by the governor. after going to Florida he was married to Miss Maria Parshley, who, in 1866, had removed from Ohio to Florida with her parents. In the spring of 1873 Mr. Brock moved to Missouri in the fall of 1874 to ;
Mount Yernon,
Illinois
ordered to Sagetown,
;
then to Quincy.
now
In July, 1875, he was
Gladstone, Henderson county,
Illinois,
by
Gen. John Tillson, United States internal revenue collector at Quincy, to take charge of the distillery at that place, seized by the government on account of some crookedness. He remained its custodian about a year. In the fall of 1876 he took charge of the school at Gladstone, remaining its principal for live consecutive years. In 1881 he was principal of the Oquawka public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Brock's children have numbered three, two boys that died in infancy, and one girl, Georgia,
now
about eleven years old.
:
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
987
AuEXANDEE Andeeson (deceased) was bom in York county, PennHis parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Anderson, sylvania, June 5, 1817. Scotland, emigrating to America when children. of natives were was a farmer and stock-drover. He was murdered Anderson Thomas Pennsylvania, at a tavern. Lancaster, He had considerable near Nothing but his him.. coat was ever found. His wife died money with March 6, 1846, aged sixty-seven years, eight months and twenty-four In their family were five sons and one daughter. Alexander days. Anderson was raised on the farm in Pennsylvania. When a young man he came to Henderson county (1841), and purchased the S. E. ^ This farm he improved. He was marof Sec. 32, T. 9 N., K. 5 W. ried February 22, 1844, to Harriet 0. Davis, daughter of Abner and Lucy (Oaks) Davis, noticed in the county history. Mrs. Anderson was bom in 1824. Mr. Anderson died February 12, 1854, aged thirty-six years, eight months and seven days. He left a wife and four childi-en James 0., Lauretta (who died June 13, 1854, aged six years, five months and twenty-six days), Ada Ella (who died June 13, 1854, aged three years, six months and twenty-five days), and Charles A. James 0.
is
noticed elsewhere.
Samuel H. Ruple, the fifth child in a family of twelve children, was bom in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1818. His father, James Ruple, was a native of New Jersey, and when four years old was brought by his parents to the keystone state. He was a carpenter and machinist by trade. He was of some political prominence, receiving tJie appointment of clerk of the courts from Gov. Dr.
Shultz, of
He
He
Pennsylvania.
served in this capacity fourteen years.
married Diana Goodrich in Washington, Pennsylvania, and there
were born and their own deaths occurred. Both were members of the Baptist church, he having been church clerk over forty their children
years.
He was
first
frequently passed
war of 1812.
lieutenant in the
At such
through Washington.
Samuel H. Ruple busied his as a weakly constitution
chairman of committee on reception. early years in the
would permit.
common
He
schools, as
Gen. Jackson
times Mr. Ruple was
much
entered Washington College in 1840.
Part of his
His course of study at college was irregular on account of poor health. He, however, pursued the study of the languages and science. September 24, 1851, the honorary degree of. master of arts was conferred upon him by Washington College. He already had received a caU to the professorship of languages iti a new military college at TuKp, Dallas county, Arkansas. Sickness, time was occupied in teaching.
however, prevented the acceptance. of the public schools of 66
He
Washington
;
spent three years as principal
also held similar positions in
;
HISTOEY OF MEECER JlSB HENDEESON COUNTIES.
988
In 1856 he traveled in Pennsylvania and Kentucky as American Bibie Union. His own lecturing and poor health induced him to study medicine for his own benefit. He other towns.
financial agent of the
read with several diiferent physicians, the principal of Dr. Walter,
who
died at
Monmouth,
Illinois,
a short time
also attended lectures irregularly at the Jefferson,
whom
was
since.
He
and the Pennsyl-
vania, also a short time at the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati. For awhile he practiced medicine in his native state. In 1859 he located in Oquawka, where he has followed his profession with success. He has always been an active member of the Baptist church was ordained a Baptist minister by the Washington (Pennsylvania) congregation. Plere his services were very valuable in church and Sunday-school. Politically Dr. Ruple was raised a democrat, but the firing on Fort Sumter caused him to reflect and change his pohcy he has since been a strong republican. Dr. Ruple was married in 1847 to ;
Sarah J. Parkinson, a native of West Virginia. Five children have been born to them. W. C. Huple, M.D., son of the above, was bom May 8, 1 849, in Washington, Pennsylvania. He received a common school education and graduated in medicine from the Keokuk Medical College in 1878. He also studied dentistry in Oquawka. He practiced medicine for a short time, but, preferring dentistry, gives most of his time to that department of practice. He was married October 3, 1877, to Etta Ziegler, daughter of J. H. Ziegler, of Oquawka. She was bom in Oquawka in 1868. Her people settled in Oquawka in 1854. William and Agnes (Peti;ie) Moir, natives of Forres, Scotland, emigrated to America in 1833. Their oldest son, Alexander^ went to
Demarara, in 1828, and came to New York city in 1844. He returned came back to America, and in 1847 to Oquawka, Illinois, where he died September 21, 1858. Their sons WilUam and James emigrated in 1831 and 1832, respectively, followed by their parents, as stated, in 1833, accompanied by the other brothers and sister, John, Robert, and Agnes. Their residence was made in New York city, where they became engaged in mercantile business. James to Scotland, but
came
to
Oquawka
in 1843, William- and Robert in 1847.
For
further
we refer the reader to the history of Oquawka. To a soldier who fought and bled for his country, these fines are dedicated. Chaeles W. Geeen was born June 17, 1834, in Herkimer
notes on the Moirs
county,
Green.
and
New York, and is a son of William When Charles was very small his
settled in the
schooling more in
Oquawka,
Illinois
R. and Avis (Burfingham)
parents moved to Indiana, woods to make a farm. He, Charles, received his hard work than books. In 1848 his people came to Charles hired to work on a farm, which business
;
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP. January
he followed several years.
Florence Armstrong, daughter of
1,
989
1857, he was married to Miss
Thomas and Sarah Armstrong, of
She was born in Boston August 11, 1840. Mr. Green till his services were needed in putting down the He enlisted, July 21, 1862, in Co. G, Sith 111. Inf. At
Oquawka.
continued farming rebeUion. the
memorable battle of Stone
river,
December
31, 1862,
he was pres-
Many remember the snow and rain that fell. Mr. Green, to protect him as much as possible during the night, lay on some rails The terrible day of carnage dawned on hostile and under a stretcher. ent.
armies. fire
In battle the boys in blue were lying low that the enemy's
might pass above them.
a rock, aiming
and
Soldier
firing accurately.
Green was leaning his elbow on Pie was shot while in this posi-
through the left eye completely His comrade at once called him to get up or he would be taken. The enemy was then almost upon them. Green replied to his comrade "Leave me alone." then again he He knuvf nothing more. exclaimed "Give 'em h 1, Drummond!" Drummond was taken prisoner. The rebels rode thick and close to Green's body, whose life was thought to have gone out. He lay three days, declared dead on the field of battle. But signs of life were at last recognized. It was Sunday morning a week after the battle when he distinguished Surgeon McDill's voice, and called him. The snow and rain was a dream to him, and it was said that he first pronounced the last words of the exclamation he addressed to his comrade, Drummond, when shot. Mr. Green was discharged February 9, 1863. His eye has given him much trouble, it having been necessary to probe it to remove pieces of bone. After he so far recovered that he could labor, he was employed by John McKinney, of Oquawka, to do what he was able in the store. In March, 1864, he undertook to learn photography and went to Kirkwood, but the business disagreeing with him he returned to Oquawka. He became assistant postmaster. November 5, 1864, he was sworn postmaster, and has deservingly held the ofiice since. In politics Mr. Green was a democrat at the opening of the tion,
the ball grazing his nose, passing
destroying
it.
He
reeled and
fell.
—
war, but the rebellion
made him a republican. and Eaymond.
He
has a family of
two children, George K.,
John Biggs was born in Manchester, England, in 1802. His father by an engine when John was about fourteen years
was crushed to death of age, necessitating
He became
many
severe experiences in the career of the boy.
ship-boy on the
Queen
took part in the battle of Algiers.
About 1820,
He
at the
Charlotte, in the British navy,
He visited many parts
age of eighteen years, he landed in
and
of the world.
New England. He
subsequently secured a situation in a factory in Philadelphia.
HISTORY OF MERCEE
990
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
next spent about ten years in building mills and cotton factories in In 1843, Mr. Biggs came to Oquawka, but soon purchased
Texas.
the Robinson and Birdsall flouring mills near what
The
is
now
Biggsville.
washed the mill away, and Mr. Biggs erected the He was an excellent workman, present flouring mills of Biggsville. His death occurred December 30, 1852. and highly respected. His oldest son, William, was Biggsville is so named in his honor. killed about two week previous, crushed by the burrs. Of his children, one is buried in Texas, one in Philadelphia, and one in South HenThree daughters living, are Mrs. Mary Barton, Mrs. Margaret derson. Jempson, and Caroline. Of his sons, Thomas enlieted in Co. G, 84th HI. Vol., and died in the hospital near Nashville. Iram is one of the Galesburg Plaindealer. " John is foreman in the proprietors of the "Madisonian" printing oflice. Mrs. Biggs (Charlotte Ordway), widow of the deceased, John Biggs, resides with the son, Robert, in Oquawka. Robert was born July 24, 1839. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. He was captured by Morgan in 1862. He afterward was C, 91st 111. engaged at Mobile, Blakely, and Spanish Fort. Since the war closed floods soon
'
'
Robert Biggs has been a faithful clerk of the Moirs. James O. Anderson, sheriff" of Henderson county, is a son of Alexander and Plarriet (Davis) Anderson. He was born August 1, 1845, in Henderson county, Illinois. His youth was spent on the farm. His education was largely derived from public schools, yet he was a student at Mcmmouth College during the early part of the war. He was too young for service at the outbreak, but as soon as age would allow, he could not restrain the desire to do what he could toward putting down the cruel slaughter, so enlisted May 6, 1864, in Co. A, 138th 111. He was discharged after about four months' service. He then re-enlisted in Co. H, 28th Bl., and served till 1866. In his last term of service he aided in the capture of Mobile. He enlisted a private each time, but in his second service was promoted to sergeant, then orderly sergeant. Was commissioned second lieutenant, but the company being below the number required in order to claim commissioned officers, he could not muster as such. The war over, he returned to his home and engaged in farming till 1876, when he was elected sheriflF of Henderson county, and re-elected in 1878 and 1880. Mr. Anderson was married
March
Rhoda
B. Paul, daughter of Judge M. C. Paul, of She was born in New York, Jefferson county, October 28, 1844. Three children have been born to them Francis M., Edwin A., and EvaM. Mr. Anderson is prominent in both oddfellowship and masonry, and a leading member of the Methodist 6,
1867, to
Terre Haute,
Illinois.
:
church.
OQUAWKA. TOWNSHIP.
991
Asa Smith, dealer in lumber and staves, has been a resident of Oquawka about thirty-six years, actively engaged in business, or at His parents, Ezra and Lydia (Brooks) Smith, were natives of trade. They moved to Ohio in 1818, and there died. He was Connecticut. Mrs. Smith had been married a house joiner and miller by trade. In the before, having a family of two children by her first husband. second family were three children, of whom Asa Smith is the oldest. He was born January 13, 1812, in Saybrook, Middlesex county, ConHis early life was mostly rustic. When he was six years necticut. The youth enjoyed fair educational old his parents moved to Ohio. He early worked with his father at advantages, which he improved. He followed the trade at Cleveland house-joining, also on a farm. awhile, also farmed. Mr. Smith was married January 1 1840, to Miss She was Esther Patterson, daughter of Lewis and Lucy Patterson. After marriage Mr. Smith farmed till 1846, born in Vermont in 1817. when he came to Oquawka, bringing his wife and one child, Angeline. Mr. Smith engaged in the daguerreotype business, also kept a bookstore in connection with the gallery for a couple of years. In 1857 he engaged exclusively in lurnber and stoves, which he continues. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Smith was bom a whig, and with the budding of republicanism he has been true to that party. He has served a number of times as town trustee. Eauseldost Cooper, the present state's attorney for Henderson county, was bom December 24, 1845, near Milton, Wayne county, Indiana. His parents were John and Martha Cooper. At the age of two years his mother died, and he was sent to live with his grandmother, Elizabeth Cooper, and his uncle Moses Cooper, who lived in the vicinity where he was born. In 1852 his uncle Moses came to Henderson County, bringing young Rauseldon with him, and settled in Greenville precinct. He attended school in Aurora district. In ,
1863 he entered
Lombard
college, at Galesburg, Illinois, as a student,
From here he went to who had married again and was living in Bald Bluft' prewhere he engaged in farming. Growing weary of agricultural
graduating in 1869 with the degree of B. S. his father's, cinct,
pursuits, in
1873 he entered Michigan University, at
student of law, graduating in 1875.
He
and selected
engage in
Ann Arbor,
as a
returned to Henderson county
and located at and secretary of the Oquawka school board in 1879. In 1880 he was elected to his present position. September 14, 1875, he married Miss Susie E., daughter of Opdike Cummins, Esq., of Ann Arbor, Michigan, by Oquawka.
whom
it
as a field in
He was
which
to
practice,
elected a justice of the peace in 1877,
he has three children.
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
992
Luke Wadleigh. It is supposed that all the Wadleighs of the United States are descended from three brothers who emigrated from Scotland to America some 240 years ago. Ephraim Wadleigh was born in New Hampshire. His three brothers were in the revolution, and' he heard the guns at Lexington. He married Miss Little, also a They became well-to-do. In 1800 thev native of l^ew Hampshire. sought a home in Canada East, settling in the dense forest sixty miles from any place where provisions could be had. Their experience was at times bitter, but contentment recompensed. Mr. "Wadleigh placed $400 in the hands of the man of whom he bought his tract of land, for the purpose of securing a charter to the land. The inoney was squandered the man returned for more money Mr. Wadleigh prevailed upon him to appoint him to go to Quebac to secure the charter. Leaving his family in the dense forest alone, he started for Quebec on foot through forest and over stream. He was detained eighteen days in Quebec. Finally, the charter secured, and anxious to return to his family, he left Quebec at two o'clock in the afternoon, walking at an almost incredible speed tiU late into the night, then sleeping on the floor of a cabin into which he was admitted by two men who declared he had never walked from Quebec that afternoon. But he proved his story by the date of his charter. Early morning found him on his journey. In little more than three days he arrived home, having walked the distance of about 180 miles, through the wildest country, sometimes swimming streams with his clothes on his back. He became wealthy and a prominent man, taking part in all progressive measures. He died June 12, 1852, aged eighty-two years, his wife surviving him till the following February. Both are buried in Canada. Luke, son of the above, was the youngest of eight children. He was born August 10, 1810, in Hatley, Stanstead county, Canada East. His youth was spent in the school of toil, whose book was nature and whose pencil was an ax. Many a hard day's work was done in erasing the old forest figures from the old blackboard, earth. His father gave him a year and a half of his time and settled him on a farm of 160 Young Wadacres, in Sherbrook county. It was partly improved. He added land leigh went to work clearing, grubbing and tilling. until he owned about 1,150 acres. He furnished great quantities of timbers for railroads. He raised cattle and fine horses, and in every ;
;
way became
successful.
He was made
school commissioner three
years, township counselor three years, then county counselor, serving the public about twelve years. Mr. Wadleigh was married October
Miss Phebe Kowell, a native of Canada. Four children were born to them Samuel (now of Burlington, Iowa), Mary (now 30, 1830, to
:
OQDAWKA TOWNSHIP.
993
H. Chapin, of Kansas), Lydia (now Mrs. Charles Blandin, of and Jennie. In 1856 Mr. "Wadleigh made his home in Oquawka, Illinois, where he engaged in the lumber business. He
Mrs. p.
Blandinsville),
continued this unsuccessfully for a time.
Since that he has superinHis son Samuel resided in Oquawka was active in city affairs. Mr. and Mrs. "Wadleigh
Oquawka.
tended his farms near
some time. have been
He
many
years
members
of the Methodist church.
Their lives
have been active ones, such as the world needs.
KoBEET HoDSON, perhaps, does a business more extensive than any
Oquawka
Mr. Hodson's parents, Thomas In 1836 Thomas Hodson sent his wife and children to America, where his wife's He remained to settle his business in people were already settled. other firm in
at this time.
and Sarah (Atkinson) Hodson, were natives of England.
The family arrived safely at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Word was received by the family that Mr. Hodson would sail at a cerThis was the last word ever received. tain date. The vessel that was to start at that time was lost and it is supposed on good grounds that After residing a year in Lancaster, Pennhe was lost with the crew. sylvania, the family moved, with Mrs. Hodson's brother, to Wellsville,
England.
Ohio,
remaining there about ten years.
and came with her husband to Indiana
;
then to live near Peoria,
In the family were five children, one of
where she died.
John A.,
Mrs. Hodson then married
whom
is
James, a machinist in Pennsylvania Thomas, a farmer in Missouri and Robert. Robert Hodson, the third child, was born in Yorkshire, England, April 11, dead:
in the
grocery business at Peoria
;
1832,
hence was young
father's
guardian care.
;
;
when he emigrated and when deprived
of his
His school advantages were very meager.
At
he left home to learn the tinner's trade witli his brother at Pittsburg, remaining with him one year. Disliking the business he went to live with a farmer Quaker, Thomas James, with whom he lived and for whom he worked for three years, receiving his board and clothes and three months schooling each year as recompense. He then hved with his mother and step-father in Indiana, working one summer in a brick-yard, then on a farm, when he again made his home with the Quaker farmer in Ohio and attended school one winter. Early the following spring he started to Texas. He journeyed as far as New Orleans^ then up the Mississippi river to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1846. He worked nine months for O. Edmunds, then went to the pineries on Black river. There he remained three years lumbering. In the fall of 1851 he returned and opened a small store in Shotogan. He was then a merchant. In the spring of 1852 he went to California, starting April 20, crossing the plains with ox teams, arriving twelve years of age
HISTORY OF MEECEE
994
in California
August 20th.
able success until 1856,
AND HENDEESON
He
when he
COUN'nES.
engaged in mining with considerreturned and bought the Bake inter-
&
Bake saw-mill at Oquawka. In 1857 he sold. He soon engaged in the drug and grocery business with Caswell and Bearce, continuing for eight years, when he purchased the interests of
est in the Scott
his partners.
He
for the last four years.
his farming interests.
The
local public
life,
He
has enlarged his business since.
ped considerable stock
official tables
of
He
has also ship-
also superintends
Oquawka
indicate a long
significant of the trust the people repose in him.
Mr.
Hodson was married January 6, 1859, to Adaline Phelps, daughter of Stephen and Phebe (Chase) Phelps. She was born in Oquawka, November 29, 1838. Her early playmates were the little Indians. Mr. and Mrs. Hodson's children have numbered three. One died in infancy, Arthur when a little boy, and Hattie died at the age of sixteen.
Judge KiCHAED
W.
EicHEY, the
first
child of
Andrew and
(West) Richey, was born in Charlton, Saratoga county,
New
Polly
York,
His father was a native of Cambridge, New 22, 1802. York, and his mother of Connecticut. His father dying when he^ Richard, was quite young, the lad received but little schooling. However, his spare time at home was well occupied in reading good books. He early worked at tanning and carpentering. When eighteen years old he went to Cambridge, where he engaged in tanning and currying business. In 1823 he married Miss Nellie Green, at Cambridge, and
November
about the year following
moved
to
Lake
village. East Greenwich,
New
York, where he became foreman in a manufacturing establishment. There his wife died. She was the mother of five children. In 1840 Mr. Richey married Agnes Green in Ohio and that same year emigrated to Henderson county (then Warren county), Ilh-
and settled at Walnut Grove. He bought eighty acres of land on which he built a log cabin 18x50, three apartments and a story and a half high. It still stands. He added to his farm and also to his dwelling. It was during the Mormon disturbances at Nauvoo that Mr. Richey was summoned by Gov. Ford, of Illinois, to raise a company to assist in preserving peace. He had already raised and partly drilled a company of militia at Olena. But leaving all, he visited the governor at Nauvoo, who requested him to take command of the nois,
militia there, as the officer then
However,
this officer
commanding wished
to be relieved.
Mr. Richey, In 1864 he returned home.
concluding to remain
at his duty,
after witnessing the Moi'mon atrocities, was elected county judge. He then made his home in Oquawka, he might better attend to legal duty. With the exception of
that four
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP. he held this Tesponsible position
years,
squire at his
country
home and
also in
till
996 1875.
Oquawka.
He was elected He has served on
Oquawka.
In 1856 he buried his companion. Mrs. Eichey is a very early resident of Oquawka, having made her home here in 1833, as the Late years Mr. Eichey has superintended his wife of Alexis Phelps. In politics has been a life farm, but is retired" from other business. He has been an elder in the Presbyterian church for long democrat. many years. His life has been an active one worthy of emulation. His former wives, the Greens, were cousins to the Beveridges, of whom the board of trustees of
In 1857 he married Mrs. Cornelia (Day) Moir.
ex-Gov. Beveridge is one.
Dr. Cephas Pajbk, the oldest physician of born in Eutland county, "Vermont,
November
Henderson county was 8,
1819.
His parents,
John and Sophia (Broughton) Park, were natives of Vermont, but
New York then to Trumbull county, John Park fought in the war of 1812. He yet survives at the age of eighty-six years. His wife died in 1854 and he was again married. There were five children in his first family and three in his Second. His father was an Englishman. Cephas Park, the second child of the first family, was raised on the farm till nineteen years old. To that time he had attended the common schools. He then attended the high school at Warren, Ohio, about two years. He spent three years as assistant in a postoflice. In 1846 he began reading finally
emigrated to Essex county,
;
Ohio.
medicine with Dr. E. Blachley, of Niles, Ohio, but finished reading with Dr. T. lie
B.
Wood, of Warren, Ohio.
The winter of 1848-9
attended a course of lectures at Cleveland, Ohio, in the medical
department of Western Eeserve College, and received a recommenda-
He
and April 1, 1850, arrived in Not being desirous of practicing to any extent till having completed his course of study, and being limited in means, he opened a small drug store. In the winter of 1853-4 he again attended college at Cleveland, graduating. He returned to Oquawka, disposed of his drug business, and gave all his time to practice, which soon became lucrative and successful. In 1852 he was associated with Dr. Snelling, tion as
a practitioner.
started west,
Oquawka.
and in 1879 with Dr. Postlewait, but neither partnership continued
The .doctor is a man schooled by his own efibrts and is known as a "self-made man." He has accumulated a large farm. Dr. Park was married in Ashtabula county, to Minerva Patterson, daughter of Lewis and Lucy Patterson, and a native of Ohio. very long.
what
is
They have one child. Ida. in
Haeey F. McAllistee, the present efficient circuit clerk, was born Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 27, 1840. His father was
HISTORY OF MBRCEE
996
AJSTD
HENDERSON COUNTIES.
born near Philadelphia. He was of Scotch descent. For some time prior to and up to his death he was prothonotarj of Westmoreland He died in 1849. His wife survives. She is county. Pennsylvania. Mr. H. F. McAllister received but a also a native of Pennsylvania. limited education, as his father died when Harrj' was yet young, leaving the family in meager circumstances. At the age of fourteen Harry began clerking in Pock Island, Illinois. He next spent three years in Milwaukee and vicinity, in making abstracts of titles, eminently fitted for such work by his efficiency in penmanship. In the spring of 1861 he came to Oquawka, but soon went to Geneseo, Illinois. He returned in the fall to Oquawka, and became engaged in the circuit clerk's oiBce. He continued Mr. Hugh L. Thomson's deputy circuit clerk until 1868, when he was promoted to the circuit clerkship by the ballot of the peoIn 1866 he was ple, and has been re-elected in 1872, 1876, and 1880. appointed notary public in 1872 master in chancery for Henderson county, by Judge A. A. Smith. In 1874 he was elected township treasurer, all of which offices he still fills with credit. For the past six years he has been a member of the republican state central committee. He is a member of the masonic fraternity. Mr. McAllister was married August 30, 1866, to Miss Esther, daughter of Christian and Sarah (Nye) Eoot, a native of New York State. ;
Gr.
F.
William Feoehlich, the present
born March
efficient
county
clerk,
was
and is the seventh child in a family of thirteen. His parents, Peter and Johanna FroehUch, were natives of Eheinisch, and there died. Peter Froehlich was a tanner by trade, and was a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte. G. F. Wm. Froehlich, the subject of these memoirs, was schooled in Prussia, graduating from the high school of Bonn, in preparation for college. He relinquished the projected college course, and became a clerk in a chemical factory for one year. In 1852, in May, he set sail at LiverAfter fifty-two pool, England, on the vessel Warbler, for America. Mr. Froehlich came days' sailing the vessel reached New Orleans. up the Mississippi to Warsaw, Illinois, but very soon came to Oquawka, 21, 1835, in Kheinisch, Prussia,
and became clerk for Frederick Odendahl. In the spring of 1853 he went to Warsaw where he became an apprentice to the harness trade, working two and a half years. He then followed the trade at dififerent places. In 1859, and part of 1860, he taught a German American school. When war's cruel tongue called for brave men to put down rebellion and slavery, Mr. Froehlich thought of duty to country, for, although he was not American born, he was an American citizen. He enlisted April 22, 1861, in Co. D, 10th 111. Inf. from Oquawka for the
three months' service.
When
discharged he re-enlisted.in Co. G, 10th
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP. Mo.
Inf.,
of which
997
was made orderly sergeant, and so continued till The principal battles in whiqh he was
Bear the close of the war.
engaged were Hills, siege
:
Corinth, luka,
of Yicksburg
;
second Corinth, Jackson, Champion
was in the Yazoo Pass expedition,
at Mis-
and much skirmishing. At the battle of Corintb, October 4, 1862, he was wounded in the forehead, and at Champion Hills May 16, 1863, was wounded in the right leg. He was discharged SepHe served from 1864 to tember 11, 1864, at Carterville, Georgia. In 1865 he returned 1865 in the ordnance department of the service. He engaged as clerk, and served to Oquawka for a permanent home. He then became deputy sheriff. In 1866 was as constable a year. made deputy assessor, also. In 1868 he became deputy county, and In 1877 he was elected county clerk, which deputy circuit, clerk. Since 1879 he has been town clerk, office he still holds with ability. Mr. Froehlieh was and has been notary public for a number of years. married in 1865, to Mrs. Margaret Herbertz, a native of Prussia, and Mr. Froehlieh is whose family at that time numbered four children. deeply interested in corapjiling a soldiers' record, and deserves aid in gathering biographical matter pertaining to those who have fought the sionary Ridge,
battles of
the union.
Hon. James Peterson,-
member
New York
of the state legislature, was
bom
His education was such as good public schools afford. The larger part of his knowledge is of that practical sort acquired by actual experience in business. His youth was mostly spent behind his father's counter. His father dying, James, at the age of fourteen years, in 1852, came to Oquawka and
November
19, 1838, in
City.
became a clerk in the store of the Moir Brothers, his uncles.
After
and William Moir, Mr. Peterson became a partner in the firm of Robert Moir & Co. He was for a number of years cashier of the Moir Bank. His chief business I^n 1875 he retired. since has been in loaning funds. Mr. Peterson has devoted a part of his life to public business. He was an alderman when Oquawka was under city government. He has taken an active part in educational affairs. Among his In 1882 he was elected to the state legislature. efforts in that honorable body was a bill to compel the Chicago, BurHngton & Quincy Railroad Company to pay taxes on their bridge at Bm-lington. The bill passed the house but was defeated in the senate. Mr. Peterson also directed the apportionment constituting his own senatorial as well as congressional district. Mr. Peterson is a staunch republican. He is also a prominent Mason, having been worshipful the death of James
He was married in 1874 to Sadie, daughter of Dr. H. Ruple, of Oquawka, and a native of "Washington, Pennsylvania.
master ten terms. S.
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HBNDEE80N COUNTIES.
998
Their children are Genevieve, James, and Sadie.
Mr. Peterson's
and Agnes (Moir) Peterson, were both natives of Forres, Scotland, and emigrated in early life to ]^ew York City. John P. Peterson had studied medicine ten years in the colleges of Edinburgh and Glasgow. He also spent one year as surgeon on He ^aduated an M.D. Upon coming to a fleet to Greenland. America he was so disgusted in finding that a drug clerk was allowed to practice medicine, or that so little attainment was required by the profession, that he abandoned his profession and embarked in the hardware merchandising in New York City. In about 1843 he located in Berlin, Wisconsin, in business, where he died in 1854, aged His wife survived, and came to Oquawka little more than fifty years. in April, 1852 but when visiting New York she succumbed to death, and was buried in Greenwood cemetery. In the family were five girls and one boy: Amelia, Agnes, Emma, Elizabeth, Georgi^a, and parents,
John
P.
;
James. is
James M. Akin, superintendent of schools of Henderson county, , His parents, John G. and
the oldest in a family of ten children.
Eliza (Connell) Akin, are natives of Columbiana, but reside in Mus-
The Akin family, four generations ago, came from They are a long lived were more remotely Scotch. people,- the mother of John G., and grandmother of James M., James M., yet living and active, at nearly a hundred years of age. the principal subject of these memoirs, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, February 14, 1845. His educational training was acquired in the common schools near his home, and in the academy of Camkingum county. Ireland, but
Guernsey county, Ohio. Before seventeen years of age he began teaching in the common schools of the country. He was a pupil when the directors, for cause, dismissed the teacher, and requested James to finish the term of school. James hesitated, and sent them to his father, who allowed the youth to choose for himself. The school
bridge,
was taught successfully five months. He continued his school work, and in 1866 came to "Warren county, Illinois, where he taught tiU 1870. He then became principal of the Biggsville schools, retaining the position for three years.
He
then taught at Olena, and in 1875
was elected principal of the Oquawka public schools. In 1-877 Mr. Akin was elected to the county superintendency, for the duties of which he is eminently fitted. Mr. Akin was married August 3, 1871, to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Samuel and Ortha (Callahan) Arthurs, and a native of Pennsylvania. They have one child, Orlando H. Mr. and Mrs. Akin are connected with the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the order of Odd-Fellows.
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
999
was bom July 9, 1815, in Greenup county, Kenparents had moved from their native county of Eockhis whither tucky, the year 1807. about Virginia, On the banks of the Ohio and iugham, "William C. Eice
Big Sandy rivers, his earliest childhood was spent, until the spring of 1820, when (his father having been drowned in the Ohio, in March,
mother removed with her six children to Christian county, Kentucky, by flat-boat on the Ohio, that being the usual and almost 1815) his
mode
the only
of traveling at that time.
Here in Christian county he
spent his youth, working on his mother's farm during the
summer
months, and in the winter attending one of the traditional log-cabin
which kind of educational institution Kentucky and Having attended other southwesterr states have become famous. these schools several years, he entered the Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Seminary, at that time under the principalship of Janies D. Eumsey, where he acquired a knowledge of the Latin language and of some of school-houses, for
the branfehes of
About
this
its full
higher mathematics, trigonometry, surveying,
etc.
time the so-called "Illinois fever" struck Kentucky with
force,
and in company with several others he
left his
native
new
country of Elinois, arriving in Warren county (now Henderson) in the spring of 1835, being at that time nineteen state for
the then
years old. visited
After living here about a year, during which time he re-
Kentucky, he spent two years in southern Iowa,
part of the territory
known
of Wisconsin and
as
(at that
Van Buren
time a
county),
from Gen. Henry Dodge, the an appointment as district surveyor of Van Buren county in December, 1837. Iowa, at that time, was mostly in the possession of the Indians, there being few settlements of white men except those along the river, at Dubuque, Fort Madison, etc., and at Burlington, then the territorial capital of Wisconsin and known as the "Flint Hills." While thus engaged in surveying he became acquainted with the chiefs Black Hawk, Keokuk, and Wapello, the last two of whom lived near the sites of the towns which now bear their names. In 1838 he returned to Henderson county (then a part of "Warren), Illinois, and has lived here ever since. Being elected first county surveyor of Henderson county at its separation from Warren,
occupied in surveying, having obtained territorial
govei-nor of Wisconsin,
he discharged the duties of this office until the winter same year, when he went to Macomb, Illinois, where, for the two following winters, he read law in the office of Cyrus Walker, then one of the proiftinent lawyers of the Illinois and Iowa bars. Having in April, 1841,
of the
obtained license to practice county,
and in
law in 1843, he returned
to
Henderson
and in August of the same year was elected probate justice, November, 1849, county judge. Elected by whigs, or "anti-
1000
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
Nebraska"
party,
he went, in 1854, as the representative of the (Henderson and Warren counties) to the legislatiire, at which Trumbull was elected to the United States senate, over Lincoln and Shields, although Lincoln was really the first choice of the majorBeing returned to the legislature ity of the anti-Nebraska party. in 1858, on the same ticket, he was present at the election of Stephen A. Douglas, over Lincoln, to the senate of the United States. Upon the expiration of this ofiice he returned to Henderson county and resumed the practice of law, and in 1873 was elected county judge, which office he now (1882) holds, being re-elected in 1877. Politically Judge Rice was always a whig until the practical dissolution "of this old party, when he became an anti-Nebraska man, and when the necessities of the times gave birth to the republican party, he, in common with most of the old anti-Nebraska men, joined the new pohtical organization, in which he has always remained constant. In May, 1844, he married Mary M., daughter of Cyrus Walker, of Macomb, by whom he had four children, the oldest two of whom died in infancy, and in 1872, his first wife having died in 1871, he married Mrs. Salina Hopkins. Thadeus Eames, the subject of this sketch, came to Henderson county an old man and is now ninety-four years of age, being the oldest man but one in the county. He is the son of Joseph and Mary (Rice) Eames, and was born in 1790, in Worcester county, Massachusetts. His ancestry was English, having come over before the revolutionary war, in which his father fought as a private soldier. When he was about one year old his parents removed to Oneida county. New York, where he received his education in the common school. In 1835 he emigrated to Henderson county, Illinois. Mr. Eames was married on January 4, 1814, to Miss Orinda Cooper. To them were born five sons, of whom but one, Albert, is living. The eldest, Franklin, died of consumption in 1848 the second, Joseph, a grocer of Oquawka, died of cholera on a boat on the Mississippi coming home from St. Louis, where he had been buying goods the fourth son, Obadiah, of Eed Wing, Minnesota, died in 1880, leaving to his family a very large estate the youngest son, O. H. Perry, was also a victim of consumption. In 1853, five years after the death of his first wife, Mr. Eames fortieth district
;
;
;
was married again to Mary Elizabeth Sumner. Mr. Eames began life with nothing he has now two beautiful farms of 320 acres each, on one of which he resides. Eleazee Pogue, son of John and Jane (Welch) Pogue, was bom in Muskingum county, Ohio, on December 7', 1813. On his mother's side his ancestry was Scotch, while his father was a native of Ireland. ;
;
OQUAWKA T0WN8HIP.
1001
While on the passage over to America he was taken
was prepared
near death that a shroud
ill
and was so
for him, ready for his death.
Mr. Pogue passed his early life in the county of his birth, receiving a He was greatly good practical education in the common schools. in the fact that his were thoroughly christian parents, his having been an elder in the church of Seceders for many years, while aU his mother's folks were Presbyterians in faith and practice. The loving hands of His father died in 1872 and his mother in 1874. his children have erected over his remains a beautiful monument, cost-
blessed father
Mr. Pogue emigrated to Warren county, Illinois, in Pie was married to Amelia Paden in May, 1836, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Of this marriage seven children were born, two of whom are still living. John W. is now married and resides at Red Oak, Iowa, where he is now engaged in farming Elizabeth, the younger of the two living
ing over $600. 1838,
and then to Henderson county.
;
John Terrill, a farmer of KeoIn January of 1849 Mr. Pogue was bereaved of and in the following May he married Miss Ann McDermit.
children of this marriage, is the wife of
kuk county, Iowa. his wife,
To them have been born seven boys and three and
all
of the daughters are
now
Four of the sons W. and James Smiley E. is now
girls.
(1882) living. George
Red Oak, Iowa Leander W. is at home with his parents two of his daughters, Jennie S. and Mary A., are engaged in teaching school, the former in Red Oak, Iowa, and the latter in Gladstone, Illinois the youngest, Emily M., is now at home with her parents. In his family relations Mr. Pogue has been greatly blessed. Though he began life with nothing and has met with some severe misfortunes, yet he has now soncie 400 acres of land, part lying in township 10, range 6, and part in township 11, range 5. The subject of this sketch, Mitchell M. Findley, son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Blackburn) Findley, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, August 27, 1823. His father, who was a native of Allegheny
B. are
now engaged
in farming near
farming near Gladstone
;
;
;
county, Pennsylvania, in
which
state
he passed his early youth, emi-
Muskingum county, Ohio, when about twenty years of age, and there married. In 1835 he removed with his family of six children to "Warren county, Illinois, near where Kirkwopd now stands. At this time there were but four houses in the town of Monmouth. Our subject received his education in the schools of Oquawka and grated to
He has been engaged for many years in tilling the soil on farm of 240 acres, which lies in Sec. 26, T. 11, R. 5. Mr. Findley
vicinity.
his
has been,
.
from the beginning of
the principles of the
its
organization, a firm believer in
republican party, though he has never gone into
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1002
His
politics.
political preference
that his father before
may
probably be traced to the
him was a whig, and voted with
fact
the republicans
at the first chance.
Beainaed was born in the state of Connecticut, March Wlien about four years of age his father died, leaving him In 1838 he came to to the care of a cold and indifferent world. Oquawka and here soon became engaged to Mr. S. S. Phelps, accompanying him on his trading expeditions among the Indians. He also worked for Col. J. B. Patterson a number of years, and for a short time was a student in one of the early schools here, taught by Eev. Mr. Stebbins. Mr. Brainard took an active part in the Methodist Episcopal church in its early history, having come here as a licensed Davis
S.
26, 1821.
He
exhorter.
filled
that position for
many
years, as well as class
leader and superintendent of Sabbath school.
Justice Schlotz, Oquawka, was bom in the Province of Hesse, Germany, in 1832. In 1852 he was married to Eleonore Wiegand, who was also a native of the same province. In 1857 they left the home of their birth and sailed for America. Soon after their arrival they came to this place and permanently located, and here Mr. Schlotz engaged in the wagon and carriage manufacture. He has now ten children, whose names in the order of their birth are Charles (bom in Germany, December, 1852, is now in the livery business in Oquaw:
Sophia (wife of Fredrick Harbus, now of Peoria, Illinois), Cassie, (wife of Charles Linsenmier, of Burlington), Annie, Christena, Emma, Henry, William, and August. Thomas C. Smith, proprietor of the Smith House, Oquawka, was born at Lebanon, Ohio, June 1, 1829. He was principally brought up on a farm, and at the age of twenty years engaged at learning the trade of coach maker. In 1851 he came to Illinois, spent some time ka),
Mary
in
Oquawka and Chicago, and in 1854 made a trip to Califomia, home again the same year. December 31, 1857, he married
returning
Miss Cordelia F. Richards. She was born in Henderson county, HKSeptember 25, 1838, and is a daughter of Jonas and Eliza (Fouts)
nois,
who came from Pennsylvania to this county at an early day, among the very earliest pioneers. In 1858 Mr. Smith permar
Eichards,
being
nently located in Oquawka, and to some considerable extent engaged in the manufacture of can-iages and wagons. In 1871 Mr. Smith
turned success.
all his
attention to the business of running hotel, making
it
a
He
Heeman in Saxony,
has two children, Arthur H., and Efiie A. Schiemee, merchant, Oquawka, was born May
Germany.
Early in
life
22, 1827,
he learned the trade of basket
maker, and followed the business in the land of his birth
till
1854,
'
^wMi^^
a^Kr
^ft
'^
'''^hHI^B
jjJIL "^SlHI^^^^^^n^^^^^
1
f^^^HI
"J
^2/1
/iM/nJCt^
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP. when
lie
1005
emigrated to America, sailing in the ship H. von Gagern.
and there followed his trade till when he nobly responded to the call of his adopted country for He enlisted in Co. F, 2d Mo. Inf., and for nearly four years soldiers. located in St. Louis, Missouri,
He
1861
Buffered all the
horrors of border warfare, incident to the western part
of the great struggle.
After "being honorably discharged, he came to
Oquawka, where he settled and engaged in the mercantile trade, at the Mr. same time carrying on his old business, that of basket makiiig. Schirmer has been "twice married, but has no children. wife
was Mrs. Fredricka
Kom,
His present She
a daughter of George Altrenther.
kingdom of Bavaria, in Germany. was born in Cologne, Prussia, In the summer of 1847 he left his native home, February 11, 1822. On sailing for America, and landing in August of the same year. April 14, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Ernestine Froehlich, at Nauvoo, Elinois. Here their first son was bom July 16, 1850, and they called his name William. In the fall of the same year they eame to Oquawka and engaged in merchandising in the grocery and is
a native of the
Fkedeiok Odendahl, deceased,
provision hue, following the business until the outbreak of the rebel-
At
he at once responded to the call of his adopted and enlisted in Co. D, 10th El. Vol. Inf April 23, 1861, to serve three months. He was discharged at the close of the time for which he enlisted and joined the 17th reg. Mo. Inf as a member of company D, where he faithfully served his country till discharged on account of disability caused by inflammatory rheumatism. He participated in the battles of Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge, and many others during that stirring campaing under Gen. Austerhaus. He died August 24, 1877, and his venerable widow is still living, with her son WiUiam, who is now in the mercantile trade in Oquawka. They have one other son, Carl Julius, born in Oquawka September 16, 1853, and
hon.
that time
country for troops,
married to Miss Viola Rossiter.
,
He
is
now
in
Loup
City,
Nebraska,
drug business, and has one child, Fredrick E. Prominent among the business men of Oquawka, since 1854,
in the
may
Me. James A. Caswell. About that time he bought of Dr. Park & Co., and under the firm name of Caswell
he mentioned out the store
& Pearce engaged in the drug business. In 1858 they associated with them Mr. R. Hodson, and added a full line of groceries. In 1868 he withdrew from the above mentioned firm. He has ever since been in two years that he was a drug Iowa. He is now doing a drug and grocery business, between Third and Fourth streets on Schuyler. Mr.^ Caswell was bom in Saratoga county, New York^ February 13, 1824. His business here, with the exception of dealer in Burlington,
57
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1006
Mr. Caswell was ikther's name was Ezra H. Caswell, a merchant. was bronght up to the business of his father, and received a common He was married July 21, 1850, to Miss Arminda school education. Mrs. Caswell is a Decker, the daughter of Seymour Decker, Esq. They are the parents of five native of Oneida county, New York. children Ada (wife of C. H. Rew, of Wilmington, Will county, IlKnois), Mary E., Martha M., Blanche E., and James W. Mr. Caswell is a member of the masonic fraternity, and of the Knights Templar. :
Mr. Caswell has ever been straightforward in business, and has the confidence of all, in business and social circles. Charles Haffner, cabinet maker and dealer in furniture was bom His early life, until the age of in Ulm, Germany, January 22, 1 826. fourteen, was spent mostly in school. He was then sent to learn the trade of cabinet maker, which he completed in three years, and for the four years following he worked at the trade as journeyman. In October, 1851, he left his native home for America, in the sailing ship After an uneventful voyage he reached ISTew York, Saint Dennis. and at once moved westward, reaching Oquawka in 1862, and here he permanently located and engaged in the manufacture and sale of furniIn 1854 he was married to Miss Mary Goempler, a native of ture. Germany, by whom he has nine children, whose names in the order of their birth are as follows line,
:
Joseph, William, Charles, Rickley, Caro-
Paul, Mollie, Christena, and John.
German Lutheran
They
are
members
of the
church.
James Cunningham was born in 1816, in the county of Monaghan, when he was only four years old his parents emigrated to the United States. They settled in New Jersey, where they made their home for many years. During his early life James, by industry, obtained a fair common school education, and while yet a young man, had learned the trade of a blacksmith. In 1840 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary S. Watson, of Washington county, New York. In 1841 their first child was born, and in 1842 Mrs. Cunningham wasprostrated by a stroke of paralysis, entirely losing the use of one side, In eye, ear, and limbs, and from which she has never recovered. 1845 Mr. Cunningham emigrated to Illinois and settled at Oquawka, where he remained till 1850, when he left his family provided for, and went to California in search of gold. Not being as successful as he had hoped, in the fall of 1851 he went to Australia, where he prosperously engaged in gold mining till February 2, 1853, when he determined to return with what he had to his family, and at once left for home via. London, England, arriving at the latter place May 1. From there he sailed for Philadelphia, whese he landed early in the summer. There he Ireland, but
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
1007
gold minted and came on to Oquawka, and at once prepared a completed arrangements and went back east for his parents, and home out to this place. brought Here they lived till the time of he whom Mr. Cunningham is a death. member of the masonic and oddtheir
had
his
fraternities.
fellow
He
is
one of Oquawka's old and respected
citizens.
John Gumming, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, Oquawka, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in October, 1830. His youth, up to the age of about nineteen, was spent attending school In 1849 he and his parents, aQd learning the shoemaker's trade.
Gumming, emigrated to the United States, Our subject followed his trade in the 1856, when he came to Illinois and perma-
John and Mary (Harkins) sailing state
of
in the ship Brooklyn.
New York
until
nently located at Oquawka, and here has since devoted his time to the manufacture and sale of boots and shoes. In 1856 he built his brick store, which does credit to the south side of Schuyler street. In 1853 at Troy, New York, Mr. Gumming was united in marriage with Miss Jane King, a native of Ireland. His father died in New York in 1873, and his mpther is still living and is a resident of Hamilton, Ontario,
Canada.
James R. White, one of Oquawka's esteemed
citizens, was born in His early life was spent on a farm and he obtained what in those days was called a good common school education. In his younger years he had given some little attention to the study of civil engineering, and after coming to Henderson county, in 1853, he was employed as deputy county surveyor, and Boon after was elected as surveyor of Henderson county. This, however, he abandoned in 1859 and went to the Colorado mountains, where he engaged in mining. It was while there that the war of 1861-5 broke out, and he enlisted in Go. G, 2d Colo. Gav., and went south in defense of his country's flag. After following the fortunes of war over three years, making many tedious marches and running many narrow escapes, he was honorably discharged and returned to Oquawka, and has since been constantly engaged as salesman and book-keeper for R. Hodson, Esq. His first wife Lydia (Jacoby) White, died in 1868. She was the mother of his only child, a son, Albert B., now of Kansas City, Missouri. His second marriage was with Mrs. Mary J. Bigelow, whose companionship he still enjoys. Jedediah E. Baenes, Kirkwood, Blinois, who was for many years a prominent citizen and able educator of Henderson county, Illinois, was horn in Eensselaer county, New York, in 1829. His youth was spent on the farm engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was also, dur-
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1818.
1008
HISTORY OF MEECER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
ing boyhood's years, an attentive student in the
common
schools, fin-
ishing his education, however, in East Hampton, Massachusetts.
The seven years p];pvious to 1853 was spent in teaching school in the State In that year he emigrated to Henderson county, Illiof New Jersey. nois, and for the next twelve years devoted his time largely to teachIn 1858 he was elected county superintendent of schools. In ing. 1865 he removed to Kirkwood, Warren county, Illinois, where he is
now engaged
in the nursery business. December 26, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth A. Ewing, a native of Indiana,
by whom he has two
children.
The
elder, William, is
railroad office, at Galesburg, and a daughter Olive
Knox
is
now
in the
a student
at
Mr. Barnes' parents were Jedediah P. and Elizabeth (Eldridge) Barnes the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter They both died at Troy, New York. Mr. Barnes of Massachusetts. enjoys the esteem and respect of the best citizens of Henderson county. William A. Findley, farmer, Oquawka, was bom in Muskingum county, near Zanesville, Ohio, September 1, 1819. In the fall of 1835 his parents, Matthew and Elizabeth (Blackburn) Findlej^, with a family of six children, emigrated to Warren county, Illinois, and remained The following spring they permathe first winter near Kirkwood. nently located in what was since organized as Henderson county, on Sec. 36, T. 11 N., 5 E. W., where they lived till the time of his death He was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylin the spring of 1863. vania, January 11, 1793. He was a son of David Findley, who emigrated with his father, David Findley, Sr., and family, from the north of Ireland to America, about 1710. The sons of David Findley, Sr., took an active part in the revolutionary war, and one of them was for many years a member of congress. William A., the subject of this sketch, was early identified with the interests of the first settling of this county, and struggled hard against disadvantages to get a start, and honest labor has finally been rewarded with success. October 25, 1849, he was married in Perry county, Indiana, to Miss Sarah J. Lawrence, a daughter of James and Esther (Jamison) Lawrence, bom in Perry county, Indiana, November 20, 1824. Their children are: William H., Isabel (wife of W. C. Sloan), Caroline, Ida J. (now Mrs. Samuel E. Jamison), Elizabeth, and Hettie May. They are members of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Findley's membership dates back to 1 837, and he has been an elder since 1866. He has ever been very liberal in supporting and building up the church. Lewis H. Hand was born at Mt. Gilead, Ohio, May 24, 1848, and came with his parents to Oquawka in 1851. He was for many years connected with the Presbyterian Sunday school, and is the only College.
;
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP. one of his class
now
September
here.
1009
30, 1874,
he was married to
She was born Miss Lulu Bigelow, a daughter of Solomon Bigelow. in Oquawka, October 26, 1864. They have two children, Helen H. and Mr.
Hand
member
of the njasonic fraternity. His was for Oquawka, having served here as postmaster during President BuchaIn 1864 he went west to the mountains, and nan's administration. never since being heard from it is supposed he met with some tragic
Hattie B.
is
a
a number
father
of years identified with the interests of
death.
W. Schell was born
Ulm, Germany, February 18, While in Wisconsin he was married to Miss Mary E. Brooks, August 15, 1867. They have five children, whose names She was bom March 27, 1844. areUnice A., Lida E., Charles, Caroline B., and William A. Early in life he learned the trade of blacksmith at Burlington, Iowa. DecemChables F.
1845,
in
and came with his parents to America in 1851.
he enlisted as a soldier for the union, in Co. G, 25th la. and in May, 1865, was transferred to the 9th la. Inf., from which he was honorably discharged late in the summer of 1865. His father, Leonard Schell, settled in Oquawka in September, 1852, and has since
ber 18, 1863, Inf.,
been one of
its
honored
He
citizens.
has been engaged in carriage He was born in Ulm,
and wagon manufacture for fifty-two years.
Germany, January 31, 1818. His children are Charles F.
His
W.
wife,
Anne
Bielhald, died in 1862.
(the subject of this sketch),
William
Henry, and Kudolph.
Petee Goemplee, stone cutter and mason, was born in Philippsthal, Germany, January 12, 1822, and was reared to the trade of his father and grandfather (stone cutter and mason). July
Province of Hesse,
19, 1846,
he married Amelia Bonn, a native of the same place.
Octo-
and little family, set sail for the new world, landing at New York January 4, 1854, and on March 18, of the same year, permanently located in Oquawka, where he has since followed his trade, in connection with which he has for a number of years paid some attention to farming on land he now owns near town. He has seven children living, whose names are: Adam A., Louisa E., (wife of Jacob Guyer, of Keokuk), Emma, (wife of George Rodmaker), Mary, Christena, Paulina, and KaroUne. Mr. Goempler is a, constant member of the Gei-man Reformed ber
7,
1853, he left the land of his birth, and, with his wife
church.
William
K
Boden, blacksmith and dealer in agricultural implewas born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1836, and reared in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He received a fair com-
ments,
mon
school education,
and early in
life
learned the trade of blacksmith.
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
1010
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
In May, 1858, he came to Oquawka, and at once engaged in blacksmith business, and some later formed a partnership with Riner Schell
&
Co.,
and
is
now
the
company
part of that active firm.
April 20,
1872, he was married to Mrs. Florence Gould, a daughter of Lloyd
Cunningham, Esq.
She
is
a native of
Warren
county, Illinois.
Their
only child, Frank, was born in Oquawka.
John Kessel, son of Joseph and Charlott (Wessbecher) Kessel, was bom in Baden, Germany,. August 25, 1839. The parents of Mr. Kessel, in 1854, emigrated to the United States,
iirst
locating in Bur-
where John learned the trade of barber. In 1861 he came to this place and opened a barber shop, soon after adding to the business the sale of tobacco and cigars, and in 1868 added also the manufacture of cigars. July 10, 1862, he was united iu marriage to Miss Rotana Frazell, who died August 28, 1878. His next marriage was on November 25, 1880, to Miss Louisa B. Grass, a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Kessel's first wife was a native of Licking county, Ohio. By her he had three children, living, whose names are William G., Lottie, and Addie H. Mr. Kessel is a member of the masonic and odd-fellows' fraternities. Jacob C. Peteeman, wagon and carriage maker, Oquawka, is the son of John and Catherine (Olewine) Peterman, and is a native of Washington county, Maryland. When he was about one year old his parents removed to Eichland county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and during his early life learned the trade he now follows. In 1850 he went with a company over the plains to California, and while there engaged in mining and working at his trade. He was also for a time employed as deputy sheriff in the collection of foreign tax. In 1856 he returned home, having made the enterprise a success. On June 30, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Mickey, a native lington, Iowa,
The next day, July 1, they started for Illinois, arriving at Oquawka, July 7. Here he permanently located and began the business "of his trade. They have six children living, John R., Charles M., Carrie G., Burton, George, and Jennie B. He and wife and eldest daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopel church. Alexandee M. Smith, the present manager of the Henderson county poor farm and jail, was born in Kentucky, February 16, 1846. His father, Ralph Smith, died in Kentucky in 1846, and our subject came to Illinois with his mother and brother Charles, in 1849. They settled and lived for a number of years on a farm about four miles southeast of Oquawka. At that time the county was new and but of Ohio.
sparsely settled, and consequently Alexander enjoyed but few school
advantages.
In January, 1864, he enlisted in Co. F, 16th
111.
Vol.
OQDAWKA TOWNSHIP.
1011
when the regiment was home on veteran furlough, leaving home the day after his eighteenth birthday, and was honorably discharged at Springfield in the summer of 1865, having been with Sherman on After his return home he engaged his memorable march to the sea. March 9, 1876, he was married to Miss Eliza M. Jackson, in farming. the daughter of Mr. Asa Jackson, of Grreenville, Henderson county, She is a native of Indiana. They have one child, Ealph, Illinois. In March, 1879, he took charge of the Henderborn April 12, 1881. son county poor farm and jail, and is making the farm a decided sucHis mother has been three times mari'ied. Her second husband cess. Her present husband is Mr. S. H. was Thadeus Bird, now deceased. By each of Crow. They are now residents of Greenville precinct. her three husbands she has reared two children. John A. Pence is a son of John and Elizabeth (Heaton) Pence, founder and builder of Pence's Fort, of historic note in Henderson county. He was bom nearOquawka August 12, 1830, and is believed to be the first white child born within what are now the bounds of Henderson county. His earliest years were spent without the advantages and surroundings of the children of the present day. His playmates were the children of the Indians, who shared with him their rude playthings as well as their mother's breasts. His educational advantages were extremely meager. In March, 1850, he went to California,
Inf.,
June, 1859, when he returned to his home in red handed treason and rebellion threatened
where he remained
till
Oquawka.
when
his country,
In 1861,
he volunteered his services in defense of the national
flag,
member of Co. D, 7th Mo. Cavalry. After eighteen months warfare, he was wounded and taken prisoner by Quantrell's band of
as a
and was soon after paroled, first being sworn never to again up arms against the confederate states. During his short term of service he filled the positions of acting adjutant, post-quartermaster,
guerillas,
take
December 19, 1862, he was married to Miss Mary a daughter of Mr. Ebenezer and Catharine (Daggett) Chapen, who came to Henderson in 1839. They were formerly from and lieutenant.
A. Chapen,
Indiana and emigrated to
Pence has given
much
geological specimens,
Knox
and has
Mr. and preserving of
county, Illinois, in an early day.
attention to the gathering
now
in his possession one of the finest
cabinets in the county.
John McFaeland may be mentioned as among the early settlers now living and doing business in Oquawka, having come here in 1841. He was bom at Mt. Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, March 20, 1 828, and came with his parents, William and Ifaney (StfeUey) McFarland, to Oquawka, as above stated. His father was by trade a carpenter, and
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
1012
AND HBNDEE80N
COUNTIES.
many years after his settlement here. John was married in August, 1855, to Miss Ella King, a daughter of Kobert and Nancy (Hensley) King, of Oquawka. She was bom in Milton, Trimble county, Kentucky, Febniary 28, 1838, and was brought by her parents to Burlington, Iowa, the same year. In 1856 Mr. McFarland followed the business
embarked
in the -lumber trade in this place, successfully following the
He has lately, to some extent, been turning having bought a farm a short distance out of town. Mr. McFarland and wife ^re the parents of six children, four of whom are now living, as follows: Frank E., Harvey, Walter, and Maud. Mrs. McFarland is a membe'r of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. McFarland's parents are both dead and buried here. Joseph S. Linell, harness and saddle manufacturer and dealer, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, March 23, 1839. In 1849 his business
till
the present.
his attention to farming,
and Selecta (Stoddard) Linell, emigrated to Peoria, where they remained until 1852, when they removed to Oquawka. Here our subject attended school during the next five years. Having at this time arrived at a sufficient age he turned his attention to learning a trade and began an apprenticeship with his brother, Philip' S. Linell, then engaged in the harness and saddlery manufacture at Oquawka. After completing his trade in 1858 he went to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and there engaged in business for himself While here he was united in marriage with Miss Francis A. Pixley, October 6, 1859, and the same year returned to .Oquawka and formed a partnership with his brother, but one year later sold out and went to work for M. E. Ghapen, at his trade, till 1864, when he enlisted in Co. D, 138th HI. Vol. Inf After his return home in 1865 he bought out Mr. Chapen, and in company with G. W. Adair, embarked, again in the business of his trade. In 1870 he bought out his partner and has His since been the sole owner of his present prosperous business. parents, "William B. Illinois,
children,
named
in the order of their birth,
are
:
Annetta, Jessie
and two deceased. Mr. Linell's father was a native of Birmingham, England, born in 1804. Early in youth he came to the United States and was through life a minister in the TJniversalist church. During the late war he enUsted He died in the 10th 111. Vol. Inf and was commissioned chaplain. September 6, 1867. His wife was a native of Vermont, and died at Vevay, Indiana, May 13, 1865. Benjamin F. Beooks (deceased), was born in Genesee county. New York, June 27, 1818. In the very early settlement of this county, his parents entered land and settled near Carman, where our subject early received that culture and education in the art of pioneer life and B., Frank, Philip P., Charles, Fannie, Fred,
,
TENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. industry that characterized his
September 24, 1846, he was the daughter of
1013
movements through
all
subsequent
life.
united in marriage with Miss Eliza Curts,
John and Temperance
born in'Clinton county, Pennsylvania,
(Fredricks) Curts,
November
23, 1823,
who was and came
Henderson county, Illinois, in 1836. After his engaged in farming till 1853, when he removed to Oquawka and embarked in the lumber trade, which he followed till the time of his death, which sad and untimely event occurred NovemHe had gone there with a view ber 28, 1862, at Hannibal, Missouri. of entering into the lumber trade at that place, and was busily engaged in starting a steam saw-mill when, on the day above stated, at a few with her parents to
parriage Mr. Brooks
minutes after 11 o'clock a.m., the boiler exploded with terrific force.
He was
from the effects of which same day. His wife and friends by telegraph, and his body was brought back to
struck with a piece of flying timber,
he died a few minutes after six the
were at once notified
Oquawka for burial. He left, besides his wife, six children. Two have since died, and William F., Charles, Henry, and Edward, are still living. The two deceased are Annetta and Ella M. Col. J. B. Patterson thus spoke of him in the " Spectator" at the time of his death "Mr. :
Brooks was one of the successftil business
men
forward in his efforts to bring out the best
He was loved and respected in life, and knew him while here in Oquawka."
of this city, and always
development
of his town.
in death lamented
by
all
who
TENTH ILLINOIS INFANTKY. The attack on Fort Sumter precipitated in the north such a whirlwind of patriotic wrath and gathering of men for war as no nation had •ever seen.
Sumter fell on the Events crowded in swift succession. 1861 on the 15th President Lincoln called on the
14th of April, states for
;
75,000 volunteers for ninety days, and the
same day Governor
Yates issued his proclamation convening the legislature
On
the 16th
he issued general order No.
2,
on the 23d.
providing for the imme-
diate organization
of six regiments. Benjamin M. Prentiss, of Quincy, was raising a company, and sent to Francis A. Dallnm, of Oquawka, to bring 38 men, and a meeting was called at the court-house for the afternoon of the 17th. As soon as
it
was organized
J. F.
Powers, Esq., rose, and after making a few
remarks, stepped forward and signed the enlistment roll, thus" becoming the first volunteer from Henderson county. Then there was a perfect
rash; no question then as to
who would
go,. but
who
could get a
HISTTEY OF MEROEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1014
chance to go. The enlistment of these men was reported as having occurred on the 23d, about the time they arrived at Quincy. On reach-
was found that Prentiss had left for Cairo. Going on to Gov. Yates furnished transportation, and Dallum and his men followed to the same place. The trip from Oquawka was a con-
ing there
it
Springfield,
tinual
ovation.
At
every station enthusiastic crowds greeted and men in the fields, and women and
cheered them, and along the route
waved hats, flags, and handkershowing to what mighty depth the popular heart was moved for the Union. But this fiery, glorious spirit waned to a chilling degree on approaching within forty or fifty miles of their destination, and soon it seemed that they were in the enemy's country. Sympathy with secession was greater there, in "lower Egypt," than love for the old flag. No false ideas should be allowed to conceal this sad truth in euphemism. The lightning had hardly yet flashed the thrilling sentt ments of Douglas, and Logan and McClernand had not thrown their At Cairo, Dallum's little party was the influence into the scales. nucleus for company D. Around it gathered the surplus numbers from over-full companies, and it was regularly formed, with Dallum for captain Benjamin Edson, flrst lieutenant and Samuel J. Wilson, second lieutenant. All these ofiicers belonged to Oquawka. B. M. Prentiss, captain of company E, from Quincy, became colonel when the regiment was organized. It was mustered into service on the 29th by Capt. (afterwards General) Pope. When the six regiments had reported at Cairo, Col. Prentiss was elected and commissioned brigadier-general, and took command oi children at the doors and windows,
chiefs,
;
;
•
brigade of Illinois volunteers, with headquarters at Cairo. The 10th regiment was composed of seven companies of infantry and this,
the
first
The term was taken up with guard duty, drilling, Kentucky and Missouri to break up rebel camps. Newsof the battle of Bull Run was received just at the expii-ation of service, and that beloved oflicer, Lieut. -Col. James D. Morgan, (afterward General) asked the 10th if they would remain and go to Washington if needed. They gave unanimous and enthusiastic consent. The regiment was mustered out July 25th. Gen. Prentiss obtained authority fi-om Washington to reorganize the six regiments, and this was mustered in on the 29th for three years, with Morgan for colonel, and during several months was recruiting its ranks. Charles S. Cowan, of Oquawka, at once began to The raise a company, which was nearly full by the last of August. organization took place there, and Cowan was selected for captain, Samuel J. Wilson for first lieutenant, and Collin McKenney for second three of artillery.
and forays
into
TENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
1015
Taking the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad at went to Mendota, and from there bv the Illinois Central to Cairo, where they were sworn into the United In a few weeks States service August 30th by Col. R. J. Oglesby. company E was raised to the minimum standard. Company G, in the reorganized regiment, was made up of men from Clark, Lee and Henderson counties, the latter sending 30, who were enlisted between November 20, 1861, and March 1, 1862. The recruiting was done by The men were taken to Mound City, David K. Waters, of Oquawka. lieutenant.
Sagetown, the 79 enlisted soldiers
.
where they found a part of the
company
which had been removed from Cairo. organized
in
camp with the regiment, 19th the company
On January
by electing John D. Mitchell, of Clark county,
first lieuten-
The sergeants were E. A. Wilson, John Ferguson, G. W. Blanehard, and Thomas C. Boyer. When the company was full the line officers were promoted one grade, The and Sergeant Blanehard was commissioned second lieutenant. company was armed at Mound City with smooth-bore muskets. The regiment lay there till December, then moved to Bird's Point and ant,
and D. R. Waters second lieutenant.
:
wintered. •
In conjunction with the 7th cavalry,
on March
1, it
dispersed Jeff
Thompson's guerillas, and took two guns iand some provisions.
It
army, and on the night of the 12th, in company with the 16th Illinois, advanced on New Madrid to .within 800 yards of the rebel illtrenchments, and 100 yards of the picket line, threw up works,
joined Pope's
and in the morning opened fire. They lay in the combined fire of two gunboats, and Forts Thompson and Pillow. The rebels evacuated New Madrid that night, and April 7 Gen. Pope embarked the 10th and 16th on transports, and hurried them down to Tiptonville, where they intercepted the rebels retreating from Island No. 10, and captured General Mackall and 2,500 of his men. Company E, while on picket planted four guns,
trenches all day, receiving the
at night,
took 300 prisoners.
Pope's success resulted in the taking
and a large quantity of stores and munitions, besides several gunboats. The regiment soon after moved with Pope's army to the siege of Corinth, and was in all the engagements he ha;d with the enemy, and on May 3d and 8th was under the fire of the rebel batteries. After the evacuation of Corinth it was foremost in the pursuit of the enemy to Booneville. Through June and a part of July it was lying in camp at Big Springs, then it moved to Tuscumbia, and of 6,000 prisoners,
fi'om thence,
where half,
it
under Gen. Palmer as division commander, to Nashville, remained during the blockade caused by Bragg's invasion, on
then quarter rations,
and
at last
on something
less,
meantime
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COHNTIBS.
1016
building Fort ISTegley and doing
some
fighting, until relieved
by
Eose-
that city to New Fosterville July 20, 1863, it August 24 reached Bridgeport, and October 1, Sequatchie Valley, from
moved from
crans.
which
it
assisted
McCook's cavalry
to drive out Wheeler's.
It sup-
ported Sherman in his attack on Missionary Ridge, and pursued the flying rebels to Einggold. It marched to the relief of Knoxville, and returned to Chattanooga and went into winter quarters in rear of Eossville,
Georgia, where
it
veteraned on the
first
day of January,
1864.
The campaign against Atlanta next commanded its energies and courage, and it was in action at Tunnel Hill, Eocky Face, Eesacca, Eome, Dallas, iNew Hope church. Lost and Kenesaw mountains, Chattahoochee river, Atlanta, and Jonesboro. It followed Hood back to the Tennessee, then returned with Sherman to Atlanta, and marched through Georgia. From Savannah it went by water to Beaufort, and thence moved to Pocotaligo. These last movewents were in January,
On February 3 the third brigade of Mower's (first) division. Seventeenth Corps, crossed the Salkehatchie at Eiver's bridge. The 1866.
swamp nels.
at this point was a mile wide, and The water varied from one to five
cut
up with numerous chanand was cold.
feet in depth,
The men crossed under heavy fire, and routed
the rebel brigade, which
defended the passage, the 10th losing forty men. It is said that Gen. Howard, who witnessed the proformance, declared it was "the best thing of the war." On the 9th the regiment pontooned the South
enemy, and after n.ight waded nearly half a mile through a lake, struck the rebels in flank, drove them from their trenches, and made several captures. It went
Edisto, at Binicker's bridge, in face of the
through South Carolina like a destroying angel, passing Orangeburg, Columbia, Winnsboro, and Cheraw. Eeaching Fayetteville, North Carolina, March 11, it pontooned the Cape Fear river, made a lodgment on the farther side, killing one lieutenant and five men. It bore a chief part in the battle of Bentonville, and oh the last day, with the rest of the division, pierced the
enemy's line, and captured a part of The regiment participated in all that
Johnson's headquarter material. followed in connection with Sherman's army, until the close of the grand review in Washington. On June 4 it moved to Louisville, Ken-
where it was mustered out July 4. payment and discharge at Chicago. tucky,
On
the 11th
it
received
final
SIXTEENTH ILLINOIS INFANTET.
1017
SIXTEENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. Having provided for the six regiments under the president's call, passed the Ten-Regiment bill, which took effect May 2d, authorizing ten regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and one battalion
the legislature
be raised for the state service. All persons enlistwere required to go into the'service of the general One regiment was to be raised from volungovernment, if called for. teer companies then at Spi-ingfield, and one in each of the nine conOn the 3d thd president called for 82,714 addigressional districts. tional troops for three years, and requisition was made on Gov. Yates Meantime the people in fervid patriotism for six more regiments. were crowding the recruiting places and clamoring for acceptance by The state government exhausted all powers of solithe government. Finally, when the disaster at Bull Run had citation on their behalf. brought the wai* department at Washington to its senses. Secretary Cameron notified Gov. Yates, July 28, that he would "accept the thirof Hght artillery, to
ing under this act
teen additional infantry
regiments, three additional cavalry regiments,
The light of stern facts had war secretary that on the 14th
and an additional light artillery battalion. so
reheved the obiuscated vision of the
of August all
he telegraphed Gov. Yates
:
"You
are authorized to accept
companies of troops willing to enter the service."
Henceforth the
Inf was mostly raised in Henderson county. Like others of the earliest companies, this was not raised by special effort of any person, but was a spontaneous formation. Two young men in the north part of the county returning military spirit
had
free course.
from church on Sunday,
sat
Co. F, 16th
111.
down under a
,
tree,
with Saturday's
They diswar news, and the fall parents who on leaving behind aged needed their care, and the result was they resolved to go to Oquawka on Monday and enlist. This is a sample of the patriotism which impelled men with the force of a religious conviction. It was thus that this company was raised. Oquawka May 9th. It was organized at James Fritz, of Terre Haute, was chosen captain, John W- Herbert, of same place, first lieutenant, and James G. Stewart, of Biggsville, second lieutenant. The company went with teams to Sagetown, and from there on the cars to Galesburg, where the men stayed over night in a livery stable, and next morning proceeded to Quincy. There the regiment was sworn into service on the 24th. Co. F had about 60 men from Henderson county the remainder were gathered up in various places. The regiment went into active service at Hannibal, Missouri, "Hawkeye,"
full
of Sumter.
of
cussed the situation, deliberated
;
'
HISTOBY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1018
June 9, 1861, under Col. Kobert F. Smith, and on the 12th it moved Grand river and was posted along the railroad to guard it. July 10th the force at Monroe station was attacked by 1,600 mounted rebels, but Col. Smith defended his position until the arrival of reinforcements, when the assailants hastily departed. On the 16th two were killed and two wounded at Caldwell Station. The regiment moved to St. Joseph September 10, and on the 14th skirmished at Platte City. It was ordered to Bird's Point January 27th, and to New Madrid, March 3d, In company with the 10th Illinois it was thrown forward 1862. to within 800 yards of the rebel main line, threw up works, planted four heavy guns, and in the morning startled the enemy with their unto
expected
They
fire.
received
the concentrated cannonade of the
rebel gunboats and forts throughout the day, and that night the place
was evacuated by the enemy. In his report. Gen. Pope made the following special mention of the 10th and 16th "The 10th and 16th Illinois, commanded respectively by Colonels Morgan and J. R. Smith, were detailed as guards to the proposed trenches and to aid in conThey marched from camp at sunset on the 12th inst., structing them. and drove in the pickets and grand guards of the enemy as they were :
ordered,
a,t
shoulder arms, without returning a shot
;
covered the front
of the intrenching parties, and occupied the trenches and
rifle pits
dur-
ing the whole day and night of the 13th, under furious and incessant
cannonading from sixty pieces of heavy
At
artillery.
the earnest
re-
quest of their colonels their regimental flags were kept flying over our trenches, though they offered a conspicuous
mark
and cheerfulness of these
coolness, courage
nights and a day to the furious
fire
of the
to the
The
enemy.
troops, exposed for two
enemy
at short range,
and to
the severe storm which raged during the whole night of the 13th, are
beyond nessed river
and delighted and astonished every officer who witApril 7th these two regiments were sent down the
all praise,
On
it."
and across
The 16th took leck's army in
to Tiptonville,
and captured 6,000
retreating rebels.
part in the siege of Corinth, and joined the rest of Hal-
the pursuit of Beauregard to Booneville.
July 29th
it
crossed the Tennessee river at Florence, and September loth reached Nashville, rilla
November field,
a;ft.er
fighting.
a march of seventeen days, beset with no It
little
gue-
remained there during the rebel blockade, and
Morgan on Edgecontinued in the vicinity of Nash-
5th aided in repelling the attack of John
where
it
was encamped.
It
1863, when it commenced tlie march to Chatmarched to tlie relief of Knoxville. It re-enlisted in the winter of 1863-4, and after its return from veteran furlough was organized with the 10th and 60th Illinois and 10th Michigan infantry iiito ville
until July 19,
tanooga.
It
TWENTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTEY.
1019
The regiment entered on the Atlanta and fought in most of the battles. It served eontifluously with Sherman, marched to the sea, campaigned through the Carohnas, went on to Washington, participated in the grand review, and then was transferred to Louisville, Kentucky, where it was Morgan's Veteran Brigade.
campaign June
1st,
Hrastered out of service
and received final
July
8,
1865.
It
reached
Camp
Butler the 10th
payment and discharge.
TWENTY-EIGHTH (CONSOLIDATED) ILLINOIS INFANTEY.^ was raised in that region lying between and the Mississippi river, and was partly formed at Camp Butler in August, 1861, by Lieut. -Col. L. H. Waters, afterward colonel of the 84th, and while yet an inchoate regiment was ordered It greatly distinguished itself at Fort to Thebes, Illinois, on duty. Heiman, Little Bethel, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Jackson, Mississippi. At the latter place on July 12, 1863, in a hopeless and bloody charge, out of 128 men engaged it lost 73 killed and wounded and 16 taken pirisoners, tnore than two-thirds. It re-enlisted in the veteran service at Natchez, January 4, 1864. In October it was so reduced in numbers that it was found advisable to consolidate it into four companies, and in November it received 200 recruits, who were organized into two companies. In January, 1865, the substitutes and drafted men assigned to it were formed into two more companies. While in the trenches before Spanish Fort, in Mobile bay, tlie regiment was joined April Tth by companies G and was from Camp Butler. Company raised chiefly in Henderson and Macoupin counties, the former furnishing about thirty, mostly from around Olena, Terre Haute, Warren, The
original 28th Illinois
Springfield
,
H
H
This number consisted largely of veteran discharged soland was recruited in February and March, 1865, by Capt. James tbrmerly of Co. F, 16th 111. Inf., assisted by James O. Ander-
and Dallas. diers, Fritz,
son,
present sheriif of
Henderson county, and
others.
Early in March
squad was taken to Quincy, thence to Springfield, where it was joined by the men from Macoupin county, and the company organized this
John E. Hendry, of Macoupin, Wagner, Haute, first lieutenant and Philip F. second Heutenant. The company proceeded immediately by rail to Cairo thence by river transport to New Orleans from there by gulf steamer to Fort Gaines, at the mouth of Mobile bay, and disembarking there, marched to the regiment, which belonged to the third brigade, with
Benjamin F. Oowell, of Macoupin, for captain
of Terre
;
;
;
;
1020
MEECEE AND HENDEE80N
IIISTOEV OF
third division, Thirteenth
On
ated.
Army
Ifext day the fort was evacu-
Corps.
the 10th the regiment
COIOTTIES.
moved up
to Fort Blakely; on the
on the 13th marched to Whistler's station and skirmished with the enemy. Chief Justice Chase reviewed the regiment at Mobile, June 3d. In the beginning of July it was embarked 12th entered Mobile
;
Brazos Santiago, Texas, to join the army of observation under Gen. Weitzel, and marched to Clarksville thence in August it went to Brownsville, where it was mustered out March 16, 1866. It was disbanded at New Orleans. for
;
OLENA TOWNSHIP. To be a pioneer
any enterprise required a great deal of courage, entitles one to be enrolled among the
in
and,, especially if successful,
benefactors of the race.
up by
The broad
prairies of Illinois
were opened
and royally have these prairies responded to the pioneer's courageous and intelligent enterprise, with harvests so unfailingly abundant that to-day Illinois ranks first among the agriculHenderson county is a good illustration of this trutL tural states. Settled by a good class of pioneers, possessed of soil unusually well just such a race;
adapted to agricultural pursuits, she contains to-day a class of successful farmers, less easily discouraged than is ordinai-ily the case. In the most unfavorable years the crops have been sufficiently abundant to be profitable, failed to
and taking
it
years together, scarcely any one has
make money.
the township of
Of the general characteristics of the country, which we write is an excellent illustration. Not so
some townships, not so poor as others, it is still characterized by such constantly assured abundance as guarantees steady prosperity and steadily increasing wealth. One cannot but remark the number rich as
of prosperous farmers about
its
only considerable village, Olena, and
the absence of the poor and shiftless.
The lack
of an easily accessible
railway makes this peculiarity the more noticable
bring the willingly dependent class with
munity give
it
is
a.
desirable one to locate in,
business importance.
location in the county
The settlement
it?
;
or does the railway
At aU events the com-
and awaits only a railroad to maintain both, by its central
It is able to
and by the wealth
it
possesses.
of this township dates back to the arrival of John
Gibson and family in the year 1833. His dwelling for the first summer was a rail pen. In the fall, after getting his land broken and seeded, he built a log hut. Until the next spring his was the only family in township 9, range 5. He was originally from Tennessee,
,
OLENA TOWNSHIP. ffhence he
had removed
and married
vrife,
Illinois,
to
1023
Greene county, Ohio.
Ann McNary, May
21, 1829.
He
buried his
first
In 1831 he came to
and settled successively in Sangamon and Warren counties, He then came to Henderson
remaining in each county one year.
and located on the S. E. J of Sec. 11, T. 9 N., 5 W., in the unbroken wilderness, inhabited by Indians and wolves, Moreover the necessities of life were both, however, veiy neighborly. Mills were so distant and difficult to reach that not easily obtainable.
comity,
midst of an
grain
pounded up in a mortar constructed of a hollow stump, was their
only meal.
As
in ancient temples, so in this rail
go borrow
never allowed to Biggsville to .son,
the
Andrew, the
out,
Mr. Gibson died September
fire.
first
pen the
fire
was
but once, and the penalty paid was a ride to 30, 1858.
white child born in this township,
still
His
occupies
home farm.
summer of 1834 there came into this secJohn H. Dunn, Jacob Mendenhall, Robert Kendall, John Shull, T. J. Fort, J. B. Fort, John Houchin, and James and David Laswell. John H. Dunn settled on the S. "W. J of Sec. 10, and lived there until his death in 1840. His was the first burial in the Watson cemeHe came tery. Jacob Mendenhall settled on the S. W. J of Sec. 3. from North Carolina, stopping for a short time in Indiana, and at Peoria, Illinois. In 1835 he returned to his native home, accomDuring the spring and
tion
him by his father, making The following year he removed to Dallas Here he died, and here his sons still reside. John
panied by his wife, to obtain a legacy left the entire trip in
Gty, IlUnois.
a buggy.
Houchin built a mill on the east side of Ellison creek, opposite the
Warren. This he sold to Hopper and Watson, and removed to Texas in 1836. He died there prior to 1860. Thomas present mill at
came from Warren county, Kentucky, where he was At the age of nineteen he left home, and, after a few years spent in farming near his native place, came to Illinois, settling successively in Warren, Fulton, and Henderson counties. He had been married before leaving Kentu^-ky to Sarah Brovm, daughter of Andrew Brown, a soldier in the Bntish army at the time of its capture at Yorktown. Principally self-taught, Mr. Fort has been a friend of education, and to his intelligent observations and clear memory, we owe most of the early history of the county, here preJefferson Fort
born January 20, 1809.
sented.
Of the Laswells and John Shull nothing was learned. settlers will be mentioned elsewhere.
The
other
first
From
this
time on the township
rapidly until after 1855.
filled
up steadily, but not very up to this year the immi-
It is noticeable that
,
HISTORY OF MEECER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1024 gration
was
into Iowa, but
from 1855 to 1860 there came a
reaction;
The township contains Warren. The former was laid out by Eobert two villages, Olena and Kendall. It was located at first somewhat south of its present site, and was moved where it now stands to adapt itself to the road when
the tide turned and
it
was
this section rapidly filled.
finally located.
side of the road, first store in
Julius Porter laid out an addition on the north
which bears
his
name.
Robert Kendall opened the
the village, and, indeed, was foremost in developing
He was from near Xenia,
Ohio.
bringing with him considerable
it.
He came to Henderson county in 1835, capital. He entered the land on which
Olena stands, and built a double log cabin on the site of Mr. George The town laid out, he set about building His store was opened where cabins and getting settlers into them. In 1843 he put up a twoj the store of Mr. J. A. Stevens now starids. story brick building, which was used alternately as a dwelling and as a store until it came into the possession of Ira Putney, Sr. It was then taken down and the brick put into the foundation of Mr. Stevens' store, then owned by Putney & Curry. Mr. Kendall died February 5, 1848, There is little of and his family removed to Washington, Iowa. general interest in the history of this village aside from the men who at different times have lived here, and plied their various trades. Among these men, not mentioned elsewhere, is Ira Putney, Sr. He was born in Yermont in 1802. Here he married Sarah, daughter of Moses Copp, and afterward removed to Canada. In 1842 he again removed to Bloomington, McLean county, Illinois, where for a number of years he pursued his trade as a hatter. In 1851 he removed to Burlington, Iowa, and opened a provision store. Thence, in 1856, he came to Olena, and bought the general store of Marks & Porter. He continued in business until his son, Ira' Putney, Jr., returned from the army, when he retired, retaining only the oflice of postmaster, which position he still filled at the time of his death, April 25, 1872. His early advantages were very small, but he possessed such force and wQrth as made him successful in business, and gave him a positive influence in the community and in the church (Methodist Episcopal) of wJiich he was a member. Julius Porter came from near Chillicothe, Ohio, in the fall of 1847Curry's present residence.
.
He
followed a variety of occupations in Olena, until his removal
to
DesMoines, Iowa, about 1859. Since 1880 his residence has been in Kansas. William Marks, business partner of the above, left Olena about the same time as Porter. Since leaving he has been engaged in the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church.
,
OLENA TOWNSHIP.
1025
came to Olena from Burlington, Iowa, in 1860 or thither a year later. returned He built a large frame store 1851, and the site of Dr. I. on P. Cowden's residence. The buildand dwelling, Barton Davids
and
1877 was burned to the ground. many years was an eccentric but well educated Frenchman, Felix Longchampt, general merchant. He is chieiiy remembered for his political prejudices. His distaste for the sable hue of anti-slavery politics was so great that black pigs and black kittens falling to his estate paid the penalty of their criminal color by immediate drowning, "not shriving time allowed," on the ground that they were "da(h)mned bla(h)ck repooblicans. " Longchampt died near Kirkwood, Illinois, in 1873. Other merchants, Messrs. Eandall, Putney, Curry, and Stevens, ing passed into various hands,
Among
Though small, and the wealthy farming community about it, give'
schools, societies, etc., see
central position
the appropriate headings.
Olena good hope that the advent of a railroad future,
and with that
county. Its it
For churches,
biographies in their appropriate places.
.have full
its
in
the oddities of the village for
It
is
is
not in the distant
be the important place of
first
town in the
number of years the political center of the county. revived by the proposed change of the county seat, and
was
ambition
will
it
tor a
hopes yet to secure the prize.
Warren is a somewhat older village than Olena, and was at one more important. The first store was opened there by George Kelly, of BurKngton, Iowa, the first in thi^ township, anticipating Kendall's store at Olena by a year or more. The principal store, however, was opened by Lambert Hopper, in the building erected by Adams & McKinney, in 1837 or 1838, as a packing house. Mr. Hopper also laid out the town, inducing settling by giving lots to such parties as erected cabins upon" them. In the village, as in all his business relations, Mr. Hopper was a very enterprising, generous, pubKc spirited man. He gave unstinted support to religion and education. time
We regret that
inability to obtain sufficient information prevents giving
a suitable sketch of this
Township
most worthy man.
however, chiefly given over for farmers it is admirably adapted. The surface is rolling and well drained by Ellison creek and its tributaries. This creek takes its name from a stranger named Ellison found dead 9,
range
5, is,
and fanning, and for this occupation
upon
Its principal tributary in this township is Wolf creek, from the great number of wolves that frequented the timber through which this stream flows. There are, however, various other its
banks.
80 called
important streams flowing into the Ellison, fed
About
one-fifth
of township
9,
range
5, is
by living
springs.
covered by timber.
For-
1026
IIISTOKY OF
MEECEE AND HENDERSON,
COUNTIES.
merly there was a large quantity of walnut, of burr, white and Spanish Little but oak remains, so completely
oak, and of hard maple timber.
have the mills worked up the large timber.
The
soil is for the chief
part a sandy loam, with a porous clay subsoil, equally adapted to endure either a wet or a dry season. The exception to this nature of soil is
found in the western
tier
of townships.
Through these run a
chain
of sandy bluffs about one-quarter of a mile wide, covered with a scant
growth of scrub-oak. At the foot of these bluffs, on the western side, is a narrow strip of black sand very fertile, but beyond this the soil is not productive. The land in this township came into the market in 1835. No trouble was experienced from claim-jumping and specula-
Land increased
tors.
$15 per acre up land is from $40
The '
in value but slowly, the best selling for $10 to about 1860, while the present value of improved of timber from $20 to $30 per acre. to $65 per acre
to
;
chief products here as elsewhere in Illinois are hogs and corn.
Mr. J. W. is giVen to fine cattle and horses. Brook has a herd of eighty shorthorn Durhams and some fine ClydesMr. George Curry also has shorthorn cattle and an exdale horses. Considerable attention
cellent flock of sheep.
Mr. Curry has also given attention
Not much
duction of a better grade of roadster horses.
to the intro-
care
is
given
Mr. Joseph Watson closed his nursery. Mr. W. had been very active and successful in introducing various sorts of Mr. William Ingerson is at present cultivatfruits, especially apples. ing Snyder blackberries and hopes to establish a quite extensive garden and fruit farm. As has been remarked, the course of farming in this township has run very smoothly, and only at long intervals have the «rops suffered seriously from storms and floods. The years 1851 and 1882 are the Both years were marked by constant especially exceptional years. and very heavy rainfalls and by frequent disastrous floods. Two of these storms will serve as illustrations. On June 2, 1882, there was a tremendous rainfall, lasting nearly all day the creeks overflowed the fields their banks, covered the I'oads and undermined the bridges were fairly inundated and crops seriously injured. Eight days later the heavens were again opened, the rain descended and the floods came, higher and more destructive than before known. The rain fell to fruit since the death of
;
;
for
an hour with the greatest violence.
ceased the creeks had risen above
all
Two
hours after the rain
previous marks.
were deluged, and many bridges were washed out or
Again
fields
carried
away
bodily.
we have described could hardly Very early in the history of this town-
Milling in a community such as fail to
be a profitable business.
OLENA TOWNSHIP. ship, in bolii
John Houchin put up what was intended
the year 1835,
a saw-mill
and a
1027
grist-mill
on section
8,
for
opposite Hopper's mill.
sold the year following to Lambert Hopper and Joseph "Watson, who ran the mill only for sawing purposes. Mr. Watson retired a year It was not until later, leaving the entire business to Mr. Hopper. Prior to this 1840 that a good grist-mill was put up by Mr. Hopper. been obliged had to go to various settlers points. They went time
He
a distance of forty miles.
priDcipally to EUisville, five to
eight days, and* not infrequently
The
trip
By
two weeks.
took from
sending
to-
going to mill was greatly lessened. Mr. Hopper run the mill up to the time of his death. His widow
gether the task of
continued to
bought the mill of the heirs and Daniel Sweeney.
and immediately sold
it
who still owns it. Woolen manufacturing has been attempted
Rogers H. Shrae-
to Chai-les
In 1878 they in turn sold to Mr.
J.
der,
cessfully.
In 1843 Lambert
Ellison creek, the year 1859.
a
little
Hopper
at
Warren, but unsuc-
established a carding machine on
dowi^ the stream from the mill, and ran
up
it
to
In this year he entered into partnership with William
Hopper to furnish the site and and Mr. Baldwin the machinery. The mill was located yet farther down the stream than the carding machine, and the latter was removed to the mill. The machinery for the woolen factory came on, but Mr. BaldwiSi proved unable to set it up properly. Mr. J. M. Frill becoming interested, bought a half interest in the machinery, Wesley Hopper, son of Lambert, at the same time taking part of his father's share. Mr. Frill's experience enabled him to promptly get the factory into running order, but the work was not completed until July, Baldwin to build a woolen factory, Mr. the building,
too late to secure that year's clip.
The following
year, 1861, the mill
was very successful, clearing several thousand dollars. arose as to the relative that of the
But a dispute
value of Mr. Frill's labor as compared with
other partners.
Unable
to reach
an agreement, Mr.
Frill
Mr.
withdrew after about eighteen months' connection with the firm.
Lambert Hopper had died prior to this disruption, and the business fell
into the
hands of Wesley Hopper and William Baldwin. .They when Baldwin withdrew and removed
continued together but a year, from the village. The factory Davis,
now
These mills
was rented
for a time to J.
M.
&
G.W.
of Carman, but for several years has not been run at
all.
had been the life of WaiTen consequently, with their decadence, the village has also sunk to a low point. Of saw-mills there have been several, which have naturally fallen into decay as the timber has been used up. The first one established was built by John Houchin in 1835, as has been remarked heretofore. ;
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1028
Wilson Kendall, brother to Kobert, built a saw-mill on the Ellison, in The last saw-mill in opersection 14 it went into disuse about 1848. range was a steam mill, located on the west edge ation in township 9, 5, of Cyrus W. Steele, Esq. Mr. Steele sold the proof Olena, on the farm ;
prietors,
&
Mchols
Hurst, four acres of land to secure the mUl, and,
though he never owned it, he ran it most of the time. The mill passed successively into the hands of John F. Woodsides, George W. Cowden, John Oglesby, J. L. Green, Abraham Carress, John Long, and Curtis Moiford, and last, Robert Martin. He removed* the mill to Gladstone, For eight years, until timber ten years after its first establishment. became scant, the mill did a profitable business. less commendable enterprise was started in 1842 or 1843 by Alexander and Samuel Strahan, namely, a distillery. They built a
A
log building, covering
it
with split clapboards.
successful operation for about three years,
in
removed
The
Their
still
continued
when both
brothers
to Iowa.
much the same here as Monmouth to Appanoose. The
early mails were
extending from
elsewhere, the route
opened in township was established at the house of Wm. Cowden. After the laying out of Olena, Robert Kendall became postmaster, and first office
this
removed the office
The
to his store.
have changed owners Putney, Jr.
;
at
present
office it
is
has changed hands as
stores
under the charge of
Ira
•
The Honey creek postoffice was opened at the residence of Mr. Abner Davis, about 1842 or 1843, on the route irom Burlington to Macomb. It was discontinued after a few years, and the mail tal5;en to
Warren.
The •
hotel
first
He
Kendall.
ing, in Olena.
The
store is
was opened by
Wm. W. Kendall,
only son of Robert
also built the first frame buildings, a store and a dwell-
These in 1841 were considered extraordinarily
still
standing, but long since fallen into disuse.
was about 16x24
fine.
The
one and a half stories high. It was owned by various parties until in 1857 it came into the hands of Mr. Geo. Curry. He remodeled the house, and kept dwelling was used as a hotel
it till
1862,
;
it
when he exchanged
feet,
residences with his father.
The
latter
Mr. Lukins then kept hotel for a time, when the building passed into the hands of its present occupant, Mrs. Clark, who for several years before this had kept hotel in various occupied
it
until his death, in 1878.
buildings in the village.
Churches date their organization back to the earliest years of the They have grown and strengthened as the country has filled up, and wealth and culture have increased. Material settlement of this region.
OLENA TOWNSHIP. growth
referred to bere, of course.
is
1029
The
first
church organization
was the Associate (Seceder) Presbyterian Congregation of Bethel.
It
was organized on the second day of August, 1836, by Kev. James C. Joseph W. Bruce, then under the care of the Presbytery of Miami.
Kendall>nd Joseph Kankin were installed as ruling elders of the conAmong the constituent members of this church were the gregation. Whites, Andrews, Gibsons, Bests, Lauts, and others. Kendalls, Eankins, The
first
pastor
was the Kev.
ehurch about a year after
its
Wm.
Bruce,
who was
settled over the
organization, or in 1837.
house of worship was erected in the same year that the It was a log building, located near the ehurch was organized. the residence of John Gibson. The congi-egaEUisou creek, opposite
The
tion
first
worshiped'in this house about 1850 or 1851,
when they
built a
comer of Mr. Gibson's farm. meantime a second pastor had been installed in the person McDowal, settled in 1848. He presided over the congreeight years, and then resigned. He was succeeded by Kev.
fi^me church on the northeast In the of Eev.
K
gation for
McCoy. He continued as pastor until the union of the Assoand Associate Reformed churches, in 1858. That he might
Elijah ciate
leave the
way open
for the
union of the Associate Reformed con-
of Bethel, he was consummated October 18, 1858, at the Bethel church, Eev. James McArthur ofBciating. The elders at the time of the union were Alexander Spears, Stephen White, Robert Kirkpatrick, and Joseph Rankin. The church thus constituted enrolled seventy members, and was designated as the United Presbyterian congregation of Ellison. About a year later a number of this congregation separated themselves from this organization, and, uniting with others at Olena, were organized into the United Presbyterian congregation of Olena, September 8, The 1859, by Rev. David McDiU, D.D., and Rev. J. C. McKnight. original membership numbered thirty. Since the organization of the eongregation 209 persons have been admitted by profession and certificate to its membership. Six It numbers ninety-one at the present. pastors have been installed over this people, three of whom were removed by death. Rev. Charles Thompson was installed June 17, gregation of Ellison with the Associate congregation resigned.
The
fusion
of
these
congregations
and died December 31, 1865, at the age of thirty-four years. Andrew McMiUen succeeded to the place thus made vacant. He was installed in June, 1869, and was released August 28, 1871, and is 1862,
Eev.
now pastor of the Oelwein and Putnam congregations, Fayette county, Iowa. Rev. William Lorimer followed, his installation taking place July 1, 1872. After a brief but successful pastorate, he met a painful
HISTORY OF MBBCEB AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1030
death by a railway train, January 30, 1873. For more than a year the church was pastorless but April 1, 1874, Rev. William E. Erskiae was settled. His death occurring the 5th of the next February, in the ;
fifty-seventh year of his age,
and the
twenty-fifth of his ministry, the
congregation was for another year without a pastor.
May
26, 1876,
Rev. John K. Martin was settled and continued in this oifice until JSTovember 1, 1878, at which time he was released. He is at present over the congregation of Lexington, Ohio. The present pastor is Rev. Robert
W. McBride.
He
is
of Irish descent.
He was bom
in
the city of Philadelphia, October 22, 1848, but was brought to IlHnois
1849 by his parents. He received his general education at Mon^ College, graduating June 17, 1875. He pursued his theological studies at the United Presbyterian Seminary, at Xenia, Ohio, comin
mouth
He was ordained and Olena congregation on the 5th of the following September. March 15, 1882, he was married to Miss Kate E. Wilkin, daughter of William Wilkin (now deceased) and Jane McKitrick (still living at Keota, Keokuk, Iowa). For some time after its organiza: tion this congregation worshiped in the barn of Mr. John Andrews, a little south of Olena, at the school-house, and in the Methodist Episcopal house of worship, the Bethel church having been sold and pleting the course with the class of 1879. installed over the
torn
down
shortly after the formation of the Ellison United Presby-
In 1862 they erected a church building in the northern part of the village of Olena, at a cost of $1,500. This
terian congregation.
congregation includes is
an
many of the
leading
intelligent, progressive people.
No
men
of the community, and
better
word can be spoken
than to mention the beautiful monuments erected by the congregation to the memory of its deceased pastors. for
it
The Methodist Episcopal church, of Olena, was organized in the year 1836 or 1837. Prominent among the first members were Joseph Watson, Nathaniel Marston, and William Gowden. Elder Jesse Woodruff was the first pastor. He was followed by Rev. Arrington, and he by Father West. All of these pioneer preachers have gone to their reward, the first and lastmentioned having died ia WaiTen count}^ Elder Arrington in the West. At first the services were held from house to house; afterward the church purchased the building now occupied as a dwelling by Mrs. Jos. Nebergall, in Olena, and held ;
meetings in it until 1855. They then built their present building, a substantial edifice, 30x40, at a cost of $2,200. This building was their
dedicated by Rev. Joseph S. Gumming, now of Abingdon College. The church has at present a membership of twenty-five. Rev. David McLish is pastor. They hold an interesting Sabbath school during the
OLENA TOWNSHIP. summer, with an average attendance Detrick is superintendent.
1031
of thirty-five.
Mr. George
The Evangelical Orthodox church is the outgrowth of a long-felt want of religious service, in a large community of wealthy farmers ih the The plan originated with Messrs. A. southern part of this township.
H. Strodtman, John Evans, Jr., and Herman Annegers, They are just completing an elegant and commodious church, The building will be in which will cost when finished about $1,500. size 28x42, with sixteen foot ceiling, and will be dedicated free of The church organization is undenominational and independent. debt. Several -of the leading denominations are represented in its memberThey have ship Presbyterians, Lutherans, Methodists, and Baptists. preaching every Sabbath, alternately by a Methodist Episcopal and a J.
Davis, J.
Jr.
:
United Presbyterian minister.
SCHOOLS. The
first
feet square,
school in T. 9 N., 5
W., was opened
in a log cabin, twelve
erected on the northwest corner of the southwest quarter
of section twelve, opposite the
Watson cemetery,
east of Olena.
It
no desks but one used fgr writing. This was a broad board fastened by braces to the wall. Over this institution the first to pi-eside was Mr. James H. Beveridge, brother of the ex-governor of Illinois. Mr. Beveridge is now an extensive dairy farmer near Somonauk, Illinois. This early school numbered twenty pupils, some of whom came several miles. This building was abandoned, and fell to pieces. It was followed by a frame building, since removed to Olena, and occupied now was
after
the usual primitive pattern:
by the store of Ira Putney, Jr.
slab floor,
slab benches,
The readjustment
of the district
same first used by the Methodist Episcopal church. The present house was erected in 1857. The average attendance is about forty the wages from thirtycaused the next building to be located in Olena, the
;
five to forty-five dollars.
The next building for school purposes was put up on section 9, two later than the -preceding. It was used about four years, when Messrs. T. J. Fort and J. G. Harbison built a frame school-house a year or
on Mr. Fort's farm.
This was occupied until about 1860, and then sold, same time putting up a new house on section 4. The first school in district No. 4 was held at the residence of Hiram Brooks, on the farm now owned by A. J. Davis, Esq. A building was erected on the southjvest quarter of section twenty-ning. This building took fire from a defective flue and burned to the ground, December 28, 1870. Another house was erected on the same site, the district at the
HISTORY OF MEECEE ASD EEENDEESON COUNTIES.
1032
but was subsequently removed to
its
present location by vote of the
district.
The South
Prairie school opened first in 1843. in a log cabin,
situ-
was mainly through the efforts of Thos. Excellent teachers were procured in young men from the Nichols. W. Goddis and Wm. Turner East. In 1850 the efforts of Judge secured a better building on the present site. The school outgrowing Through the inits domicile, a new building was determined upon. fluence of the teacher at that time, Mr. J. H. Stevens, a plan was adopted that gave the district the finest building the writer has ever seen in a rural district. The dimensions are 28x36, with- 12-foot ceiling. Eight feet is taken off the south end for a hall, the entrance to which is protected by a covered entrance way. At either end of the hall is a cloak room. The main room is twenty-eight feet square, wainscoted and grained, with excellent furniture and blackboard. The neat cupola on the south end of the building contains a 300-pound bell, secured by a subscription headed and pushed by Mr. Steven's, the teacher. Mr. Stevens was very properly installed as teacher over the new building, and has the reputation of having made the school do ated 'on section thirty-two.
It
R
credit to the generosity of the patrons. District
No. 8 was organized in 1860, but there had been a school
there for three years preceding, held in a board shanty, built for the
purpose.
was
This shanty was a novelty in the way of school
buildings.
rough boards, covered with matched flooring, bent over It was furnished with benches, and the customary writing desk along the wall. It was afterward plastered, and made comfortable for winter occupancy. This building was used until the summer of 1862. During the winter of 1862-3 Mr. John Marshall taught the school in his own house. The following summer the- present building was erected, at a cost of about $600. The first teacher in the shanty was Daniel McMillen, now a practicing physician near Aledo, Mercer county, Illinois. The first school building at Warren was a small brick, erected in 1845. Mr. Wm. Ingerson was the teacher for the first seven years, and, indeed, has taught the school the greater part of the time since its organization. The giving of its sandy foundation caused the ruin of the building. It was followed, in 1860, by a large frame house, built conjointly by the old school Presbyterian church, and the school district, the lower part being a school room> aiid the upper adapted for church services. It
built of
the top after the fashion of a railway car.
A
is a promising movement just successfully temporary organization has been effected, with J. S.
subscription library
started.
A
OLENA TOWNSHIP.
1033
Bennington as president George Curry, vice-president "W. S. Lukins, Miss Annie "Watson, treasurer ; E. P. Eandall, librarian. secretary ;
;
;
They have now on hand 100 volumes of well selected works, including i^tandard works in all the principal departments of literature. Of secret fraternities only the I.O.O.F. is represented by lodges in
The Warren Lodge, No. 654, I.O.O.F., was organized in 1874, with the following charter members: Miles Sells, B. G. Phillips, Geo. W. Davis, "Willis Anderson, John M. Davis, and J. S. The first officers were: N.G., John M. Davis; "V".G., Bennington. township.
this •
Anderson treasurer, B. G. Phillips secretary, J. S. Bennington. The present officers (June, 1882), are: N.G., "Wm. Slmll; V.G., J. "Willis
;
;
H. Schroeder; treasurer. Miles Sells; secretary, "William Ingerson. Since the establishment of the lodge over sixty have been enrolled as members.
The Olena Lodge, No. 662, I.O.O.F., was instituted July 1, 1879. The charter members were Robert Rodman, T. J. Fort, John Harbinson, John H. Stevens, I. P. Cowden, J. S. Bennington, "W. J. McElhiney, and Geo. "W. Fort. The first officers were: N.G., J. H. :
Stevens; V.G., T. J. Fort
;
I.
P.
Cowden;
secretary, "W. J.
deputy and representative, J.
S.
McElhiney;
Bennington.
treasurer,
The present
N.G., H. G. King; V.G., M. G. McKinley; secretary, McElhiney treasurer, Robert Rodman deputy and representative, W. J. McElhiney. It would be unjust not to make, inclosing, some mention of men who have come to this section, and for the most part gone again, some officers are:
W.
J.
;
;
to their eternal resting place,
some
to
homes
farther west, or to the
homes of their early life. Jos. Watson, -a man of much force and enterprise, was born in Eensselaer county. New York; was a blacksmith by trade; came to Illinois in 1835, bought, a mill of Houchin, -at Warren, in company with Hopper; sold the mill, and bought the N.W. J of Sec. 12, and opened a successful nursery was an active member of the Methodist ;
May
9, 1874, of typhoid pneumonia. Jason Lee Watson, son of preceding, born March 9, 1839 enlisted in 1861 in tlie 7th 111. Vol. Inf., for three months re-enlisted in Co.
Episcopal church
;
died
;
;
E, 33d
m.
Vieksburg,
Inf, Col.
March
Hovey;
William Turner came to T. of the
year
N.W. I
after,
about 1870.
killed in
an unsuccessful charge at
22, 1863.
of Sec. 23
;
5, about 1850, and farmed a part bought a store in Olena sold a removed to Kansas E. J of Sec. 23
9,
R.
in 1854,
and bought the
S.
;
;
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1034 Elias S.
E.
Plumb came from ITew York about 1838
i of
See. 25
;
removed
Michigan
to
to
;
settled
engage in the
on the
fruit busi-
ness.
the
Hugh Lee came from Ohio about 1839, and settled on the W. | of N.W. i of Sec. 25, and the S.W. i of Sec. 24; sold to Samuel
and Geo. Curry, in 1852
;
removed
first to
Warren
county, afterward
to Oregon.
James Harbison came from Indiana about 1836, or 1837 Sec. 26
;
;
bought in
died there.
Wm. Cowden came from Trumbull county, Ohio settled on S. E. and S.W. J of Sec. 12, in 1835 was killed at Biggsville, by the caving of a bank which he was undermining at the mill at that place, December 24, 1874, aged forty-seven years. He was active and prominent ;
;
in public aifairs.
Geo. in 1862 111.
Inf
W. Cowden was county sheriff previous to the war came home wounded recovered re-enlisted in Co.
;
K, 84th
;
;
died August 20, 1864.
Hiram Brooks came from Michigan about 1838 of Sec. 32
moved
enlisted
;
;
died there October
J
1,
;
settled
on
E".
E.
J
1846, aged sixty-two; the family
re-
widow went with Mr. McFee
to
to Colorado about 1850; his
Kansas, and died there.
John Andrew was from Ohio settled in 1835, on the Mendenhall S.W. } of Sec. 14, and the N.W. J of Sec. 23 died in February, 1865 his wife survived him but a few ;
place; afterward bought the
;
;
weeks.
William Ingerson was
New York
;
bom
October 31, 1817, in Jefferson county, wandering, in Henderson county.
settled, after protracted
Taught the Warren school for several years, also various other schools. During the war he acted as enrolling officer for two drafts. Served a term as county superintendent of schools by appointment. Bought his farm in 1878, which he is conducting as a garden and fruit farm. Ira Miller, born February 24, 1805, in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Eemoved to Ohio in 1814, where he was equally well known as a teacher and cooper. Removed to Illinois in 1839, and settled near Warren. Died March 3, 1881. Benjamin Franklin Foote, born in 1821, in Chenango county, New York. Was bound out at the age of eleven to a fanner after his majority he worked out for two years. Came west in 1844 Bought ;
;
the N. i of- the S. E. J of Sec. 34, in connection with hifi brother. After six years he bought his brother's interest. At his death he
owned 2,300 other states.
acres in
Henderson county, and several hundred
acres in
;
OLENA TOWNSHIP.
1035
Rev. James McAi-tliur, United Presbyterian minister, born January
1815, at Cambridge,
8,
uated at Franklin
college,
theology at Canonsburg, Ohio.
kingum Presbytery
;
New York. GradAthens, Ohio, in 1841. Studied Licensed July 3, 1845, by the Mus-
Washington county,
New
ordained by Cambridge Presbytery October
1 1,
"Was pastor at Eyegate, Vermont, from October, 1846, to December, 1857. Was settled over the Ellison congregation, Hender1846.
son county, July, 1859,
mon
at
and continued
until
Has published a sermon on
.August, 1872.
he was retired as infirm, faith and a farewell ser-
Eyegate.
Stephen White was
bom
in Pennsylvania,
June
Came
23, 1802.
Henderson county in the spring of 1838, and entered 400 acres of Died January 23, 1872. section 2. Casparus Laut, born in Washington county, New York, in 1795 removed to Henderson county in 1839. He lived for fifteen years in T. 9, R. 4, and in 1854 removed to T. 9, E. 5. He is now infirm under his weight of years, but his wife is still hale at the age of eighty-
to
three.
John Ginter came from Pennsylvania about 1837, and section 26.
on
settled
After wrestling for several years with the lusts of the
stomach, he returned to Pennsylvania
"to eat one more huckleberry
pie."
BIOGRAPHICAL. John
He was
S.
Peasley was born near Montreal, Canada, July
8,
1813.
Illinois.
married March 20, 1844, to Lucretia Crownover, of Lomax, Mr. and Mrs. Peasley have had six chilch-en, four of whom
are
living:
still
Charles, on the
home farm; George and Frank,
Colorado; Mrs. Nathaniel Bruen, in T. 10, E. to Illinois early,
6.
in
Mr. Peasley came
although the precise year was not ascertained.
He
Mr. Lambert Hopper, in 1842. He was very widely and favorably known. Hamilton Evans, a son of John and Nancy (McDonald) Evans, was bom January 19, 1828, in Monroe county, Ohio. His father is a native of Maryland, and his mother of Pennsylvania. They were married in Pennsylvania, moved to Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana, respectively, and finally in 1836 came to Illinois and secured eighty acres of land on Sec. 3, T. 9 N., E. 5 W., Henderson county. They built the
miU
at
Warren
for
wmtered one-fourth mile south of the present site of Olena, in a log In the following year a log cabin 16x18 was erected and occupied. About 1847 Mrs. Evans died, and was buried house already built.
in
Olena cemetery.
She was the mother of twelve
children.
Mr.
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1036
Evans next married Mrs. Sarah (Waggy) Mills. In 1853 he sold his farm to his sons John and Hamilton. After a journey to Indiana and Ohio, he bought property in Oquawka, where he lived some years. Later he located at Gladstone, where he now resides. There are two Hamilton Evans was raised to all the children in the last family. He was married August 31, rustic duties incident to a farmer's life. 1853, to Ann B. White, a native of Greene county, Ohio, and who came with her father, Stephen White, to Henderson county about 1835. Mr. Evans settled one-fourth mile west of his present residence. In 1862 he occupied his present place, comprising
The farm
is
largely the result of his
own
now
eiforts
about 400 acres. and economy. In
1850 Mr. Evans, with his family, crossed the plains to returned two years
California, and
later.
John Ourts (deceased), one of Henderson county's oldest and most prominent citizens, was bom January 21, 1786, in Pennsylvania, near He was a son of Thomas the west branch oi the Susquehanna river. His youth was spent largely on the water as a boatman. His Ourts. Wlien eighteen years old he aided N. Harvey schooling was limited. quarry the stone for a mill, dress it, and build the mill. The old miU still operates. He was for a number of years a tide pilot. March 22, 1808, he was married to Temperance Fredericks,
ber 26, 1789, in Pennsylvania.
who was born Novem-
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Curts
kept tavern for some time.
Mr. Ourts also became interested in agriculture and owned a good farm. He became engaged in iron smelting, In the fall of 1835, he made a this departure proved a failure. but trip to
Warren
county, Illinois.
He
cousin, Michael Qrane, near what
is
remained the
now Lomax.
first
winter with his
He
entered seven
N. R. 5 W. and children joined him and resided on a small piece In 1836 he broke the of broken land on the Big, or Getting's, mound. eighties of land in T. 9
,
In the following spring of 1836,
his family of wife
first
furrow on his
new
farm, erected a cabin, but did not occupy the
His time was henceforward occupied in the improvement of his home. His log cabin is now used as a stable. About 1846-7, he was a member of the state legislature, elected on the whig ticket. In religion he was a Presbyterian. He became one of the most successful men of the county. At his death, March 12, 1874, he was owner of about 1,800 acres of land. He was buried on the summit of the high bluff near his residence. His wife survived him till August 22, 1876. She sleeps near him. She was the Horatio became mother of eight children, all born in Pennsylvania farm permanently
till
the spring of 1837.
:
a lumberman at Shokokon, and the pineries of Wisconsin, and died
October
2,
1868, aged fifty-nine years and twenty-six days
;
Thomas
OLENA TOWNSHIP.
1037
remained in Pennsylvania Susan, Amelia, Eliza, Temperance, Anna John F. was born September 26, 1821. His life has B., and John F. ;
been largely spent where he has largely improved
it.
now
lives.
He owns the homestead and man of many friends.- The
His father was a
Hon. John Curts is a tribute to his memory. men who have done most toward making Henderson county in general, and the township in which he resides in particular, is Geoege Cueey, third child of Samuel Curry and Emma Whitting, Samuel Curry removed to America both of Somersetshire, England. portrait of the
Among
in 1838,
the
whither
liis
son folloved him in 1841
.
The
father settled first
Oquawka and which he was trained, brick making. In 1841 he settled at Biggsville, where George, the subject of this sketch, just from England, joined him. In 1852, Samuel Curry, in company with his son, George, purchased of Hugh Lee the S. W. Jof Sec. 24, and the W. i of N. W. J of Sec. 25, T. 9 IST., R. 5 W., upon which the father settled, afterward removing to Olena, where he died in 1878. His widow returned to Biggsville in 1880, and still reMr. Geoi-ge Curry is a carpenter by sides there with her daughter. trade, and Olena owes most of its dweUihgs to his mechanical skill, ^er coming to America, he followed his trade for many years at Ei^sville, at Olena, and in the surrounding country. But he had always a strong tendency toward farming, and although actively engaged in carpentering for eight years after his removal to Olena in 1852, he found much time, also, to look after the interests of the farm ^which he had purchased in conjunction with his father. In 1854 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Ward, of Fitchville, Huron county, Ohio, and widow of Simon Nichols. They began their mamed life in Olena, for several years keeping a hotel in a house built by Mr. Curry's own hands. In 1862 he exchanged residences with his father. He remained on the farm for five years, at the expiration of which time he bought an interest in the store of Ira Putney, Jr. He continued in mercantile business with Mr. Putney, with the exception of about three years, until 1876, when he retired to the farm which be had purchased of Thomas Kitchen, upon which he had built the fine residence he now occupies. Mr. Curry has long been greatly interested in
Hendersonville, going from this place successively to
Jack's Mills, in pursuit of the trade to
in fine stock,
and to-day has the only considerable flock of sheep in the some fine shorthorn Durham cattle. His farm
township, together with
shows the thrift which is to be expected of the man who quietly, intelhgently,.and persistently attends to his own matters. Ever an ardent republican,
and unable to see
blacks than for blacks to
own
it
any more right
whites, Mr. Curry
for whites to is still
no
own
politician.
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1038
Nevertheless he sioner,
and
is
is
now
serving his second tei-m as county commis-
looked upon as the most suitable
man
to
be
his
own
suc-
He
himself makes no profession of religion, but his wife is a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church, of Olena.
cessor.
Mr. and Mrs. Curry have had three children, two of whom died in The remaining child, Charles H., married Yiola Steele, infancy. daughter of Squire Cyrus "W. Steele, and is now connected with his father in working the home farm. In Otsego county, New York, in the town of Jacksonville, was born E.OSWELL Page Randall, December 1, 1837, the ninth of the eleven children of lioswell Randall and Charlotte Page, both of New England. In 1849 the entire family removed to Kirkwood, "Warren county, Illinois. The father was by trade a manufacturer of cloths, and for thirty years previous to his leaving New York was engaged in making the finest cassimeres. After coming to Kirkwood he followed farming. In December, 1877, he buried his aged wife, and in the following July himself departed this life at a ripe old age. At the age of sixteen
and
RosweU Page Randall,
the subject of this sketch,
left
home,
two years was engaged in clerking in stores at Monmouth, Illinois. In the fall of 1855 he came to Henderson county, liviag with his brother-in-law, Mr. Richey, and attending school. The next fell he returned to "Warren county, and for three years taught school near The community in which he taught was very rough, so Roseville. rough that he dated his letters home " Heathen Land." For instructing the fifty rude children of this rude district he received $27 per month, boarding himself, building his own fires, and wielding his own In the fall of 1859 he came to Olena, and was for another space rod. of three years engaged in teaching, most of this time at the Gaddes school house. The spring of 1862 found him in Oregon. Here, in the woods along the banks of the Columbia river, he taught until the following spring, when he left for California. His services here as "brisk wielder of the birch and rule," were better paid, he receiving as much as $75 in gold per month. Returning in 1866 to Henderson county, he kept school " in the David Rankin district until, in the fall of 1869, he was elected county superintendent of schools, to succeed John Simpson. Just before the expiration of his term of office, in the spring of 1873, he bought of Dr. T. J. Maxwell the business he now owns, drugs and groceries. Mr. Randall's preparation for teaching was received in the district schools of New York and Uliaois, his last year as a pupil being spent in the high school at Galva, Illinois, when he was twenty-one years of age. He had, moreover, excellent training at home, six of his family having been teachers. He was married for
'
'
OLENA TOWNSHIP.
1041
He finds 1867 to Eliza, daughter of Thomas and Lavina Nichols. father of three the children Frederick Page, born in to-day himself
in
:
and Metta Gertrude, born in 1880. 1871 active member of the United Presbyterian church an is Eandall Mrs. is an Kandall earnest, hard-working republican in Mr. of Olena. no ofiice but that held of county superintendent of but has politics,
Eoy
;
Oscar, born in 1876
schools, referred to
Cteus
W.
;
above.
Steble, the eldest child of James Steele and Elizabeth
was born at Waynesborough, Augusta county, Virginia, in the year 1818. Both his parents were born and reared in the same county, The father where they were man-ied and where their son was born. Peck,
German extraction. His grandparents on and mother's side were actively engaged in the war of the revolution. James Steele, but a lad during the revolution, found He was staopportunity to show his patriotism in the war of 1812. tioned at Norfolk, Virginia, where the tedium of camp life was relieved A rather ludicrous incident by occasional encounters with the enemy. One evening a of this service was specially relished by the old .man. certain Capt. Boyer saw, through the woods, the blazing camp-fires of some British soldiers. At once detailing a sufficient number of men, the doughty captain set forth to bring the enemy into camp. The party approached with stealthy step and circuitous route the hostile encampment but, lo when they enter the clearing, there, bland and smiling, was the ruddy face of the rising full moon. The captain left his prize on the field. In 1818, when Cyrus was but two years of age, James Steele removed from his farm in Virginia to Greene county, Ohio. Here he buried his wife in 1827. He himself was laid beside her five years later, in the year 1832. Cyrus, thus thrown upon his own resources, remained in Ohio until the year 1840. During this time he was of Irish, the mother of
both his father's
!
;
and worked at it for several years. In he went to Louisa county, Iowa. Leaving there, he came to Henderson county in 1841. Here he divided his time between carpentering and the saw-mill until 1856, when he purchased 120 acres in the S.W. J of Sec. 10, T. 9 N., E. 5 W., where he
learned the carpenter's trade 1840, his health failing,
still
lives.
He
afterward sold four acres of this to obtain a saw-mill,
some time. The mill has since been removed. In Susan Downs. They have had five children, the three youngest of whom are living Elizabeth, Viola, and Franklin. Mr. Steele has two sisters living, Julia, in Greene county, Ohio, and which he ran for
1851 he married Mrs.
:
Emily, near Indianapolis, Indiana. Steele
has held public
59
office, first
For a long
series of years
Mr.
as constable, afterward, as at present,
,
HISTOEY OF MERCER AMD HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1042
He
justice of the peace.
has had a hard task to subdue the wilderness
but lives to enjoy his labors in his old age. in which he William Stdart Bailey, M.D., was born at Eichmond, Jefferson settled,
County,- Ohio,
Benjamin
S.
November
the latter of Irish lineage.
buried at
1849, the
24,
first
Bailey and Dorothy Patterson,
Wayland
of the five children of the former of Scotch,
Both parents are now dead, and
(formerly Marshall),
they had removed some years before.
are
Henry county, Iowa, whither The father died September
William S. Bailey was 20, 1873 ; the mother, November 13, 1861. reared to his father's occupation, farming, but received the best educa-
Washington, Iowa, could give. About 1866 Olena to read medicine under Dr. MarweU. February 18, 1873, he completed the prescribed course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons (allopathic), Keokuk, Iowa. After his marriage, June 8, 1876, to Anna, daughter of H. and Mary Mosher, he settled first at Wayland, Iowa, his father's home but in 1878, returned to Olena, where he has succeeded in building up a lucrative practice. Dr. and Mrs. Bailey have one child, Gideon Stuart, born April 16, 1877. Ira Putney, Jr., adopted son of Ira Putney, Sr., and Sarah Copp, was born at Steansted, Province of Quebec, June 16, 1840. When he was four years of age his father removed to Bloomington, McLean county, Illinois. During the residence of the family at this place and at Burlington, Iowa, whither they had moved, Ira passed his time at school, completing the high school course of the Burlington school at the age of thirteen. A year later the family removed to Olena, Henderson county, where the father bought the business of Marks & Porter, general merchants. Father and son continued together until Octotion the public schools at
or 1867 he
came
to
C
;
•
ber,
1861,
when
the son enlisted at Cairo, in Co. E, 10th Dl. Inf
Cowan. He was assigned duty in the quartermaster's department, under Quartermaster J. Pyatt, now of Jacksonville, Illinois. Capt. C. F.
^
He
followed the fortunes of the
army
in
its
course through Kentucky,
Missouri, Tennessee, and Alabama, until after the capture of Atlanta.
He
was mustered out, October, 1864,, at East Point, Georgia. Although in the quartermaster's department, Mr. Putney did not escape hard service, remembering very vividly serving rations under severe fire before Atlanta. Returning, to Olena, he re-entered business with his father. In 1865 the firm of Putney & Son was followed by Putney & Curry, the elder Putney retiring and giving place to George Curry. Mr. Putney and Mr. Cm-ry were associated in business most of the time until 1876, when Mr. Curry retired, leaving the entire business in Mr. Putney's hands. In 18VV an unfortunate investment
OLENA TOWNSHIP. forced
1043
Mr. Putney to the wall, being followed by Mr. J. H. Stevens. he again opened a store, where he still
After farming for five yeai-s offers for sale
shoes.
Two
a general stock of groceries, dry goods, and boots and
years previous to entering the army, in June, 1859, Mr.
Of their six Putney was united in marriage to Azubah A. Haislett. Mr. Putney belongs to children, they have buried one, the eldest. Freemasons fraternity. He is a zealous republican, and has done yeoman's service in the community where he lives. He
the
his party
been postmaster, which position he now holds. is the son of Alexander Cowden and Margaret Magaughy. His parents were among the early settlers of Mercer county, Illinois, and the first couple married there. A few years after their marriage they removed to Louisa county, Iowa, The father died in this county in where their son Isaac was born. The 1856 the mother still lives, residing at Crawfordsville, Iowa.
has at various times
Isaac B. Cowden, M.D., born in 18Y9,
;
public schools of this place
gave the subject of
this sketch his general
He began the study of medicine under Dr.
J. D. Miles, state Mr. Cowden attended" a his first course of lectures at Iowa City, in the winter of 1872-3 year later he received a diploma from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Keokuk, Iowa. He settled first in Henry county, but removed soon after to Olena, Henderson county. During his eight years' residence here since his settlement in 1874, his practice has constantly increased. December 1, 1876, he married Lilian M., daughter of Thomas J. Eichey, one of the earliest settlers of this county. Of the four children born to them the eldest two are dead. The remaining
education.
senator, residing
now
at
Washington, Iowa.
;
Nellie Grant, in 1879, and Thomas Kussel, in 1881. James Pollock, son of John Pollock and Elizabeth Stewart, was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, March 22, 1816. His mother
two were born
:
died while he was a babe, leaving a family of eight children, of whom James was the youngest. In 1837 his father fell a victim to cholera, and was buried at his old home. When but fifteen years old James was apprenticed to a blacksmith; near his home ; biit he became dissatisfied here, and a year later went to Clermont county, Ohio, where he finished his apprenticeship and wrought at his trade. In 1836 he married Hettie Smith, daughter of John Smith and Ellen Mcintosh.
was born in the year 1818, in Clermont county, Ohio, by her grandparents in Brown county. Here she was schoolmate a'nd plaiymate of Gen. U. S. Grant, and spent many
Hettie Smith
but was reared the
hours playing with the
By
embryo president about his father's tanyard. was instructed in the old-^ime duties of cardspinning and veaving, and still recalls those as among her
her grandparents she
ing,
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1044
happiest 'days.
In 1837 Mr. and Mrs. Pollock came to Henderson
They afterward went to Indiana, and lived in Jefferson county until 1856. Again coming to Henderson county, Illinois, Mr. Pollock worked at his trade, first at Terre Haute six years then one year at Olena. In 1862 his eldest son (William) had enlisted in the 91st reg. 111. Vol. Inf., and the next spring the two remaining sons in the 84th. Then his heroic wife sent him, also, "to look after the boys." Enlisting in Co. K, 84th reg. III. Vol. Inf., he joined the main army at Nashville. He saw almost continuous fighting, until, at Jonesboro, a ball shattered his A surgeon with a rude bandage stayed the flow of blood but he leg. lay there on the field, faint and feverish, his limb, now greatly swollen on account of the tightly-dravsTi ligature, giving unutterable pain, from three p.m. of September 2 until nine a.m. of the 3d, twelve weary hours of constant agony. When finally he was taken to the hospital, so extensively had mortification set in, that the leg, shot off below the knee, had to be amputated half way from the knee to the hip. After several months spent in hospital, he was discharged, May, 1864, at Quincy, where he had spent the days of his convalescence. His sons
county, Illinois, settling at the village of Terre Haute.
;
;
many of the severest battles of the war, and, now live, William and Henton in Ringgold
passed unscathed through lionorably discharged,
county, Iowa, and
the
John in the Far West. After his discharge from army Mr. Pollock again engaged in blacksmithing but an unlucky ;
stroke of the
hammer broke
a finger of his
left
hand, and rendered the
hand stiff and useless for work. Through the beneficence of the government to which he so nearly gave his life, Mr. Pollock is spending his last
— comfort
richly earned,
less heroic
and honorable,
years in modest, but assured comfort
both by him and his worthy wife,
now no
less honored than the highly exalted playmate of her youth. James Henry Dean was bom in Greene county, Ohio, April 28, 1831. His father, Eobert Dean, was originally from Kentucky his mother, Elizabeth Campbell, from Tennessee. Robert Dean was twice married. By his first wife he had eleven children, of whom James H.
though
;
is
the eighth.
At
the age of twenty-five the last-named
shortly after his father's death in 1854.
He came
left
home,
to Olena, Hender-
son county, and in 1856 bought the farm upon which he now resides, a part of the N. W. J of Sec. 11. In November of the same year he married Elizabeth, daughter of John Gibson, the first settler of this township, and Ann McNary. Mrs. Dean has given birth to five children. Of these the first-born, William Harvey, was buried at the age of seventeen, and the third died in infancy. There remain to them John Albert (born June 16, 1861), Willis Elmer (born October 15,
OLENA TOWNSHIP.
1045
and Mattie Florence (born August 21, 1874). Mr. Deaii enlisted A, 30th reg. 111. Yol. Inf., October, 1864. He joined Sherman's army at Pochetaligo, South Carolina, and continued in active duty until March 30, 1865, when he was sent to the hospital sick. He 1868),
in Co.
May 26, 1865* at Madison, Indiana. John H. Stevens came to Henderson county in 1863, as a teacher The following spring he entered the army at the South Prairie school. Here h^ was engaged chiefly 'at Mattoon, and was sent into Missouri. in garrison duty along the line of the Iron Mountain railroad, especially By a singular train of circumstances, Mr. at Pilot Knob and Ironton. Stevens was absent from all the severe engagements in which his command were concerned for instance he was one of the force detailed to convey arms to Pilot Knob, but was sent back just before the battle. Hardly had he turned oyer his arms at the expiration of his term of service, when Price made his so nearly successful invasion. He was a member of Co. A, 135th reg. HI. Vol. Inf Returning from the army, he taught in Henderson and "Warren counties till 1868, when he returned to his native state (Ohio), to teach in the graded schools there. After some years he again came to Henderson county, taught for a time, and then, in 1878, bought his present business (dry goods and groceries), a business which he is now closing out in order to remove to Dakota Territory. His parents, Lewis A. Stevens and Sarah A. was honorably discharged
;
Sperry,
family
came
were,
was
:
respectively,
large,
of Scotch and
German
consisting of fourteen children, of
descent.
whom
The twelve
The family is one of rather remarkable longevity, Mr. Stevens' ancestors lacking but little of reaching four
to adult age.
several of
and
Born October
he spent his early years in the Muskingum and Licking counties, Ohio. The profession of his choice was the law; his prospects for pursuing his studies successfully were very bright, but his entrance into the army changed his whole course of life. In 1865 he married Isabel, daughter of William and Elizabeth Black. They have five children Uving, and buried one in infancy. Successful in his teaching and in liis business, Mr. Stevens goes to his new home with good reason to
score
ten.
31, 1841,
county and normal schools of
expect success.
Nathaniel Maeston, born shire,
May
2,
1810,
and of pure
is
New
at Enfield,
HampRhoda Saw-
Grafton county, JSTew
the son of Nathaniel Marston and
England stock. His father died before the subwas a year old. His mother was married again to David Choate, but continued to live on the old homestead until her death, January 14, 1869, at the advanced age of eighty-five. Of the elder Marston's four children, but two grew to mature years, Eli
yer, ject
of this sketch
1046
HI8T0EY OF MEECEE
.
AND HENDEE80N
buried in 1859, and Nathaniel, of
home
whom we now
COHNTTES. write.
at the age of sixteen and went to Lebanon,
The
latter left
New
Hampshire, to Here he worked until 1831, when he removed learn cabinet-making. At this place he continued at to Kingsville, Ashtabula couiity, Ohio. his trade
till
1837,
when
the wonderful reports of the success of the
Coming
Illinois farmers drew him' hither.
directly to
Henderson
J of Sec. 12, T. 9 K, E. 5 W. Here^ cabin, and installed therein his wife, whom he had he built his log
W.
county, he entered the N.
married in Ohio, Lois Barton, daughter of Nathan Bairton and Sarah Mrs. Marston was born and reared at Elainfield, Massa-
Burroughs.
chusetts, thie eleventh of thirteen children. All grew to manhood and womanhood, but eight have since been buried. Of the five now living Of her own ten children, three are Mrs. Watson is the youngest. dead, and the others scattered through this state, Iowa, and Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Marston are persons of intense moral and religious convictions, and consistent lives. They have ever been among the most earnest workers and generous givers toward the support of a church here in the community. They have been connected with the Methits first organisation. Mr. M. has been an uncompromising opponent of slavery and intemperance, fearless in his opposition to what he considered wholly at variance with
odist Episcopal church, of Olena, since
He
and triumph of the right as he saw the right. Andeew Caeothees, Sr. came to Illinois from Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where, with his brother John, he had been reared under guardians. He bought, in 1840, the N. E. J of Sec. 2, T. 9, E. 5, Henderson county, and afterward the S. E. ^ also. He built his residence on the former, and lived there until his death, in 1848. He was twice married, first to Mary Hays, afterward to Mary Eobison. He entered the army in the war of 1812. In religion he held to the creed of the principles of right. labors,
and
lives to enjoy the fruits of his sacrifices
to rejoice in the
,
Seceder church.
Andeew wife,
father's
Jr., elder son of the preceding by his first After his Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. Illinois, he occupied the home farm, having been
Caeothees,
was born removal
in to
married the preceding year (1840) to Lydia Fickes, daughter of Jacob and. Lydia Fickes, of his native county. In 1851 he came to Olena, and settled on the farm held by him at his death. Jacob Caeothees, son of the preceding, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1842.
the latter's
life.
He now owns
He was married first in 1871, whom he was divorced. In
He
remained with his father during
a splendid to a
pi-airie
farm, well improved.
daughter of Thomas Eichey, from
1877 he married Angle, daughter of
;
OLENA TOWNSHIP.
1047
Phoebe Carter, of Henderson county. Junia Myrtle, born January 1, 18T8, and
Tobias and dren,
They have Izetia,
Wo
chil-
born June
1,
1880.
bom
ALEX.VNDEE Maeshall was boro.
in Fairfield District, near
South Carolina, in the year 1787.
He
entered the
Winns-
army
in the
In 1816 he married war of 1812, and was stationed at Charleston. Maiy McMillan, of Kershaw, South Carolina. In 1836 he visited the west,and purchased the
S.
E.
Henderson county, and where he departed was a man of much worth, and was of trust Both he and his wife were
Jof Sec.
16, T. 9, K. 5,
whither he brought his family the next year, this hte
He
April 22, 1864.
almost continuously in offices
,
members of the United Presbyterian church. EoBERT Majeshall, eldest son of the preceding, was born March 1, He came to Illinois with his parents, and in 1841 bought the 1817. "eighty" on which his residence stands. He first married Susan,
Andrew, in 1842. Five years after her death he was Rebecca Graham. John Marshall, brother of the preceding, was born in South Carolina, October 23, 1822. After he. became of age, he worked for himself, farming and teaching, alternately. October 26, 1848, he was married to Ann Maria, daughter of E. W. and Ann Masria Richey, of Washington county, New York, and settled where he now lives. Both he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church of Olena. They have had nine children, of whom, they buried the sixth, John W., at the age of four, and the Seventh,- Charles, in infancy. Of the living, William Thomas, resides in Montgomery county, Iowa Helen Mary, now Mrs. A. W. Coppage, at Emerson county, Iowa Eiehard W., and Alexander are at home Ann Maria, now Mrs. Edward Fort, in Henderson county Jane Eliza, and Emma Rozella, at daughter of John
again married (in 1862) to
;
;
;
home.
James A. Marshall,
bom
June
8,
1825.
In 1850 he bought his
home, and in 1851 brought thither Jennette H., daughter of R. W. and Ellen Richey, of Washington county. New York. He and his wife and daughter are all members of the Olena United Presbyterian church.
William Maeshall^ youngest son of Alexander Marshall,' was born July 19, 1828. At the age of nine he came to Illinois with his parents. He remembered vividly the two months' overland journey to his prairie home. He became independent at the age in South Carolina,
of eighteen; but
home
in 1857.
he purchased his present and two years later of Isaac and Jane daughter Josephine B.,
worked with In 1860 he
brought into it his wife,
his father until
built- his residence,
HISTORY OF MKBCEE AND HENDKESON COUNTIES.
1048
Hopkins, then living near Biggsville, but both since deceased. Mrs. is the last of a family of twelve children. Mr. Marshall was brought up a democrat in politics, and is earnest in behalf of the doc-
M.
tiines of this party.
John Henky Hugenschutz was born in Hanover, Germany, January 29, 1821. His father died when he was but seven years of age. At fifteen he left home and for three years worked on a farm. He then went to learn the carpenters' trade, at which he worked in the old country and in New York State until 1855. The winter of 1855-6 he
Returning to America in the spring of 1856, Here he resumed his trade and continued at it until his brother's death, in 1860, when he turned to farming. After renting land for two years he purchased the eighty on which he now lives. Starting with a very meager outfit of stock, and $800 in debt, he has increased his farm to 234 acres, well stocked, and has a comfortable balance on the credit side of the account. Has been twice married. His first wife was Margaret, daughter of H. G. Annegers, Sr. She died in September, 1854, leaving no issue. In 1857 he married Margaret Gurgens. Her death occurred in 1864. By her he had one daughter, Mary, the wife of Isg^c F. Harter, M.D., of Carman, spent in his native laud.
he came
to
Henderson county.
Elinois.
William Black was born in Virginia, near Lexington, April 28, From Virginia he removed to Greene county, Ohio, and thence in 1839 to Warren county, Illinois. After two, years' residence here he removed to Henderson county, settling on the N.E. J of Sec. 3, T. 9 N., R. 5 W., but the next year removed again to the farm now occupied by John Marshall. He lived here till 1849 when he bought the S. E. J of Sec. ] 5, which place he held till his death, December 15, 1798.
1859. His wife, Eliza George, whom he married in Ohio in 1820, was born October 23, 1800, of Irish parents. Mr. and Mrs. Black have
had nine children, all of whom grew to adult age five are still living. Both were originally members of the Seceder church, and became connected with the United Presbyterian church upon its formation. Samuel Wilson Black, born in Greene county, Ohio, November, 8, 1835, was but a babe when his parents came to Henderson county. He continued with his father during the latter's life, and then came ;
In 1862, September 4, he was daughter of Eli and Ann Hinman, Mr. and Mrs. Black have had nine children, two of whom they have into possession of the homestead.
united in marriage to Catharine Z.
,
Mr. B. is a member of the masonic fraternity, Carman lodge. Ai,BEET Black, older brother of the preceding, was born in Greene
buried.
county, Ohio,
November
8,1833.
He
remained
at
home
until the
:
OLENA TOWNSHIP. spring of 1859, yeai'S
when he went
in these states
1049
and Oregon. After five Henderson county and went to
to California
he returned
to
This he followed until 1870, from which year to 18Y7 he
farming.
removed successively to Licking county, Ohio, Jo Daviiss county, and Fulton county, Illinois, Keokuk, Iowa, and to his present home in Henderson county.
He
county.
and They have one
Black
a
daughter of Joseph
is
member
His wife
Iowa.
is
was married
Ann
May
25,
Forquer, of T.
Anna
child,
9,
1865,
to
Mary
E.,
E. 6 W., Henderson
M., born March 16, 1866.
Mr.
of the Eagle Lodge (masonic). No. 12, Keokuk,
connected with the Olena United Presbyterian
church.
Heeman G. Annegees,
Sr.,
was formerly a
Germany, a substantiar farmer and a
man
Hanover,
citizen of
of influence in his village.
he emiUnited States, to give his children the advantages of its
In 1865, however, against the urgent advice of his neighbors, grated to the
He came
institutions.
the S.E.
i of
He
gold.
himseU" is
directly to
Sec. 29, T. 9
K,
R
Henderson county, and purchased 5 W., paying therefor $1,405 in
buried his wife not long afterward, in the still
fall
He
living at the age of seventy-eight.
of
1
857.
has three
He chil-
two sons, whose biographies follow, and one daughter, the H. H. D. Thesing, York county, Nebraska. Herman G. Annegees, Jr.. bora in Hanover, June 1, 1834, came to America four years earlier than his father's family, landing in New York city in the spring of 1851. He found work in the city as a clerk and for five months worked steadily from four a.m. until ten p.m., and at the end of his time found his wealth increased by one pair of boots dren Uving,
wife of
and two caps worth
fifty
cents each.
He
did better after
this, his
wages ranging from $5 to $12 a month and his board. In 1855 he removed to Henderson county, in company with his father. With the exception of the first winter, spent in Burlington, farm, assisting his father,
he has lived on a
renting of his father and others, and after-
now owns. September 4, 1875, he JuHa H. Taylor, of Burlington, Iowa. They have two children Mary Jennejte, bom October 24, 1876, and Dora Elimina, December ward buying the fine farms he married
2,
1881.
6.
Heney Annegees, younger brother of Herman G., was born He came to America with his parents and a
September 22, 1840.
year or two later began farming for himself, part mterest in his father's estate in
afterward sold his interest here, 22, T. 9
same
N.,
R
section,
and
in
company with
1864 purchased a his brother.
He
and in 1873 bought the S. E. J of Sec. 5. W. To this he has since added the S.W. i of the buying the west half in 1876, and the east half in
HISTORY OF MEECEE AITD HENDEESON COtlNTTES.
1050
His wife, Anna H. M. Pahlmann, whom he married in 1867, Henderson county from Hanover, Germany, in company with her sister in 1866. They have five children Emma Mary, George H., Fannie Bertha, Ida Amelia, and' Wjlliam. Both Mr. and Mrs. Annegers were brought up in the Lutheran faith, to which they still adhere. John Evans, Jr., was born in Crawford county, Ohio, June 13, His father, John Evans, Sr., is one of the earliest settlers of 1830. the county, and will be spoken of fiiUy under the township in which he resides. John Evans, Jr., early left home, and his nineteenth birthday was spent on the plains while he was en route for California. Here he was fairly successful, and returned three years later, in 1852, and bought the place now owned by his brother, Mr. Hamilton Evans. April 23, 1857, he married Sarah Y., daughter' of Abner and Lucy Davis. Mrs. Evans was born at Balston Spa, Saratoga county, New York, March 13, 1829. "With the exception of the first six years of her life spent in her native town, she has lived in Henderson county. After her marriage to Mr. Evans they lived one year on the farm mentioned above, and then removed to the place now occupied by them. Their present residence, one of the very fijiest in the county, was completed in April, 1870. Their only child, Marion L., now liv-' ing in Mills county, Iowa, was born June 30, 1858. Mr. Evans is a 1878.
came
to
:
member
of the Baptist church, at Malvern, Iowa, while his wife main-
tains her adherence to the teachings of the
William H. Eodman was
United Presbyterian church.
and reared in Lexington county, Kentucky. From this place he removed successively to Shelby and Jefferson counties, Kentucky, and, in 1833, to Peoria county, Illinois, stopping on the way with Abraham Lincoln, whom he had known well in Kentucky. Four years later, in 1837, he removed to Henderson Thence he recounty, and lived two years in township 9, range 4. moved to the S. W. i of Sec. 13, T. 9]Sr., 5 W., his home till his death in May, 1861. He was married, prior to leaving Kentucky, to Sarah Saulter, by whom he had twelve children, eight of whom are borij
living.
EoBEET Rodman, second child of the preceding, was Jjom in Jefferson cottnty, Kentucky, March 2. 1823. Leaving home at the age of nineteen he worked on a farm and at "Ward's mill, near Biggsville, for two years. In August, 1843, he married Rachel, daughter of Nathan and Mary Powell, then of Dearborn county, Indiana. He then turned his eflbrts to farming, renting various farms, for about ten years
;
he
then bought of Mr. J. B. Fort, but soon sold again and rented one Here he remained season then bought in township 9, range 4. ;
another space of ten years, and in 1864 removed to Lucas county,
OLENA TOWNSHIP.
1051
Returning to Henderson county after five years, he bought his and in 1881 began the erection upon it of an excel-
Iowa.
present property,
now
lent residence
in course of completion.
members of the Olena Lodge, believer in the
He
is
one of the charter
No. 662, I.O.O.F., and
is
a sincere
democratic party principles.
John Caeothees, Jr., son of Andrew Carothers, Jr., and Lydia Fickes, was born August 31, 1844, in Cumberland county, Pennsyl-
He gi-ew up on
vaiiia.
his father's farm in the
same way
as the average
The years from September, 1864, to September, 1868, farmer's boy. he spent variously, in attendance at Monmouth College, farming sumIn September, 1868, he bought the N". J W., his present home. He still made however, until. March 23, 1871, at which time
mers and teaching winters. of N. his
W.
home
i. Sec. 27,
T. 9 N., 5
at his father's,
he was married to
Mary C, daughter
1874 he continued to teach winters exclusively to farming.
Mi's.
;
of Judge R. since then
Carothers
is
W.
Gaddis.
Up
to
he has given himself
also a school-teacher of
Both are connected with the United Presbyterian church, holding their membership at Olena. They have four children: Merle Eobert, born. January 18, 1872; Mary Eva, December 3, 1873; Laura Ethel, November 23, 1877; and a babe, born several years' experience.
March
14, 1882.
W. Maeshall was born
Granger county, Ohio, February Sr., and Polly Reasoner, were originally from Pennsylvania. His father was born in Westmoreland county, July 4, 179 2. He was twice married and had eleven children, of whom Robert W. was the seventh. The subject of this RoBEET
15, 1832.
sketch to
in
His parents, Robert Marshall,
remained with his father until his marriage, December 23, 1856, Galliher. The following year he came to Illinois and on his present farm. His wife died November 10, 1870, leav-
Hannah Jane
settled
ing to him the -care of thi'ee children. Two years later he. married Aima, oldest daughter of George Retzer and Catherine King. Mrs.
was born in Maryland January 3, 1808. When he Was twelve years of age his father removed to Lancaster county, PennMarshall's father
Here he came to manhood, married March 9, 1837, and on a farm. June, 1855, found him in Henderson county, living near La Harpe. But the next February he purchased the home which he held tiU his death, the S. W. J of Sec. 29, T. 9 N., 5 W. He was the father of nine children, five of whom are living. Of the sylvania. settled
four buried, three died of cholera
He
during Mr. R.'s
first
summer
in
21, 1881, and on March 17, next, his wife followed, him. Mr. Marshall is in politics an afdent republican in religion an adherent to the creed of the United Presbyterian church. Illinois.
died
December
;
1052
He
keeps
HISTOliy OF
all his
MEECEK AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
children about him, five in number, the youngest two
the children of his present wife. B. Foet, was born July 25, 1811, in Warren county, KenHis parents, Frederick Fort and Lucy Moore, were the first couple married in the territory of Kentucky. They removed to Illinois some years later than their sons, in 1840, settling on the Mendenhall place. Here they both died, Mr. ForJ; September 15, 1845, his At the age of twenty-three, Mr. J. B. Fort wife August 20, 1846. left home, the last to leave the parental roof, and came to Henderson county. For some time he worked out .by the month in saw-mills, at Warren, and at other points. Later he bought the W. -J of tlie N.W. J of Sec. 3, and lived here till 1868, when he removed to his place on Sec. 26. He now owns, in all, several hundred acres, comprising some of the choicest land in Henderson county. Mr. Fort has paid intelligent attention to stock. Formerly he kept some sheep, but he has given more particular time and thought to fine cattle. At present he is interested in introducing the Holstein breed. Li 1848 he mamed Sarah J., daughter of Andrew Carothers and Mary Hays. They have seven children, all of whom are living in Henderson county John Marion (married to Anna Gaddis), Caroline Y., Mira, Charles Edward (married to Anna Marshall), Mary E., Florence, and Anna B. Mr. Fort is an active democract, the faith in which he was raised. He holds a membership in the masonic lodge at Gladstone. Coming to Henderson county among the very first with no capital but a clear head and a pair of willing hands, Mr. Fort finds himself the possessor of broad, fertile farms, and a home whose elegance and comfort contrast no less significantly than pleasantly with the rude wilderness he found here a half centurj^ ago. Thomas Nichols was born near Lexington, Rockbridge county, Virginia, January 10, 1799. He is the oldest of the children of Thos. Aiter Nichols, Sr., and Martha Carty, both of southern descent. marriage his father removed to Ross county, Ohio thence, in 1812, to Highland county, where he buried his wife thence, in 1833, to Allen county, where two years later he also died. While still but a youth the care of the home farm fell on the eldest son, Thomas, of whom we write. After his father's death he remained for a few years in Allen county, whence he removed in 1840 to Abingdon, Blinois. After remaining here a year and a half he bought his present home in Henderson county, and built him a small frame house, which he replaced about 1845 with a more commodious dwelling. This he had the mis-
John
tucky.
:
;
;
fortune to lose by fire in 1859, losing with
He
it nearly all its contents. then erected his present residence, the frame of which he broaght
:
OLENA TOWNSHIP. from Oquawka.
James and Mary
1053
In 1829 he was married to Lavina, daughter of After a lingering illness, his wife died
Milligan.
aged seventy-two. Mr. Nichols has always been interworking first with the whig, afterward with the In youth he united with the Methodist Episcopal repubhcan party. transferred his membership to the United Presbylater church, but which, his wife was also connected. with His children terian church, four of whom are living. Of the two whom he has are six in number, Thomas buried, one was an honored soldier during the rel^ellion. Vance Nichols enlisted in 1862, and served until the close of the war, He received passing through some of the severest battles unhui't. promotion to the rank of lieutenant and adjutant. Retm-ning from the army he settled on a farm, marrying Miss Barbara Thompson. After successfully seeking health by medical treatment and travel, he died April 2, 1882, of a tumor in his right side, leaving his wife and two children. His worth was recognized by several successful appointments to the (iffice of township treasurer, and his election to be deacon of the April 7, 1872,
ested in politics,
Olena United Presbyterian church.
KoBEET
W.
Adam Gaddis and Catharine New York, December 23, 1817.
Gaddis, Seventh child of
McKee, was born in Delaware county,
His parents were originally from county
New York
Down,
Ireland.
They landed
and the following year settled in Delaware county, New York. In 1836 they removed to Morgan county, Illinois, where they died, the mother in 1840, the father two years later. About 1838 or 1839, Eobert W., the subject of this sketch, left home, and in
in 1800,
began to do for himself, giving his energies to carpentering, black-
and surveying, in turn. In 1847 he came to Hensettled on the S.W. i of Sec. 23, T. 9 N., 5 W., upon which he has since continuously resided. March 10, 1842, he was married to Ann L. McCoy, daughter of David McCoy and Mary smithing, farming,
derson county,
and
McCleUan, the former originally of Virginia, the latter of Pennsylvania.
when
They have had
six children, of
whom
they buried the youngest
was but seven years of age. The others are still living Minerva, now Mrs. Wm. Pbllock, in Einggold county, Iowa Mary C, wife of John Carothers, Jr., in Henderson county; Annie, wife of John M. Fort, in Henderson county Clara M., wife of John Reasoner, also in Henderson county; John N., married to Elizabeth Brook, in it
;
;
Fulton county, Illinois. interests
a
Mr. Gaddis has ^been quite active in the He has been in public office for
of the democratic party.
number of years, having officiated as justice of the peace for fourteen and as county judge four years. Both he and his wife are con-
years,
nected with the
United Presbyterian church.
HI8T0EY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1054
James William Beook, born August 29, 1843, is the son of Isaiah Brook and Jane T. Marshall. His father came from Licking county, Ohio, in 1837, settling on Sec. 34, T. 10 N., E. 5 W. William Brook grew up on the home farm, and at the age of seventeen set out J.
for
Monmouth,
He continued here the classic college halls for the
to enter the college at that place.
until the spring of 1 864,
when he
left
He enlisted in Co. A, 138th reg. 111. Inf havlife of the camp. completed his college course* and earned his degree of previously ing rude
,
was appointed corporal. His company did garrison duty in Missouri and were mustered out October 17, 1864, at and Kansas In deciding upon a career, Mr. Brook seriously thought Springfield. and of medicine. After returning from the army he taught of the law giving his extra time to reading law under Hon. C. M. for two years, In 1867, however, he turned himself to Harris, now of Chicago. bought the farming and W. i of the IST.W. f of'Sec. 1, T. 9 N.-, E. 5 W. To this eighty he has kept adding until he now owns 340 acres of excellent land. .During the past ten years he has given much attention to fine cattle, and at present has a herd of eighty shorthorn Durhams. Clydesdale horses have also received his attention. On February 24, 1867, he was married to Mary C, daughter of A. G. and B.S., and
Eliza Pearce, of Berwick, Illinois, the Eev. Dr. Wallace, lately of
Monmouth
College, officiating. To Mr. and Mrs. Brook five children were born Frances Luella, December 16, 1867 William Marshall, Andrew Eenwick, October 2, 1872 Charles February 11, 1870 Alfred, May 8, 1 875 Ina Amelia, June 6, 1877. Mrs. Brook was buried in July, 1881, lamented by all for her consistent life and her helpful ministries to the sick, the unfortunate and the erring, a service for which her devout nature, refined by literary and musical culture received at Abingdon especially fitted her. Eeared in the Methodist Episcopal church, Mrs. Brook aftei-ward found a home with her husband in the United Presbyterian church of Olena. Mr. Brook holds a membership in the masonic order and also in the G.A.E. Abner Davis, one of the earliest settlers in T. 9 N., E. 5 W., was born in Windom county, Vermont, September 21, 1794. Hardly six;
:
;
;
;
teen years of age, he entered the
army
in the
war of
1812, enlisting in
Capt. Goodrich's company, 10th United States Infantry.
He
partici-
pated in the battles of Chippewa Plains, Lundy's Lane and other bloody engagements. At Lundy's Lane he had a^ery narrow escape.
His company went into the battle with 110 men and came out with only six. In 1821 he married Lucy Oaks, daughter of John and Lydia Oaks, of his native county. Soon after marriage he removed to Saratoga county. New York. Thence he removed to Kirkwood, Warren
OLENA TOWNSHIP. county, Dlinois, in 1835,
1055
again removing the next year to the
IST.
of Sec. 33, T. 9 N., R. 5 "W., the first to settle on the prairie. he built his cabin and raised his family. The land was claimed
W. J
Here by him
Not long
after he settled here an incident prominent traits of his character, One evening a gentleman came to his door promptness and decision. Davis "I have a claim on this land." Mr. Davis and said to Mr. told him he must be misfaken. Still the stranger insisted on his claim. "WeU, then, sir," said Mr. D., "I fought for this land once, and ex-
under a soldier's warrant. occurred that will
illustrate the
:
you leave I'll fight for it again." [Exit stranger.] Events psoved he had mistaken the township, his claim heing located in T. P N., E. 4 "W. He extended his farm and built a commodious dwelling upon In it in course of years, and was well known as a prosperous farmer. cept
that
the
morning of December 10, 1874, he went to the residence of his John Evans, Jr., and assisted at some work there.
daughter, Mrs.
Later in the
day he complained of feeling
He
and soon after was in convulsions.
him.
before medical aid could reach laid beside
him
Andrew
cemetery on the
and went
to the house,
October
home
1876, his wife
9,
N.Y.
He
remained
wit)i his father until
1850 he was carried with the tide of gold seekers to California.
returned
to Illinois
in the winter of 1851,
Brooks farm the next year, on which he 1853,
was
farm, aged seventy-nine.
Davis, only son of the preceding, was born October
1826, in Saratoga county,
28,
in
J.
in the
ill
survived but a few hours, dying
He
and bought the Hiram
still
December 8, They place by its former
resides.
he married Clarissa, daughter of Ira and Priscilla Miller.
began their housekeeping in the house built on the
Here Mrs. Miller died January 7, 1870, and was buried in She left five children, and one sleeps beside her: Ella Eosette, bom July 8, 1856, and deceased September 29, 1865., The other children are Charles H., born March 13, 1855 Francis Miller, August 18, 1858 Elmer A., April 22, 1862 Bertha Celia, October 10, 1863. Mr. Davis was married a second time February 28, 1872, to Mrs. Allen Hendryx, daughter of Allen and Margaret Taylor, of Burlington, Iowa. In 1876 he built his present residence, one of the evidences of his general thrift and prosperity. Charles E. Drew was born in Steansted, P. Q., September 27, 1821, the eldest of six chiidi-en of Abel Drew and Abigail Blake. His father was bom in New Hampshire removed to Canada in 1812, on account of excessive taxation, and there, died July 1, 1878. His owner.
the
homestead cemetery.
:
;
;
;
;
mother, of Irish descent, is
Of
their children,
still
living at the age of eighty-four years.
one son and two daughters in the subject of this sketch, in Henderson
four are living:
Canada, and the eldest,
,;
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1056
The last-named left home in 1837, and entered the army, enlisting in the heavy horse dragoons. Upon receiving his discharge he went to Boston, and remained there a year. Returning county, Illinois.
to
Canada, he continued there until his removal to Burlington, Iowa,
in 1848.
Here he spent three
years, clerking for Parsons,
Copp
&
Since 1851 he has been Parsons (succeeded by C. B. Parsons). engaged in farming, with the exception of one year. For several years he rented, occupying the F. J. C. Peasley and various other
he bought a half interest in the Copp farm, and he purchased his present property in 1868, then unimproved, now one of the finest farms in this section. October 7, 1851, he married Harriet E. Brown, daughter of James H. Brown and Betsey A. Copp, both born in Canada. Mrs. Drew was bom in Hatley, Steansted, P. Q. March 4, 1835. Her parents lived in T. 9 N. E. 5 W. until 1858, in which year they removed to their present home in Burlington, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Drew have had nine children, the fifth of whom, Dalum Ulysses, they buried November 5, 1876. Of the other children, Charles E. lives at Ottumwa, Iowa; Hattie M. (now Mrs. Benj. Johnson) in Macedonia county, Iowa; the, remaining children, Addie E., Frank P., Lewis H., Willie "W., Annis C, and Nettie V., are still under the parental roof. Mrs. Drew holds a membership in the Olena Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Drew is a Freemason, belonging to the Carman lodge. He is a staunch republican, who believes in letting his light shine. At present he holds the farms
;
lived
upon
then, in 1858, it
until
,
office
,
of assessor for his township.
Abraham "Wagy was born
in
1805, the son of Jacob and Barbara
removed
Rockingham county, Virginia, in Wagy. The same year the family
to Pike county, Ohio thence, after a brief sojourn, to Eoss Here they resided until 1849, when they removed to Adams In May, 1855, the father died at the great age of county, Illinois. ;
county.
niaety-seven years, at the time the oldest
man
in the county.
His wife
Ohio twenty-five years before him. At the age of twenty Abraham left home and married. His wife is Louisa, daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Cooper. They settled first in Ross county, Ohio, but removed to Illinois with Jacob Wagy in 1849. Abraham Wagy, however, came to Henderson county, and bought near the village of Olena. At this village he worked at wagon-making and coopering until, in the year 1854, he purchased his present home. Mr. and Mrs. Wagy have had eight children, two of whom died at an early age. Of the other six, Sarah, wife of John Evans, Sr., is living at Gladstone, Illinois Mary Ann, now Mrs. Albert Mark, at Ottumwa, Iowa Philip, in Bourbon county, Kansas Jeremiah, in Oregon
had been buried
in
;
;
;
;
OLENA Lemuel, in
1059
TO-\VNSHIP.
Warren county Abraham, near Earitan, Illinois. For Mr. "Wagy has been a member of the Methodist ;
nearly fifty yeai-s
He and his wife are now connected with the church In politics he was originally a democrat, but except his voting for Andrew Jackson and Martin .Yan Buren, he has acted with the whig and republican parties.
Episcopal church. at
Olena.
Lemuel Wagy, son of the preceding, lived with his parents until when, on the 29th day of March he married Sarah A., daughter of Kinzey and Eliza Hill, of Terre Haute, and made his home His wife departed in Mt. Pleasant township, "Warren county, Illinois. 1869,
this life in
February, 1879, shortly after the birth of her youngest
child, ajid is
She left six childi-en: William SherLemuel F. in 1872 Elzey, in 1874 Grace, in 1878 and Sarah A., in 1879. Mr. Wagy is con-
buried at Earitan.
man» born in 1870 1876; Lovisa, in nected with the
United
;
,
;
;
;
masonic lodge
at
Earitan
;
also with the
order of
Workmen.
Petee Nichols was born in Forquer county, Virginia. In the year but a lad, he removed to Eoss county, Ohio, with his
1795, while still parents,
Samuel" and
Mary
ISTichols.
Here
his parents died,
and here
he was married, in 1812, to Elizabeth, daughter of Maj. Isaac
He
Dawson
Eoss county and various localities in Ohio until 1830, when he removed to Vego county, Indiana. Six years later he again removed his family, this time to Henderson county, Illinois. He enlisted in the war of 1812, and was stationed at Sandusky, Ohio. In 1857 he died at the age of seventy-seven, having buried his wife six years previously, at the age of fifty-seven. Mr. Nichols was by trade a miller and distiller, and followed his trade till he left Ohio after that he farmed until his death. Isaac Nichols, eldest son of the preceding, was born in Hocking county, Ohio, October 30, 1805. The first thirty years of his life he spent at his father's. At about the age of twenty-ope he purchased the E. i of Sec. 8, T. 8N., 5 W. This he improved and afterward sold to Dr. Shaw, and in 1846 bought, under mortgage to the school district, of Wilson Kendall, the N. E. i and.the E. i of the N.W. i of Sec. 25, T. 9 N., 6 W. The previous year he married Nancy,'
and Sicha Williams.
lived in
;
K
daughter of
Henry and Bethenia
Carter, then of
Warren county.
Have
of whom were buried at the age of four years. Of the two living, Mary, the eldest, is the wife of William Wilsher, residing in tovwiship 9 north, 5 west, Henderson county
had four children, two
Amanda, the younger, with her husband, Henry King, resides with her parents. Mr. N. belongs to the fraternity of Freemasons, lodge No. 732, Carman, Illinois. '
.
80
;
1060
HISTORY OF MERCEE
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
FOETY-FIFTIl ILLINOIS INFANTRY. Company
I was recruited at Millersburg from Mercer and adjoining by Oliver A. Bridgford. On October 20, 1861, the citizens turned out with their teams and took the men to Camp Blackhawk, near Eock Island. They remained there until November 20, when they were taken to Gamp Douglas, Chicago, and there, on December counties,
mustered into service in the 45th Illinois, known as the "Washburn Lead Mine regiment. Col. John E. Smith, of Galena, commanding. The company was organized with 95 men and the election of the following officers O. A. Bridgford, captain James Balfour, first lieutenant; and H. H. Boyce, second lieutenant. These officers were commissioned by Gov. Yates December 24, 1861. The regiment was ordered south January 17, 1862, and was conveyed by rail to Cairo, where it remained in camp till February 3, and having been assigned to the brigade of Col. W. H. L. "Wallace, and Gen. McClernand's division, moved and landed at Camp Halleck, below Fort Henry, on The following day all able-bodied men were ordered to march the 4th. with three days' rations, and the same evening thej' arrived at Fort Henry, just in time to see the rebels fleeing toward Fort Donelson. On the 12th it marched to Donelson and took a conspicuous part in the The flag of the 45th was the siege and capture of that stronghold. the rebel works. The regiment first on had several killed and 26 Among the latter Lieut. On wounded. was Boyce, of Co. I. March 4 it moved to the Tennessee river and embarked on the transport Silver Moon for Savannah, Tennessee, where it encamped a few 2-1,
;
:
days.
Duncan, of Co. I, mysteriously disappeared. He was not feeling well and one night about twelve o'clock said he would go to get a drink. He left the tent and was never afterward heard of. The Pinhook raid, lasting two days, was one of the diversions of the" regiment while lying at Savannah. On the 25th it went to Pittsburg landing and camped near Shiloh church, and on the 6th and 7th of April fought on that ground, losing 26 killed and 199 wounded and missing, nearly one-half of the regiment. Company I lost 54, including the captain and first lieutenant, who were wounded, the latter mortally. The remaining 13 were commanded by the third corporal. The regiment remained on the Jbattlefield until May 30 then it took up the line of march for Corinth and was present throughout the siege. It next marched to Jackson, Tennessee, and a part of the regiment, including Co. I, was stationed on the railroad to "While
there
Oscar
J.
FOETY-FIBTH ILLINOIS INFANTEY.
1061
On the Slst of August the rebels, 4,000 strong, made on Medan, where Co. I was encamped, but after four The loss in the regiment hours' hard fighting were forced to retire. wounded and 43 13 prisoners. killed, Second Lieut. William L. 3 was Immediately afterward the regiment Green, Co. I, was killed.
guard bridges. an attack
marched to
Memphis and embarked for Vista plantation, where it removement was begun against Vicksburg from the
mained until the rear.
Between the 1st and 15th of May it fought five memorable battles, and with distinguished bravery sustained the honor of our flag. These
Hudson) on the 1st, Bayou Pierre the 3d, and Champion Hill the 15th. Eaymond McPherson's corps 30th of June made an assault on the rebel On the Hill had been mined, and the 45th was selected to ehai-ge Fort works. should when it be blown up. A wide opening was rent into the breach earthworks, and into it the regiment went like an avar in the massive
were Thompson's Hill (Port
the 12th, Jackson the 14th,
A desolating
lanche.
faltering for
a
moment
storm of missiles thinned it
planted
its flag
its
in the fort
ranks, but vdthout
and held the
posi-
This has been jjronounced one of the grandest acts of the war.
tion.
The
Three were killed and 54 wounded.
and and shared the
23d, 25th, 31st, 56th
124th Illinois regiments also took part in the action
its splendid conduct Gen. McPherson appointed head the army on its entrance into Yicksburg, aijd ordered that its regimental flag be hoisted over the court-house of the city. It was sent in a few days to Black river, where it remained till the winter of 1863^, when, having re-enlisted, it went home on veteran furlough of thirty days. Meantime it had been on the famous Meridian raid,
glory.
In honor of
the 45th to
and done lighter service, with
On
some skirmishing.
the expiration of furlough the regiment reassembled at Free-
Co. I where it received a large number of recruits. was increased to about 80. In the month of April the command went by rail to Cairo, thence by steamer to Clifton, Tennessee, and port, IlUnois,
ing the
marched across the country and joimed Sherman's army Georgia. It remained there about two months, guardbridge across the Etowah and patroling the railroad, and then
took
place with the
from there
it
at Cartersville,
•
eity
its
army
the regiment followed
After the
in front of Atlanta.
Hood back
fall
of the
nearly to the Tennessee river
;
went on the march to the sea. About the middle of January it was transferred by water from Savannah to Beaufort, whence it started, about the 1st of February, on the campaign of then returning to Atlanta,
the Carolmas. the regiment
At
the crossing of the Salkahatchie, at Elver's bridge,
was engaged a whole day.
Again
at
Orangeburg
it
met
1062
HISTORY OF MEKCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
the enemy, and also at Bentonville.
It
proceeded with the
rest of the
army to Washington and took part in the grand review. Then it went by rail to Louisville, Kentucky, where it was mustered out July 12, 1865, and arrived in Chicago the 15th for final
The 45th achieved a high reputation
payment and
for gallant service.
discharge.
When
first
mustered in it had 960, rank and file when it returned on veteran furlough its ranks had been thinned by disease and battle to 231. They were recruited to 706, of whom 393 men and 17 ofiicers were all who returned on the final muster-out. ;
FIFTY-NINTH ILLINOIS INFANTEY. In Co.
B
its
more was designated during the first
of this regiment were twenty or
Henderson county.
It
service as the 9th Missouri.
soldiers from
months of In the early stage of the war the gensix
government checked enlistments by refusing to accept the eager who were determined to render service. The companies composing this regiment showed their ardent patriotism by crossing over to St. Louis, where the organization was finally completed as a In February, 1862, the designation was changed Missouri regiment. by order of the war department. John 0. Felton, formerly a captain eral
volunteers
in the regular army, but lately
Fremont's
staff",
first
was commissioned
assistant adjutant general on Gen. colonel.
The regiment was mus-
For some time prior to this the various companies had been working on fortificar tions and doing guard and picket duty at St. Louis and Cape Girardeau. September 21 the regiment was ordered to Jefferson City, and was in tered for United States service on September 18, 1861.
constant activity until at
Pea Eidge.
March 7 and
8,
Lieut. -Col. Frederick
1862,
when
it
fought gloriously
and Ma,ior P. Sidney Post were
severely wounded. The latter, on the resignation of Col. Kelton three weeks afterward, was commissioned colonel. May 22, the regiment embarked from Cape Girardeau for Haqiburg Landing, and participated in the siege of Corinth. It marched to various places, skirmished some, and on August 18 crossed the Tennessee river at Eastport. Col. Post took command of the brigade at this time, and continued to act in this enlarged sphere until again seriously ville, just anterior to
wounded at the battle of NashThe 59th reached Florence,
the close of the war.
Alabama, the 24th, and marching thence via Lawrenceburg, Columbia and Franklin, arrived at Murfreesboro September 1. It moved north with Buell's army on the 3d, and reached Louisville on the 26th. Out of 361 men who went into action at PerrysviUe October 8, 113 were
SEVENTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. either killed
or wounded.
Kentucky, on the 14th.
It
was
1063
in a severe skirmish at Lancaster,
On November
Y it arrived at Nashville, and belonged to Gen. Jefferson C. Davis' It fought with its olddivision and Gen. A. McC. McCook's corps. When retiring with time gallantry at Stone River, and lost heavily. the shattered right wing on that terrible Wednesday, it brought off It served safely by hand a battery whose horses had all been killed. continuously with Gen. Rosecrans until he was relieved of his command in October, 1863. On the Chattanooga campaign it was away up the Lookout range so far to the right, under McCook, as to excite a During the battle of trembling uneasiness for the safety of the army. CMekamauga, Post's brigade had charge of the wagon train, and In the assault on Missionary Eidge, was not in the engagement. November 25, the 59th led the brigade. Pursuing to Ringgold, it Novemattacked the enemy in position and drove him successfully. Janber 30 it was sent to aid in burying the dead at Chickamauga. uary 12, 1864, it was mustered as a veteran organization. It returned from its furlough reorganized, and went on the Atlanta campaign, fought at Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Adairsville, Kingston, Ackworth, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Smyrna Camp Ground, Rough and Ready, and Lovejoy. It followed Hood back to Tennessee, skirmished at Columbia, on November 29 attacked the rebel army in flank as it was marching on Spring Hill, and fought all day it marched that night and the following day without rest, and reached Franklin in time to take part in that bloody battle. It was in the thickest of the fight at Nashville, December 15 and 16 on the first day opening the engagement and planting the first colors on the rebel works, and on the second day leading the successful assault on Over-
went into
camp
at Edgefield.
It
;
;
ton's Hill. in
In March, 1865, the regiment went to East Tennessee, and North Carolina. Returning to Nashville the last of the
April into
went to New Orleans, and in July arrived at Indiamarched to San Antonio, and was stationed at New Braunfels till December 8, when it was mustered out and sent to Springfield, Illinois, for final payment and discharge.
month, in June nola, Texas.
it
It
SEVENTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. was organized at Quincy by Col. Wm. H. Benneson, and mustered into the United States service SeptemIn Co. H were thirty-three enlisted soldiers, and at least one second lieutenant, Samuel Simmons, from the southwest corner
This regiment in August, 1862,
ber
1.
officer,
1064
HISTORY OF MEROER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
of Henderson county, about Dallas, besides a few scattered through other companies.
The regiment
men who left
were Quincy for
September 20, 934 strong. October 5 it was ordered to Shepardsville to guard the railroad bridge across the Rolling Fork, Louisville
and on the 14th was stationed on the Lebanon branch railroad, for its Remaining there till January, it ascended the Cumberprotection. land river to Nashville, and joined Rosecrans' army at Franklin, whence it moved forward on the TuUahoma campaign as far as Shelbyville, where it stayed till September 6. Meantime it had been assigned to Gorden Granger's corps, and moved on Chattanooga, crossing the Tennessee river and reaching Rossville, Georgia, the 14th. At RingOn the 20th it did heavy fighting at gold it skirmished on the 17th. Chickamauga and lost fifty-eight, killed and wounded, and fifty-six prisoners. It was confined in Chattanooga during the two months' siege, and assisted in carrying Missionary Ridge, November 25, with Having marched to the relief of Burnside at Knoxville, slight loss. it returned and went into winter quarters at Rossville, from whence it started on the Atlanta campaign May 2, 1864. Besides almost constant skirmishing, it fought heavily at Resaca, Rome, Peach Tree creek and Jonesboro. At the latter place its loss of eighty-three was the result of charging a six-gun battery, which it captured. On September 28 it moved with the rest of the division into northern Alabama, in chase of Forrest's forces, and at Gaylesville rejoined the army which had followed Hood, and returned to Atlanta. From there it marched through the heart of Georgia to Savannah, and turning northward swept through the Carolinas, continuing its destruction of property in its course, and fought at Bentonville March 19, repelling the successive and fierce charges of the enemy, and sustaining a loss of forty-four. It was with Sherman's grand army until its disbandment at Washington after the national review. It brought to Chicago, where it arrived June 10, 1865, and was discharged, 373 men and twenty oflScers.
GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP. Greenville precinct comprises
all
of T. 11, R. 4, which
lies
north of
south of Hender-
Smith creek, and that portion of T. 12, R. 4, which is son river and Cedar creek, which is near thirty-nine sections or about It is bounded on the north by Henderson river and 25,000 acres. Cedar creek, on the east by Warren county, on the south by Biggsville Its principrecinct and Smith creek, and on the west by T. 11, R. 5. pal streams are those which bound it on the north and south with Fall
GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP. and Eust creek,
ci-eek
1065
of which trend in a southwesterly direction.
all
gently rolling with a border of abrupt hills around The streams the north, west and a portion of the southern boundary. and the broken portions of the precinct are skirted with a fine growth Its
general surface
which
of timber, of shag
is
is
many
utilized for
practical purposes.
It consists
bark hickory, red hickory, red and white elm, white, blue and
box
prickly ash,
elder,
sycamore, basswood, white and black walnut, and burr oak, cottonwood, honey locust,
sugar and soft maple, red, white
American aspen, mulberry, red bud, and wild plum. The soil of the Bitumiis a deep black loam, the subsoil being of brown clay.
uplands
nous coal has been found in very small quantities, but not sufficient to be
A
of any utility.
make an
would
sides of Eust
calcareous deposit
excellent
is
found along Fall creek, which
body for painting purposes.
Along the
hill-
creek and Fall creek are found outcroppings of Burlington
limestone, that of
Eust creek having a brownish
cast caused
by
its
being tinctured largely with oxide of iron, that of Fall creek being of a lighter cast,
more calcareous matter. Here many kinds of which are identified with the upper Burlingand nowhere, perhaps, have the sfone-lily's been found in containing
crinoidea are found, all of ton period
;
abundance and in a better state of preservation. Other fossils are abundant, especially brachiopods. Bryozoa is also found, mostly in greater
the
Keokuk
strata.
EARLY SETTLEMENT. The cinct
first
man who, with
Indiana.
He
settled
home in Greenville prewho came from Bartholomew county,
his family, found a
was Capt. William Beaty,
on the
S.
W. f
of
Sec".
17,
T. 11, E.
4,
in
made the first crop of any kind in the precinct. Here he built a cabin of hewn logs, a remnant of which still remains. At this time there were many Indians in the vicinity who paid almost May, 1830, and
For four years there was not another white were the Fences, living in T. 11, Sec. 5. Indians, which began with the During the hostilities in 1831, Mr. Beaty moved his family to Pence's Fort, which stood on the west bank of Henderson river, in T. 11, Sec. 5. They remained daily visits to
the Beatys.
person in the precinct, the nearest neighbors
here until the close of the Bla^ik
war, with the exception of a
and winter of 1831. was born in the
Beaty, the first white child, light
Hawk
September 9, 1831, Ezra and first saw the on the 14th of the same month Mrs. Beaty died. Then there
few months in the fall
precinct,
were but twenty-five persons within reach to attend the funeral. Sadly they lowered the mortal remains of this pioneer woman into the first
grave ever
made
for a white person in the township.
Mr. Beaty
HISTOEY OF MEECER
1066
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
married Miss Jane T. Russell, of the Jemison settlement, on South Henderson, June 27, 1833. The marriage occurred in what is now Biggsville precinct, but this
was the
first
union in which any one from
the precinct was a contracting party.
an end and Black Hawk with his and gone beyond the Mississippi to return no more forever. People became fully assured of quiet possession of their lands and homes, and emigration headed toward the military tract, and Greenville received her portion. In 1834 Hercules N. Honey came from Ohio and settled on the same section with Mr. Beaty. He did some blacksmithing, which was the first done in the precinct, but soon tiring of the outlook for the future he returned to his former home at Dayton, Ohio. The same year came Jacob Rust, and settled on section 9, where B. F. Frysear now lives. The next year, in company with S. S. Phelps, he commenced the erection of a grist-mill, near his residence, but on account of a misconstruction of some of its parts it was a failure, involving Mr. Rust financially. He is still living and has his home in Pottawattamie county, Iowa. In the spring of 1836 the Rice brothers, James F., Thomas H., George P. and William C. came. James H. has long since been dead Thomas H. and George P. now live in Monmouth "William C. is now, and has been for many years, county judge of Henderson county. In the same year John Hopkins settled on Sec. 35, T. 12,
The Indian
troubles
had come
to
warriors had bid a sad farewell to Illinois,
;
;
R.
4.
In the autumn of this year occuiTed the
precinct, that of
James
Scott and
Anna Hopkins,
marriage in the John.
now 'owned by John Holliday. William P. Toler and Thomas EUett came from
lived on the farm Coghill,
first
sister of
They
In the spring B.
0.
near Rich-
mond, Virginia, on a tour of inspection. The next year they came and located permanently. Mr. Coghill, who had been a large slave owner, manumitted them, bringing two with him, who, under contract, were to work for a certain time and gain their absolute freedom thereby. They bred trouble for him and were sent back. He commenced the erection of a mill, on a site which is still used for that purpose, on the south side of Henderson river. Thomas Ellett, the friend of Coghill, who had come with him on the weary tramp Irom Virginia, settled on section 9. July 4, 1836, he raised his cabin and named the grove in which it stood Independence Grove. Mrs. M. H. Mills has in her possession a piece of moss-grown shingle which was a pari of the original roof of this house.
William H. Mills wended his weary way from Dearborn county, Indiana, and settled near the bluflF on section 18. He now lives on
GREENVILLE 'TOWNSHIP. section 16,
and although old can
pioneer days with
tlie
Anderson Davis and This was in 1836.
much
tell
a story of the hardships of those
zest of a boy.
W. H.
1067
Prior to Mr. Mills' coming,
Davis, his brother, came from Virginia.
They were both moral, upright gentlemen, and did and social upbuilding of the community. Mr.
for the material
W. H. Davis taught perhaps the
first
school in the county, in the
winter of 1836-7.
The game year came Eobert Taliaferro and his four sons, Eobert, C, J. Brooke, and C. Walker. The father and mother
Benjamin
Kobert and J. Brooke have found homes a prominent attorney and politician at C. "Walker runs and operates the Fall creek
have long since been dead.
Benjamin C.
in the west.
Aledo, Mercer county. miUs, near
where they
is
first settled.
name of a farm not far from here, was man named Rhodes, who afterward went to Texas, hence Texas Grove, the
a
settled
by
the name.
is on section 9. At the south end of the precinct the first settler was Maj. James C. Hutchison, with his wife and four sons, Samuel, Robert M., Benjamin, Thomas H., and Elizabeth and Sarah, his daughters. They came from Ohio, journeyed down the Ohio and up the Mississippi by steamboat. They landed at Oquawka at sunrise, on the morning of June 2, 1833, when there were but four resident families in the town. They settled on section 36. This was just north of the Jemison settlement, on South Henderson. Samuel now lives in Monmouth Robert hves at Walla Walla, Oregon Thomas H. died in Polk county, Oregon, in 1850 John W., who was Vjorn soon after their arrival here, was killed by the cars at Hornellsville, New York, in 1863 Benjamin lives at the old homestead. The subsequent year John Glass, with his family, settled near the Hutchisons, On section 34, and Charles Sargeant, a soldier of the war of 1812, came in 1835, and settled on the same section with Glass. The next persons who came were Joel Haines and family, in 1837, settling on tL j south side of what is now the Oquawka and Monmouth road. Amos Haines came in 1840 and settled near. John Reed came in 1841 and opened a farm on section 24, and Isaac Woods settled near in the same year. These people nearly all came from Ohio, and were industrious and frugal and have made life a success by the accumulation of plenty. John Welsh, who now lives in the same vicinity, came in 1835 from Buffalo, New York,
This
;
;
;
;
and looked into and
saw the advantages of the country.
New
He
returned
York, and in 1840 came with his family and first had *his home on section 17. Just east of Mr. Welche's the first permanent to
blacksmith-shop
was erected in 1843 by
J.
B. Wheeling.
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
1068
Among
those
precinct were
who came
COUNTIES.
at a later date to the north part of the
Amos
Edwin and James first disciple
AND HENDEESON
Morris, in 1840, Israel Stockton and his sons, B., in 1841. In 1846 J. J. Hulburt, M.D., the
of JEsculapius in the vicinity, purchased B. C. Coghill's
and commenced the practice of medicine. William William L. Stockton, who for many years followed school teaching, came the same year.Greenup Stillwell came from Indiana in 1839, and settled in the north end of the precinct. Pie was one of the millwrights who rebuilt the Eust mill. He is still living on his farm where he first settled. Among those who came at a later date are the Matthewses and Hollidays, the Campbells and the Fairs, all of whom, themselves or some
interest in section 3
C. Toler settled, in 1838, at Coghill's mills.
of their descendants, are living in the vicinity.
IMPROVEMENTS. The
was the one by Jacob Rust and In 1836 Benjamin C. Coghill commenced the erection of a mill on Henderson river for the purpose of cutting lumber. To this, in 1839, he added a flouring mill, which went into successful operation. This mill site is now owned and operated by Richard Foulkes, Esq., a man of ripe experience in the business. The original building has been replaced by one more substantial, fitted with all modern improvements. The machinery of the mill, built by Jacob Rust, was bought by Joseph HoUingsworth and removed to its present site, on Fall creek, in 1846. He buUt a large first
mill built in the precinct
others in 1834, which was a failure.
frame structure, putting in first class complements for those now owned and operated by Mr. C. Walker Taliaferro. the mill where,, on that fatal night of January, 1859, oflieer
four-story
days.
This
It is is
David Welsh was smitten by the hand of a murderer. The dark of gore yet remain to show the spot where he met his fate.
stains
CRIME.
The precinct of Greenville is as free from the imputation of crime any other in the county. In its fifty years of history only one life has been lost by violence, that of officer David Welsh, murdered by Enoch HoUingsworth and Jacob Yeider on the cold and bleak morning of January 11, 1859. The shooting, the death, and subsequent arrest of Enoch HoUingsworth and Yeider, as principals, and Joseph Hollingsworth as accessory, perl^aps created more excitement than any other event of a similar or any other nature which ever occurred in the county. The facts of the case are,- in the light which time sheds on such occurrences, about as follows Joseph HoUingsworth was at as
:
GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP. that time the Fall creek.
1069
owner of the Holliiigswovth flouring
He rented
mills, situated
on
the mill to his sou, Addison, for the year 1859,
beginning of the year. Some diffiwith his agents, forcibly and Enocb and his family without due process of law, ejected the son. moved into the mill, and Yeider with them, determined to keep posIn putting Addison out of the mill they had made an infracsession. This was tion of the law by committing an assault and battery. Addison's hope to get possession, and smarting under the indignity, warrant he went to Oquawka and tiled an affidavit based on this. was issued for the arrest of Enoch and Yeider, and placed in the hands In the meantime the elder Hollingsworth, owner of David Welsh. of the mill, had gone away and left orders with Enoch and Yeider to Mr. Welsh, in company with Addison allow no one to enter the mill. the lessee taking possession at the culty occurred
soon
after,
and the
father,
A
Hollingsworth, Orrin Burr,
James Fryrear, N.
proceeded to the mill, which
is
S.
and E. F. Bamum,
about five miles northeast of Oquawka
gloomy ravine, surrounded by the high bluffs which border on Arriving there about two o'clock in the morning of January 11, he summoned the occupants to open the doors and allow him ingress, at the same time telling them he had sufficient authority for commanding them to do so. He was refused, with the remark that "the first man who put his head in at the door would get a hole through it. " He saw that further parleying was useless, and sent one of the posse to get an axe, with which he forced the door and fearlessly walked in to do his duty as an official, followed by the others. Those within were on an upper floor, which was reached by ascending a stairway. He calmly climbed this and walked into the face of death. The moment he reached the landing Yeider fii-ed on him with a rifle. He fell to the floor, his thigh horribly shattered by in a
Henderson river and Fall creek.
the force of the ball. that
Surgeons were immediately
amputation was necessary to
life.
He
called,
and decided
died the next day between
two and four o'clock.* Enoch Hollingsworth and Yeider were immediately arrested and brought before justices Richey and
the hours of
Waterhouse on a charge of wilful murder.
Johnathan Simpson, James
H. Stewart, and D. B. Waters for the prosecution, and B. C. Talia-
James D. Wolfe, and Eleizar Paine for the defense. The examiwas long, tedious, and hotly contested. The charge was sustained, and the defendants sent to jail to await the action of the grand jury. Tuesday, February 1, Joseph Hollingsworth was arrested on a charge as accessory, had his preliminary hearing, and went to jail. March 7, a writ of habeas corpus was sued out before Judge Thompson, who decided that Enoch and Yeider could not be admitted to bail. ferro,
nation
1070
I-II8T0EY
OF MEKCEE AND I-IENDEESON COUNTIES.
Joseph Hollings worth was recognized in the penal sum of $3,000. At May a true bill was returned against Enoch and Yeider for murder, and against the elder Hollingsworth as an accessory. The matter came up for hearing at the current term. A motion for a change of venue was made, and the case was sent to Mercer county for trial. It came on for hearing at the September term of the same year. A nolle prosequi was entered in the case of Joseph Hollingsworth. Enoch and Yeider were found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to the penitentiary for two years. During the autumn and winter of 1878 the people of Greenville and adjacent country began to miss various articles from among their chattels. Dm-ing the hours of night they would disappear, and whither they went and where they were was not a problem of easy solution. But there were those within the burglarized district whose bosoms held the secret. Silently, mysteriously, at the dead, dark hours of night rode a secret clan who pillaged the country of anything of value which came in their way. To the uninitiated the mystery grew more and more incomprehensible. A vigilance committee was organized, but they were not successful in bringing the midnight plunderers to the bar of justice. Silently, enveloped in an insoluble mystery, which vailed them from detection, they continued to plunder. But a silent agency was at work, and the unerring hand of justice was weaving for the seemingly chimerical clan a robe of retribution. John Lunney, Jacob Henderson, Wm. "Van Pelt, David Mitchell, and Charles Henderson, were arrested on a charge of burglary and larceny in January, 1879. This fell like a thunderclap amid sunshine on the people of the vicinity, as most of them belonged to the best families of the neighborhood, but the mystery was solved. The grand jurj^ indicted them at the March term. Lunney, Jacob Henderson and Van Pelt went to the meeting of the grand jury in
Some one connected with the and during the summer, while lying sick
the penitentiary for two years each. affair
turned
state's evidence,
at night, three disguised meR entered his room with bludgeons hand to repay him for his inconstancy. They beat him severely. Eugene Hunt, Timothy Page and Jasper Jones were indicted at the August term for burglary with intent to murder, were tried. Hunt being found guilty, and the others acquitted.
abed
in
EDUCATIONAL. The
first
school-house in the precinct
was
built in the
autumn of
school in the precinct was taught during the winter following, by N. H. Davis. Mr. Davis relates an amusing incident that occurred dm-ing the term. One evening near 1836, on Sec. 18.
Here the
first
GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1071
he was disturbed by some one imitating the call of but he did not succeed in discovering the culprit. On looking
the hour of closing, turkeys,
however, he saw the house surrounded by a flock of these birds. man by the name of Pence the master's rifle, which in those A pioneer days was not infrequently a part of the school furniture, and out,
young
succeeded in bringing
down a
fine turkey,
which he presented
to the
master.
The people in building tlie school-house had done it voluntarily, timber from their land and bringing in common. They concluded to locate the house on a piece of land belonging to one Wein, a non-resident, and in consideration of this cut none of his timber. Wein visiting the neighborhood, and seeing the school-house, concluded The people hearto move in, and commenced preparations to do so. ing of this concluded that it might not be best to allow him to get into possession. They soon hit upon a plan to thwart his calculations.
cutting the
and in Mr. "Wein's absence they in it on another man's land; this being easily done as it was constructed of logs. Wein returned, saw what had been done, and. made up his mind to have
There was a mustering of the clans, a few hours tore
recourse to law.
down
He
the building, and raised
accordingly brought suit ibr trespass.
Archie
John H. Mitchell appearing for the complainant. Judge Ivory Quinby, and 0. II. Browning, afterward a United States senator, appearing for the defense. The matter was tried before Stephen A. Douglas, at that time district judge. Mr. Wein lost his case, and was mulcted for the costs of the action. This school was kept up for some time, but was finally succeeded by the Liberty school. This old building is now a part of a dwelling, which may be seen about a half mile west of Eosetta postoflice. The first school-house at number one was built of logs, some distanse from where the present house stands, which was erected in 1858. This was the first district organized in the Williams and
precinct.
The second school was near where the Science Hill school-house now stands. The present building was built in 1854 and remodeled in 1880. This is district No. 5. The next school-house in point of time is Hazel Dell, buUt in 1842. The building now in use was built in 1856. The next is the Libei-ty school-house, first ei-ected in 1845. The brick structure now in use was built in 1858. This is near where the old subscription house was built in 1836. The Aurora school-house was first built in 1849, about a half mile from where it now stands. Three or four years afterward it was removed to the present site. Eeed's school-house was first built in 1858. The present structure was erected in 1874.
The Maple Grove school-house was
built in 1863.
HISTORY OF MEEOEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1072
The
schools of this precinct, which
log building erected of logs in 1836,
had their inception in the old by the people in common, have
grown to a systematic system. The old log houses have passed away. The subscription school, kept up perhaps for three months during the year, have been succeeded by the present fine structures, with all the modern appliances and conveniences, and the doors are open to all for nine months in the year. For schools in the year ending June 30, 1881, there was a total outlay of $2,901.43.
SMITH CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH Is the only church of the
denomination in Greenville
pioneers of this faith met June
6,
A few
precinct.
1853, at Liberty school-house and
organized by electing M. M. Roberts and jff H. Davis, elders Amos Haimes and E. D. Jackson, deacons, with the following members E. D. Jackson, M. M. Roberts, J. K. Rust, Charles R. Brown, R. T. Davis, N. H. Davis, Phoebe Darliell, Sarah W. Davis, Jane D. Rust, Fanny C. .
;
:
Anne Brown, Susan Lane, Sarah A. Haines, Elizabeth A. Roberts, Sarah J. Morris, Sarah J. Brown and Mary Peterson. . The organization was due greatly to the untiring efforts of Elder Alexander Davidson, of Monmouth, Illinois. Mr. Davidson was the
Davis, Isabella C. Jackson, Abigail Beaty,
Having a society well organized, the next object elder in charge. was the erection of a suitable church edifice. Mr. Amos Haines and N. H. Davis set to work with a will and the necessary funds were soon subscribed, and a neat frame structure was built on Sec. 21, T. 11, R. i, near what is now Rosetta postofiice, during the autumn of 1853, at a first
cost of something near $1,000.
are the elders who have been in charge of the work Alexander Davidson, Bedford Murphy, Smith Wallace, James E. Gaston, Eli Fisher, Joseph B. Royal, L. O. McPherson, James For the space of Butler, and others whose names do not appear. eight or ten years the church increased in numbers and was highly prosperous, but during the war it began to decline and to disintegrate, and finally was given up. The last record appears during the year 1873. The church building still stands, a sad monument to the unstability of human determination and human mind. The family of Coghill trace their ancestry back to 1377. Benjamin
The following
there
^
:
back to the Slingsbys of ScrivenBenjamin C. Coghill was born near Richmond, VirMarch 9, 1804. Here he grew to manhood and was given a
C. Coghill traced the maternal line hall,
ginia,
in 1135.
classical education in a college in his native state.
came
into
an estate
sufficient
At
his majority he
for his maintenance among the Virginia
GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1073
February, 1833, he was married to Miss Millicent Eichmond, who died September 24, of the subseIn 1835 he was married to Miss Mary A. Ellett, a cousin quent year. In 1834 he purchased and owned for some time the wife. first his of For years he had entertained farm on which Patrick Henry was born.
gentry of that day. Ellett,
a native of
a growing aversion to the institution of slavery.
In 1835 he determined to leave slave territory forever and find a home on free soil. In September of that year he traveled on horseback through the states of Ohio, Indiana
and
Illinois.
Returning in November he began arrange-
ments for his removal to Henderson county. his
As
to the sincerity of
views in opposition to the institution of slavery, let the following
extract
from a
a relative attest: ""Being deeply impressed
letter to
would come and feehng earnestly desirous that neither I nor any of my children should engage in such a strife, and further, not wishing to raise my children among the negroes, my thoughts were turned to the west as the place wherein these evils might be avoided." As soon as I had folly determined to remove to a free state, the question arose in my mind, what shall I do with my negroes ? I gave the matter much carefiil consideration and made it the subject of much earnest prayer. The temptation to sell and get the money for them was strong. The conflict between the devil and the man was fierce and bitter, but thanks be to God who giveth strength, my sense of duty was the stronger. I procured good homes for the aged and sent all the younger ones to Liberia. June 1836, Mr. Coghill, in company with several of his neighbors, removed to Henderson county and settled in G-reenville precinct, and has been identified with almost every prominent measure pertinent to the county's interest while he was a citizen of it. He was a member of the first board of county commissioners. He was married a third time to Loucie LeFevre, of Hannibal, Missouri. Mr. Coghill died at Ennis, Texas, whither he had removed some time previous for the benefit of his health. The great work of his life was the upbuilding of the Kozetta Baptist church, and as its history is so inseparably connected with his, the one would not be complete without the other. with the conviction that war, terrible in its consequences, sooner or later,
On May 10,
1837, the following
of Benjamin C. Coghill,
and
after
named persons met at
choosing
ceeded to organize themselves into
;
the residence
Clark moderator, pro-
an independent religious society
William E. Ellett, Benjamin C. Coghill, William P. Toler, Mary A. Coghill, Kezia Coghill, Susan Ellett, Mary Ellett.
:
Clark,
For many But in time their earnestness of purpose and firm determination had its effect, and in 1849, their numbers having been greatly increased, they were enabled to build a years the progress of the
church was slow.
1074
IIISTOEY OF
MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
The building was finished and accepted by the trustees on the fourth Saturday in December, 1849, and on Sunday, January 25, 1850, was solemnly dedicated by elder Monroe. The church has now a membership of about seventy-five in good standIn Greenville precinct there are ing. Its financial condition is good.
comfortable house of worship.
at present three other
churches of different denominations, but of
which no records can be found.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF SMITH CREEK CONGREGATIOxX (UNITED PRESBYTERIAN). BY REV.
R. E.
WILKIN.
This congregation dates the beginning of its history from the year In March of this year an organization was effected through the 1847.
W. French
as commissioner. The following-named members at that time: Ritchey Campbell, Mary Campbell, John W. Woods, Ifancy "Woods, David Irwin, Jane Irwin, Susanna Davis, James Gibson, Sarah Gibson, Mary Hogue, Isaac Woods, and Elisabeth Woods, twelve in all. The session was formed by the election and ordination of Messrs. Ritchey Campbell and John W. Woods as ruling elders. In 1849 their first pastor.
agency of Rev. R.
persons were received as
Rev. JSTathaniel McDowell, was settled, preaching in connection with Olena in Henderson county and North Henderson in Mercer county. This relation existed five years, or until April, 1854. For the two years following the congregation was supplied occasionally with preaching
by traveling
missionaries.
of 1858, Rev. Elijah
congregation. .
McCoy
Afterward, from .1856 until the summer
labored acceptably as stated supply for the
In 1858 occurred the union of the two denominations
(Associate and Associate Reformed) which
now
constitute the United
In that year the Associate congregation of Smith Creek united with the Associate Reformed congregation of Smyrna, which had been organized in the same vicinity April 6, 1855, thus constituting the United Presbyterian congregation of Smith Creek. The united congregation received as its pastor the Rev. Samuel Millen, who had previously been settled as pastor over the Smyrna congregar The pastorate of Mr. Millen lasted for nearly fifteen tion in 1856. years, closing April, 1870. For a number of years following the conHowever, in the spring of 1875 a gregation was without a pastor. call was addressed to Rev. R. E. Wilkin to become their pastor. This call was accepted, and he began his labors in this field May 1, 1875. He continued his work here regularly for seven years, when, on the Presbyterian church.
first
of
May last (1882) he
felt
constrained, on account of faihng health
of his family, to resign the charge
of his
congregation.
During
its
: ;
GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP.
church has built and occupied three different houses of first in 1849, the second in 1857, and the present build-
history this
worship ing,
1077
the
:
a small but neat
and substantial frame
structure, capable of seating
The present ruling elders, A. B. Hamill, A. H.
200 persons, erected in 1881, at a cost of about $2,000.
of the congregation are
officers
:
Hays board of directors. Perry Beal, Henry and James H. Woods. Present membership of the congreGalloway,
Drennen, and Kobert
;
gation, seventy.
GreenviUe precinct was a part of
June 31 and
rate organization,
8,
1855.
It
Oquawka
comprises
precinct until
all
its
sepa-
of T. 11 N., K. 4
W.
and so much of sections 28, 29, 31 and 33 south of the south fork of Smith creek) election to be held at as lies school-house. All of that part of T. 12 N., E. 4 W., lying Liberty Henderson river south of to be attached to Greenville precinct election to be held at the postoffice in Eozetta. The west half of section 33, and all of sections 31 and 32 lying south and east of Henderson river,
(except sections
32,
;
;
4, to remain in Greenville precinct; the remainder 4 W., formerly in Greenville precinct, to be added to Bald Bluff precinct. Change made September 10, 1874, by order of
all
K.
in T. 12 N.,
of T. 12 N., R.
the county board.
ago the total population of Greenville precinct did not
Fifty years
exceed
In 1880
five.
Following
is
a
its
list
population was 1,108.
of the
names of the
justices of the precinct,
with the date of qualification annexed, since its separate organization
William H. Mills, November 10, Thomas V. C. Rice, November 16, 1857; William H. Mills, November 11, 1861 Geo. W. Loftus, November" 11, 1861 Geo. W. Loftus, November 21, 1864 William H. TurnbuU, November 27, 1864 George C. Watson, June 26, 1855
;
1857;
;
;
;
November 16, 1869 Geo. W. Lofftus, November 19, November 18, 1873 Henry Rice, November David Bryan, Noviember 16, 1876 John M. Lukens, June John M. Lukens, November 25, 1881 Andrew H. Drennen,
William H. Mills, 1869
;
Geo.
19,
1877
;
11,
1881
;
November
W.
;
Lofftus,
;
;
;
28, 1881.
Following
is
a
list
of the
names of
constables, with the dates of
from the separate organization of the precinct: John Creswell, June 18, 1855; B. D. Curtiss, November 12, 1856; Matthew S. Green, November 23, 1857 A. L. Morris, November 21, 1857; A. L. Morris, November 21, 1861; S. M. Reed, November 21, 1861 Samuel B. Fair, November 16, 1863 William Woods, January 5, 1867; John T. Morse, November 16, 1869; Charles H. Morris, November 19, 1869 WilUam R. R. Hurlburt, November 16, 1878 their
qualification,
;
;
;
;
61
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1078
"William McDill,
November 23, 1878
;
Amaziali B. Pershin, November
26, 1881.
Greenville now has seven schools and five churches. She has a population of near 1,500 persons, and wealth counted by the hundred thousand. She is dotted over with good, comfortable dwellings, which are the homes of a happy and prosperous people. The morals of the populace are as good as that of any other place in the world.. 'Tis wonderful to look at the advance of half a century. Fifty years ago this wae virgin soil whose bosom had never been tickled by the hand of man. Fifty years ago the woodlands were in their primitive state
the axe of ringing noise through these primeval glades. But at last he came, and the change he has wrought is mighty.
the pioneer had never sent
;
its
Instead of the quiet lethargy of the anti-pioneer days, the noise and
morn till dewy eve. The greatest individual industry in the precinct is undoubtedly that done by the fii-m of Musgove & Mills, nurserymen and fruit growers. bustle of industry is heard from early
Sitting
by their
fires
during the one cold evening of the winter of 1869-
men
conceived the idea of planting an apple orchard, and in the early part of the year commenced to make arrangements for it. 70, these
The
original intention
was
to
put out 110 acres.
secure enough stock to put out five acres.
cherry trees planted.
enough
Commencing
They only
could
This was done, and 200
in time they succeeded in securing
trees to finish planting the 110 acres the next year,
making
in
The winters being very severe a number of the trees, they made arrangements to
of both years setting 11,000 trees.
all
and
killing quite
raise their
own
trees for resetting.
In the winter of 1872 they put out ioO,000 apple evergreens, and
grafts, 300,000
Lenox, Iowa, sowed twenty acres in Osage orange seed, which would produce about 2,000,000 plants. The winter of 1872-3 killed nearly all the apple grafts, but not daunted or discouraged they reset them. The winter of 1873-4 killed near 5,000 near
apple trees for them which were reset in the spring.
Since the nureery
became old enough they have been doing a general nm'sery busiThey have ness, buying at wholesale the stock they did not grow. shipped trees and plants to all points in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. They are now closing out their nursery stock, and will engage stock
fii-uit growing. In this business they give employment from five to forty men, which varies with the seasons. On a farm opened by one Conger in 1837, in 1850 K. T. Pence set an orchard of thirty acres. This Mr. Musgove bought some years ago, and put the entire eighty acres in apple trees. In this and the partnership orchard
exclusively in to
;
GEEENVILLE TOWNSHIP. they have about 18,000 trees,, three-fourths of
1079
which are in bearing.
Since 1877 they have been shipping fruit to different points in the
West.
BIOGRAPHICAL. William H. and Lucbetia (Mokeis) Mills, lived in Dearborn county, Indiana, at the time of Myron Harding Mills' birth, which took place on the anniversary of the battle of 'New Orleans, January The Millses are of English descent. His paternal great8, 1839. grandfather, Lemas Mills, served under Washington during the war of the revolution, and endured all the hardships of the pestilence and His wife, Mary Heddin Mills, visited him starvation at Yalley Forge. in camp there, and ministered to the wants of the sick and perishing.
some relics of those days, among them which his great-grandfather wore through the war, and a mortar and pestle, made from beech-wood, which were His maternal grandfather, Amos Morris, used for pulverizing gi-ain. The father of Mr. Mills came to Henderson was in the war of 1812. county in 1840, and settled on the bluff west of Eozetta, living in a
Mr. Mills has in his possession •a
pair of silver knee-buckles,
lastily constructed in a
Young Myron attended school now is, and grew up to an uneventful life as other boys who are
cabin the
first
year.
house near where Liberty school-house
manhood with about such on a farm was married September
raised
;
daughter of
Thomas EUet,
They have One
1836.
Esq.,
;
14, 1859, to
Miss Sophia,
settled in Greenville precinct in
bom January 13, 1836. and won the rank of a lieuShiloh. by a ball from the rifle of
child, a son, Charles,
Mr. Mills was in Co. K, 84th tenant
who
111.
was wounded in the head
Vols., at
member of the firm of Musgove & Mills, nurserymen and fruit growers, who do an extensive business is a member of Kirkwood Post, G.A.R, No. 81, of I.O.O.F., and a sharp-shooter.
He
is
the junior
Masons.
William M. Maley, the subject of this sketch, has, by his bearing life, set an example worthy to be followed by persons in any station, and as a result he has the confidence of all who know him, and a competency of this world's goods. This is the outgrowth of his unflinching integrity. Mr. Maley was born in Greene coimty, Ohio, December 29, 1820. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth. Star Maley; his grandfather, Lawrence Maley, was of Irish birth. Being pressed into the Britisb service and transmitted to America to assist in. subjugating the rebellious colonists of 1776, he deserted what he believed to be an unholy cause, and settled in Pennsylvania. "When Mr. Maley was a lad of thirteen years, his parents left their Ohio home for a new one on the virgin prairies of Illinois. They selected
Ukroughout his
HISTOEY OF MKECEK
1080 as a place
Warren
on which
COUNTIES.
to settle a part of Sec. 30, T. 12 N., R.
At
county.
AND HENDERSON
the age of eighteen he went to
Keokuk
4
"W., in
county,
Iowa, where, on August' 30, 1841, at the age of twenty, he was marHarvey and Olive Stevens. They are the parents of three children, all sons. The eldest, Henry,
ried to Miss Elizabeth Stevens, daughter of
civil war in Co. K, 84th 111. Inf., and is The second, Charles, is engaged in blacksmithing and wagon-making at Little Fork, Illinois. Thomas, the youngest, remains at home, assisting his parents down the declining In 1846 Mr. Maley removed to Henderson county and side of life.
served three years during the
now
a successful farmer.
settled
on
general topics,
W.
Although Mr. Maley's opporwas very meager, he is now, on a well informed man, having quite a library of well 4
Sec. 5^ T. 11 N., E.
tunity for an education in early
life
selected books.
The grandfather of Jacob Spanglee emigrated to America from Germany in 1759 and settled in Maryland. He served through the war of the revolution and was with Washington at Trenton, Germantown and Brandywine. The parents of Jacob were Samuel and Barbai-a Spangler,
place he
who
was born July
ship as a stone-mason.
resided at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, at which 25, 1828.
At
Mr. Spangler served an apprentice-
the age of twenty-two he bade goodbye to
the place of his birth and found a
home
at
Oquawka,
Illinois.
In
1851 he led Lucy E., daughter of William and Eebecca Gray, to the hymeneal altar, and they became man and wife. The fruits of this
Joseph A., Lucy, Hulbertine (who died at an early age), Alice Carey, Jacob S., Hulbertine (named for the dead one), and Florence De Fontenay. Mr. Spangler was deputy sheriff of the county from 1859 to 1861, and was constable of his precinct for many years. Mr. Spangler, in connection with one of his sons, still works at the business to which he was brought up. He has always been a Jacksonian democrat and still clings tenaciously to that creed. He is very weU informed, and has succeeded in giving his children good educations. Some of theip are in professional life. EicHAED FouLKES was born of respectable parents in Montgomeryshircy Wales, April 7, 1825, and commenced for himself at the age of eleven as a farm hand, his wages being $10 per year with board. At the age of fifteen he went to the north of England to learn the miller's trade. In 1843 he came to America and commenced work at his trade in Utica, New York. From there he went to Akron, Ohio, and from there to Cleveland, where, on March 11, 1850, he was married to Miss Mary Evans, a native of Cardiganshire, South Wales. They are the parents of eight children: George E., Cyrus (now dead), marriage are seven children, as follows
:
,
GEKENl'ILLE TOWNSHIP.
Mamie
J.,
Charles J., Minnie, David G., Chester (deceased), Perry L.,
and one that died in infancy.
where he
1081
built a mill of his
In 1855 he moved to Burlington, Iowa, own and was soon in afflnent circum-
A few
years later the building with its storage, uninsm-ed, and left him only with a few hundi*ed dollars ground, buraed to the bank. He again went to work with a will, and is which he had in stances.
now the owner of Henderson Eiver Mills, Henderson county, and is Mr. Foulkes had no doing a successful and remunerative business. opportunity for an education, but by perseverance he has accumulated considerable knowledge of books. Oheistophee "W. Taliafeeeo's parentage was of Italian stock who came to this country prior to, took part in the revolution, and settled Mr. Taliaferro was bom near Richmond, Virginia, March in Virginia. came with his father to Henderson county in the spring of 2, 1830 In 1850 Mr. Taliaferro 1836, and settled on Sec. 5, T. 11 N., R. 4 W. went to California by the overland route and mined for fifteen months. He was sucjessfal, and returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New Orleans in 1852. September 12, 1852, he married Margaret, daughter of "William and Eunice (Barnum) Greene. Mrs. Greene is a cousin of P. T. Bamnm. They have one child, Z. Mazzam, who is now in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. Mr. Taliaferro is the inventor of the Champion com cultivator and several other plows. Between 1864 and 1873 he was proprietor of the Keithsburg agricultural works. He is now owner and operator of Tall Creek flouring mills. Mr. Taliaferro came here when there were but few settlers and saw all the incidents connected ;
with a pioneer
life.
David Beyans is a son of the Emerald Isle, having been born in Armagh county, Ireland, June 13, 1830. His father, Robert Bryans, was of Scotch descent his mother, Margaret Stewart, was a cousin of the merchant prince A. T. Stewart. Mr. Bryans, when quite young, was apprenticed to learn the trade of a linen weaver. At the age of twenty-one, from earnings saved from his scanty wages, he paid his way to New York city, and wandered from there to Pennsylvania, where he worked for a few years. From here he went to Indiana, and finally settled in Henderson county, Illinois. In 1861 he went to Pennsylvania and married Miss Catherine, daughter of Lewis and Letetia ;
(Watson) Cassey, February 11.
They
are the parents of eleven chil-
Horace E. Robert L. John C. Mary M. Wilham A., Fannie B., Lucy and Jane (twins), James H., Lizzie, Ida E. and Birdie Irene. Although Mr. Bryans commenced with nothing in capital but his iron will and strong nerve, he is now the owner of a dren, all of
whom
are living
:
,
,
,
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1082 fine
farm on Sec. 36, T. 12 N., R. 4 W., and also another in Iowa.
He
has
several public positions perfectly satisfactory to his
filled
constituency.
James Duke was born in Devonshire country, England, October 23, 1828. His parents were Lewis and Elizabeth (HoUoway) Duke. Tiring of English tyranny and English farm life, in 1848 they took passage and were wafted by the winds of heaven to the land and home of liberty, America, and settled on the then virgin prairies of IlUnois. James, young and robust, was put to work and helped to make a farm, in consequence of which his advantages for schooling were limited. He grew up thoroughly inured to the laborious life of a pioneer farmer. January 6, 1853, he was united in marriage with Millicent E., daughter of B. C. Coghill, one of the pioneers of the county. They are the parents of two children Mary E. (born January 16, 1867,) and Alpheus :
Wellington (born April 28, 1861). Lewis Duke, son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Holloway) Duke, was born in Devonshire county, England, December 31, 1831. His parents, who had always followed the vocation of farm labors, thought they might better themselves by going to America. Li 1843, by dint of strict economy, they had saved enough, and in March of that year they started for the land of the free. They settled for a few months in Pennsylvania, but being unfavorably impressed with the Keystone
They arrived in Henderson county autumn of the same year they left England. Lewis, being a rugged boy of twelve summers, set to work with his father to help make a farm. He was married March 1, 1860, to Fannie K., daughter of B. C. and Mary (Ellett) Coghill. They are the parents of nine children: the eldest, Clyde, born May 18, 1862; MoUie K, June 4, 1864; George L., March 15, 1867; Grace C, January 17, 1869; Benjamin K., October 23, 1870; Annie, July 8, 1872; Victor L., FebState they resolved to go to Illinois.
late in the
Blanche M., September 24, 1876 Cleo C, September Mr. Duke received his education principally in the common schools of the county. He has quite a selection of good books, and is withal intelligent and a pleasant conversationalist. Jambs Musgove, the subject of this sketch, has long been one o* the leading men of the vicinity in which he lives. His parents, Hiram and Sarah. Musgove, were residents of Louisa county, Virginia, where James was born May 11, 1825. The family is of Scotch origin. His father dying while he was quite young, in company with his mother he moved to Boss county, Ohio, at the age of seven years, where he went to learn the trade of a hatter. Not liking this business he soon quit it and went back to working on a farm. In 1840 they removed to Peoria ruary 11, 1864 6,
1881.
;
;
GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1083
where lie worked as a farm hand and farmed for himMarch 6, 1849, he was married to Susan M. Ewalt, daughter of John and Lucy Ewalt. They immediately moved to Henderson county, where he soon engaged in gi-owing osage orange plants, which was the Mr. Musgove is the owner of several beginning of his prosperity. ninety acres of farms, which is in apple orchard. He is also fine very member the firm of of Musgove & Mills, nurserymen and senior the They have a splendid orchard of 110 acres of apple trees ifruit growers. of aU varieties, the fruit of which find a ready market all over the west. They are closing out their nursery, and will engage exclusively in fruit growing. Mr. Musgove was for several years associated with Mr. James Eice in the nursery business at Kirkwood, Illinois. He has engaged extensively in stock raising and stock dealing in times past, and yet Mr. Musgove is the father of nine children, does considerable at it. boys and seven girls. The eldest, Aurora Annette, born February two Lucy Paralee, February Charles Edward, October 24, 1850 1, 1852 11, 1854, died in infancy; Susan Mary, August 19, 1856, died in childhood Martha Eebecca, March 14, 1858 Fannie Duke, September 11, 1861; Carrie, FebAiary 15, 1863; Spurgeon, August 31, 1864; Cora Maud, September 17, 1868. Mr. Musgove is now well-to-do, well informed, and can go down the shady side of life with all to county, Illinois, self.
;
;
;
;
commend, nothing to regret. Hon. W. A. M. Ceonch, of Rozetta, Illinois, was bom in Washington county, Pennsylvania, September 19, 1841. He attended the
common
schools of the vicinity
and finished his education
at Jefferson
Cannonsburg, in his native state. In April, 1860, he came Henderson county and the following autumn took charge of the
College, to
Aurora school in T. 11, R.
4,
which he taught for two years, and has He is now engaged in farming and
ever since resided in the district.
He
stock raising.
erar assembly
;
represented his district in the twenty-seventh gen-
has since been county commissioner, and
is
now
a
board of equalization. He is a member of the masonic fraternity and is a Master Mason. He is a republican, and has been since the birth of the party. He married Sarah G. Leebrick, daughter of Samuel and Rachel Leebrick, of Burlington, Iowa. They
member of the
are the parents
state
of seven children.
Ely Beatt, son of "William and Jane T. (Russell) Beaty, was born He 16, 1838, on the Beaty homestead in Greenville precinct. grew up on the farm and received such an education as the schools of the vicinity afforded. He remained at home until he was twenty-four years old, when he began farming for himself on a part of the home place. Being physically unfit for service he cared for the old people
1084
HI8T0RY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
and the farm while his brothers were away fighting for their couutry. He was married December 25, 1861, to Miss Emily A. Jackson. She was born in Indiana, and came with her father, Asa Jackson, to
when ten Oquawka
In 1864 he purchased sixty which he occupied in the following year, In 1872 he crossed tlie plains to Cahliving there for eight years. fornia, remaining one year, then returned and bought eighty acres near the old homestead, where he now lives. He has two children, Mr. B. is a republican in politics. Ella May and Clara B. Jeffeeson H. Jennings was bom at Oquawka, Illinois, January His youth was spent in the town of his bii'th, where he 30, 1843. attended the commoij school. At the proper age he was sent to Jubilee College at Peoria. From there he went to Jonathan Jones' commercial school at St. Louis, Missouri. He next went to Hardinsburg, Kentucky, where he entered the office of his uncle. Judge Jeiferson Jennings, as a student. Soon after this the war broke out and he went into the seventh Kentucky militia, recruited for state service. September 17, 1861, he was mustered into the United States service as sergeant of Co. I, 17th Kentucky Inf., and»by promotion soon after rose fo the rank of lieutenant. He was wounded by a musket ball at Fort Donelson; resigned his commission in February, 1864, and returned to Henderson county, Illinois. He was soon after appointed to a lieutenantcy in the regular service, which was not accepted. April 11, 1867, he went into the civil service of the general government as an examiner in the pension department, but resigned July 8, 1872. During his residence at Washington he had graduated at Columbia College in the law department. He returned to Oquawka, Illinois, and commenced the practice of bis chosen profession was elected prosecutor at the November election in 1872, which office he held for eight years. He moved to Carman, Hendei'son county, some years ago, and is yet practicing. He was married September 30, 1872, to Miss Altona Forster, daughter of Thomas G. and Laura Forster, of New York city. They have two children, both of whom are boys. Eobeet Thompson McMillan was born in Morgan county, Illinois, November 9, 1834. His pai-ents, James and Mary McMUlan, came to Henderson county in 1835, and settled three miles south of Oquawka, where he grew up much as other boys do on farms. He received a common school education. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. K, 84th 111. Vols., went through the war and was mustered out with the regiment. May 20, 1870, he was married to Martha J., daughter of Andrew and Kachel Graham. They have five cliildren Mary, Jessie Belle, Laura, Edward and Guy Graham. Mr. M. owns a fine farm of 160 acres in Illinois
acres in
or eleven years old. precinct,
;
:
Sec. 7. T. 10. E. 4.
:
GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP.
of
John Sohmitt is a Prussian by Prussia, September 21, 1821.
Schmitt were his parents.
birth.
1085
He was
born in the kingdorti
Herman and Anna Mary
(Lisch)
His parents were farmers and John received
such an education as the public schools of his native country afforded.
November, 1852, he turned his face toward the land of liberty, landing at New Orleans in January of the next year, with a shilling in He worked at such work as he could get in New Orleans his pocket. until he came to Henderson county in 1856. Louis St. and June, espoused Anna Gluta to wife, and by her became the father he 1858, Mary, John, Lena (who died in infancy), of eight children, as follows Lizzie, Katy, Frank and Nicholas, Peter. He now owns a fine farm of In
:
200 acres in Sec. It, T. 11, E. 4.
Haetley was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, June His parents were Joseph and Phoebe Hartley. On July Mr. Hartley was married to Miss Maiy K. Pickering, 10, 1833, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Pickering. The same year he emigrated to Wayne county, Indiana, and settled where Milton now is. Mr. Hartley learned and pursued a trade at mechanics, but for many years has followed farming. He came to Henderson county in 1852 and settled in T. 12, R. 4, on Sec. 26. They have five children William B., bom February 14, 1835, is a farmer and lives near his father Kirk P., bom August 14, 1839, soldiered in Co. E; 10th 111. Vols., is now in California; Anna R., born August 9, 1843, is the wife of Mr. W. H. RusseU alnd lives near Chariton, Iowa George R., born NoJoseph
14, 1809.
:
;
;
vember lives
20, 1845, died in infancy;
Walter
S.,
born February
12, 1855,
near his parents.
Filler, was born in London His parents were German people and followed farming as a means of livelihood. In 1829 they moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, where Jacob was apprenticed to William lesHe, a blacksmith, for three years, which time was faithfully served. He worked for some years as a journeyman at Columbus, Zanesville, and other towns in Ohio, among them the village of Linville, where he became acquainted and infatuated with Catherine Baltzell, whom he married Febraary 21, 1839. She was the daughter of Joseph and EHzabeth Baltzell. They have eight children, living and dead Walter B., died in infancy Joseph W., who was a member of Co. F, 11th Ohio Vols., and lost his life in the service of his country Francis M., a soldier in the 19th Ohio Vols.; Mary E., Addison, Annie E., and Levina B., who died in infancy. Came to Henderson county in
Jacob C, son of John and Catherine
county, Virginia,
October
2,
1813.
;
;
1871,
and now lives on Sec. 36, T. 12, R.
November
26, 1808,
4.
Hugh McDonald's
eyes
first
saw the
light iu
HISTOEY OF MEECEE JlSD HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1086
Hardin county, Kentucky. His parents were farmers and pioneers of Kentucky. His father's name was John and that of his mother Mary. In youth Mr. McDonald received such an education as the meager facilities of early days in Kentucky provided for. October 2, 1830, he married Miss Elizabeth Shehi, daughter of John and Eachel Shehi, of Hardin county, Kentucky, and in 1832 moved to Illinois, settling near Monmouth, came to Henderson county in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have eleven children John, Nancy, Mary (deceased), Jacob, Hugh, James, Isaac (deceased), Melvina, Festus, William (deceased), Margaret, and Isaiah (deceased). Mr. McDonald now lives on Sec. :
9, T. 11,
E.
4.
Maetha Aethue, daughter
of George and Margaret Arthur, was born July 19, 181:2, in Harrison county, Ohio. While she was yet a child her parents removed to Perry county, Ohio, where she gi'ew to womanhood. April 22, 1862, she became the wife of David T. Hickman, Esq. of Perry county. Soon after their marriage Mr. Hickman enlisted in Co. G, 114th Ohio Vols. During his term of service his health was seriously impaired and was never fully recovered. January 8, 1878, he passed to meet his comrades on the other shoi'e, where there are no more wars, and was buried in the Monmouth cemetery. They have three children John Arthur, born June 24, 1866 George Anson, born August 30, 1868 and Thomas Ellsworth, August 14, ,
:
;
;
1870.
Peeey Beal, born July Isaac and Jane Beal.
3,
1834, in Guernsey county, Ohio, son of
He was
raised on a farm and received a comMarried February 9, 1860, to Anna Adams, daughter of John and Jane Adams, of Guernsey county, Ohio. Mr. Beal came to Henderson in 1857 and settled on Sec. 26, T. 11, E. 4. Mr. and Mrs. Beal are members of the United Presbyterian church. They are the parents of nine children William M., Luella J. died at the age of twelve years, Lawrence M., Elmer A. (deceased), Nancy
mon
school education.
:
L. (an infant), Mary. Linda (deceased), Isaac E. , and Perry Lee.
Mr.
Beal owns a splendid farm of 150 acres, well improved. Adam B. Hamill, the present county treasurer and assessor of Henderson county, is a native, having been born near Xenia in June
His parents were Eobert and Elizabeth Hamil. His parents were poor, but by his own perseverance he succeeded in getting an academic education, and vdth capital alone he came to Illinois in 1852 and located at Monmouth, were he taught school for two years. Came to Henderson county in 1854 and opened a farm on Sec. 23, T. 11, E. 4. Was a school director in his district for fourteen years, and is at this 1826.
time treasurer of Greenville precinct.
He was
deputy county
assessor
.
GEEENVILLE TOWNSHIP. from 1874 to 1880.
and assessor.
Was
1087
In the latter year he was elected county treasurer married March 15, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Turn-
bull,
daughter of Gilbert and Annie Turnbull.
dren
:
Eobert, Gilbert,
They have
four chil-
Annie and Elizabeth.
one of the early pioneers of Henderson was born in Harrison county, Ohio, November 10, 1821. His parents, James C. and Sarah Hutchison, tiring of their Ohio surroundings, turned their faces toward the setting sun and landed at Oquawka, Illinois, at daybreak, June 2, 1833, when there were but four families After viewing the adjacent country, Mr. Hutchison in the place. selected as a homestead a part of Sec. 36, T. 11, E. 4, which was then unbroken, and with the aid of Benjamin and three other sons he soon In the year 1 850 Samuel, in company turned it into a blooming farm. with his brother Thomas, crossed the plains into California and OreAugust 29, 1854, he was gon, returning by water the following year. married to Miss Anna Moore, of Johnson county, Iowa, by whom he had six children John M., Jane G., Robert M., Sarah E., George "W. Mrs. H. died (killed by accident May 27, 1881), and Thomas H. April 14, 1869. Married March 31, 1870, to Mrs. Anna E. Grant. They have two children Ralph B. and Anna Mariah. Richard H. Woods was born near Shawneetown, Morgan county, Hhnois, March, 8, 1837. His father, John Woods, and Mary Woods, his mother, were farmers, and as a natural sequence Richard grew up on a farm, and received his education in a district school. In 1840, thinking to better his fortunes, the paternal Woods, with his family, removed to Henderson county, settling in the southern part. In 1862, "Dick," as he was familiarly called, enlisted in Go. K, 84th HI. Yols., and served through to the end of the war. On account of his excellent marksmanship he was frequently employed as a sharpshooter, and many are the deeds of daring and hair-breadth escapes which he and Bejtjamin Hutchison,
county,
:
:
his
comrades
relate.
Returning from the
field
of battle scenes of car-
bow and arrows. He wooed and won Calista A.,- daughter of John and Charity Reed. They were made one September 19, 1867, and are the parents of four
nage,
he laid aside his weapons of war for cupid's
children: George W., bom July 4, 1868; Ada L., September 7, 1872; IdaLenora, September 23, 1877; and Loyd, March 12, 1880. Samttel H. Smith, born in Preble county, Ohio, December 30, 1830, of Scotcli-Irish parents, who were Samuel and Martha Smith, farmers.
Young Samuel was
sent to the district school until he had when he was sent to
completed the curriculum of studies taught there,
near Cincinnati, where to try his hand concluded In 1857 he
the Ohio Agricultural College, at College Hill,
he received a scientific training,
HISTOKY OF MERCER AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1088
farming in Illinois, and pursuant to this conclusion he came to HeU' derson county and entered a farm on Sec. 26, T. 11, R. 4. August 18, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Nancy B., daughter of They have six children Ella, Cora, Mabel, Francis and Jane Pace.
at
:
Walter, Homer, Bertha, and Jennie Merle.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
are
both members of the United Presbyterian church. John Campbell, a native of the Emerald Isle, came into this world November 27, 1845. His parents are James and Jane Campbell, who emigrated to America in 1850, and settled in Henderson county, gladly exchanging the yoke of British tyranny for the freedom
Illinois,
of the
home
of liberty.
and attended the
Young Campbell grew
district schools of the
to
manhood on
neighborhood.
He
a farm,
became
smitten with the charms of Miss Ellen Welch, and after the usual exchange of vows they became man and wife, January 5, 1871. They have two children, Joseph Wesley and Flora Jane, and are consistent devotees at the altar of the Methodist church. Hugh A. Reynolds was born in Jackson county, Indiana, October His parents, John G. and Anne (McClannahan) Reynolds, 5, 1832. were natives of North Carolina. His grandfather, Alex. McClannahan, was a soldier in the revolution. Mr. Reynolds' father came to Warren county, Illinois, October,
1835, when,
young Hugh helped
a farm and attended such schools as were then in vogue.
make
to
October
29,
Amelia Pollock, daughter of J. F. and Rebecca Pollock, joined hearts and hands in holy wedlock. They are the parents of seven children, five girls and two boys Anne R. Lucy Belle, John F. (died in infancy), Lena O., Maggie E., and Hugh (died in infancy). Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are members of the United Presbyterian 1862, he and Miss
:
,
church.
William, son of William and Jane Fair, first looked upon the Fermanagh, Ireland, August 10, 1844. In 1850 his parents bid farewell to the "holy sod" and journeyed for the land of liberty, finding a home in Henderson county, Blinois, where young light in county
William went through all the hardships incident to pioneer life, working on farm in summer and attending the district school in winter. Miss Jane A., daughter of James and Jane Campbell, became his wife March 2, 1872, by whom he has six children Cora (died in infancy), Harry, Andrew (died in childhood), Charley, Clara, and Ida (who left this world while yet a babe). Mr. and Mrs. Fair :
members of the Methodist church. William and Letitia Darrah lived in Belmont county, Ohio, where They were their son Charles Boston was born, March 8, 1838. Scotch-Irish people. Charley was educated in the common schools. are
:
NINETY-FIKST ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
and learned
trade of a butcher.
tlie
April 3, 1863, he enlisted in Co. honorably discharged October 28 of the February 3, 1867, was married to Miss Menada A., W. and Nancy Palmer. They have six children-:
Was
H, 49th Ohio Vols. following year.
W.
daughter of Charley B.,
1089
Henry
Wm.
E.,
"Wilkinson,
Harry
Alexis, Sarah A., and
Grace 0.
William Cochean was born in Abbeyville county, South Carolina, His parents were Matthew E. and Martha A. Disliking slavery and disloyalty, in the spring of 1861 Mr. Cochran. Cochran came to Elinois, where he might find associates who held more Married October 20, 1870, to Miss Mary M. congenial opinions. They have five children Boyd, daughter of Harrison Boyd, Esq. Norman, Ollie May (died in infancy). Myrtle L., Virgil N., and Eosamond Araminta. Mr. Cochran is a farmer. January 22, 1846.
NINETY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY. Col.
Henry M. Day, of Morris, organized the .91st
at
Camp
Butler,
was sworn in September 8, 1862. Company B was raised in the south part of Henderson county. Dr. Joseph A. James and Alvah W. Paul receiving enlistments at Terra Haute, and Dr. William T. Day and Harrow at Earitan, late in July and early in August. On the 4th there was a gathering of thirty-six of the company in Earitan, and where
it
good people of the place got up for the occasion
the
dinner."
When
men took the
the time for their departure
heutenant
W.
Alvah
;
Paul,
"a
splendid free
arrived,
some of the
Sagetown, while others went to Colchester. Camp Butler, where the company was organized
cars
at
They rendezvoused at August 14. The officers were first
had
John M. Mairah, J. A. James, captain Mathew Shaw, second lieutenant Andrew Graham, Edward W. Davis, George W. Cox, and Charles S. ;
:
;
Edwards, sergeants.
Company J. F.
C was
Oquawka by Capt. John McKinney. Hanna and about ten others came down from and Jonathan P. Long with a considerable squad from enlisted at
Powers, D. C.
Pleasant Green,
McKinney, formed a company of 90, rank and August 18, 'Capt. McKinney embarked his company on board the Kate Caswell for Quincy. The "Spectator" said: "Our citizens'turned out almost en masse to bid them good-bye. The ioat arrived after dark, having on board a company from Louisa county, Iowa. Capt. McEiinney mustered his company in line by torchlight, and then, amidst the wildest hurrahs, preceded by the music, Olena ;
file.
all
uniting with
On Monday
night,
HISTORY OF MEECEB AST) HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1090
njarched on board, the boys shaking hands right and
left as
they went.
The staging was hauled in, the line cast off, the torch extinguished, and, amid three tremendous cheers for 'the volunteers,' the boat proceeded on her way and hundreds, with sad hearts and moist eyes, returned to their homes whence some loved one had departed." Next morning, at 11 o'clock, the company was on the public square in Quincy, and the captain reported to Col. Waters, of the 84th, commandant of the The 84th was full, as post, who at once assigned quarters in the city. was also Col. Benneson's, the 78th. These were the only regiments ;
rendezvoused in the place ; and learning that the 9l8t, at Camp Butler, into which Capt. James' company had been received, yet lacked one of the required number, Capt.
McBanney
started with his
men
"Wednes-
day evening for Springfield. At Quincy an election was held for captain, and no one offered himself as a candidate against McKinney. After arriving at Camp Butler, Hanna was elected first lieutenant and Long second lieutenant. The sergeants were: James L. Smiley, Clement F. Briery, Thomas W. McDill, William P. Barnes, and Nathan Crutchfield. The regiment was armed with Harper's Ferry muskets, which were exchanged for Springfield rifles on arrival at St. Louis, en route to It was attached to Louisville, to which city it was ordered October 1. Gen. Gilbert's division, and put to guarding on the LouisviUe & Nashville railroad; and the companies being necessarily scattered, the command fell an easy prey to the partisan Gen. John H. Morgan. December 27 they were attacked, and after a stout defense were forced to sun-ender, eight companies being taken at Elizabethtown, Co. B at Bacon Creek, and Co. C at Nolin. The regiment was paroled and sent to Benton Barracks, remaining there until July 14, 1863, when, having been exchanged, it was sent to Vicksburg. It moved to Port Hudson the 26th, and marched to CarroUton, Louisiana, August 13. Early in September it embarked for Morganijia, and arriving on the 9th, moved toward the Atchafalaya river, and encountering the rebels under Gen. Green, defeated them in a sharp skirmish, losing six or seven wounded. 91st belonged to the second brigade, Col. Day commanding;
The
second division. Gen. N.
J. T.
Dana commanding,
of the thirteenth
regiment returned to Morganzia and was transferred by boat to New Orleans, arriving the 12th. It was now transferred to the first brigade, and, with the rest of the division, on corps.
October 10
the;
the 22d started across the Gulf and landed at Brazds, Santiago, Novem-
ber
3.
The command marched
captured the fort and that paa-t of the state.
upon Brownsville, Texas, city, and drove the rebels under Gen. Bee from In July, 1864, the division was ordered away directly
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH aUNOIS INFANTBY. from Texas,
and the
91st,
risoned Brazos, Santiago.
with two regiments of colored troops, garCol.
end of the year the regiment for
provost duty,
division.
preparatory to
Day commanded
the post.
was relieved and ordered
and was then transferred
was ordered the attack on Mobile.
In Februaiy
1091
it
to the
to
second brigade, third
to join the corps at Fort
Day
Col.
Near the
New Orleans
took
Morgan,
command
of the
The regiment bore an active part in the capture of Spanish Blakely, on which the defense of Mobile depended. The Fort and Fortand then the division chased the enemy up the Tomsurrendered, city river some sixty miles, and overtaking his rear-guard at Eightbigbee
brigade.
Mile Creek, the 91st in advance, drove
it,
after
sharp fighting, at the
point of the bayonet, losing a few wounded.
This and the engagement of Gen. Wilson at Columbus, Georgia, both occurring about the same time, were the last conflicts east of the Mississippi. The regiment was
on the 22d reached and discharged.
mustered out at Mobile, July 12, 1865, and Butler,
where
it
was paid
ONE HTHTORED
off
and EIGHTEENTH
Camp
ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
was from Hancock county, three comAdams, one in Gallatin, and Co. G in Henderson. This was recruited at Terre Haute by Joseph Shaw and others, and was organized in that place August 14, 1862, with ninety-eight officers and men. About a dozen were from Hancock county. Shaw was ehosen captain, James H. Butler first lieutenant, and Charles T. Painter second lieutenant. On September 1 the company was conveyed by four-horse teams to Colchester, and there it took second class hog cars and flats for Camp Butler. It was at once put to guarding rebel prisoners of war, with the rest of the regiment, which was not mustered in until November Y. The command left December 1 for the field, and arrived at Memphis the 11th. It was incorporated with the first One-half of this regiment
panies were raised in
wing, thrirteenth corps, and on the 20th moved with Sherman toward Vicksburg. Arriving at the Yazoo river, it was engaged from the 26th to the 30th, in action at Chickasaw Bluffs. It was employed next against Arkansas Post,iand participated actively in the brilliant success there January 10 and 11, 1863. Eetuming to Young's Point, Louisiana, the regiment lay there in a foul and halfsubmerged camp, after having been for nearly forty days and forty nights cooped upon transports, part of the men crowded below with brigade, third division, right
the horses
and mules, and the remainder exposed on the hurricane
decks and guards, without shelter; to the daily storms of that latitude.
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1092
sufferings endured by the troops during that " middle passage," from the Yazoo to Arkansas Post and back again to Young's Point, are indescribable, and the fact that they were endured almost without complaint goes further than marches and battles to prove that their hearts were in the right place. Tents were lacking the men were crowded in the poor ones they had almost to suffocation it rained constantly, and often the soldiers had to get up at dead of night to move tents and couches. Small-pox broke out in the camp, and though fatal in the Finally, and we might say providenbrigade, none of the 118th died. tially, the rebels opened the levee and "drowned out" the troops, when they were all moved, March 9, twenty miles up to MilHken's
The
;
;
Bend.
On
April 2 the regiment
left
there in the expedition against Vicks-
burg, forming part of Osterhaus' division.
Crossing the river
at
was engaged at Thompson's Hill (Port Gibson) Champion Hill 16th, Black River bridge 17th, and siege of May 1, Vicksburg until after the bloody assault of the 22d, in which it also bore a distinguished part. At Thompson's Hill its. conduct was so gallant and conspicuous that it received the compliments of the division commander on the field. From the 19th to the 22d the loss was six killed, twenty-four wounded. On the 24th Gen. Osterhaus was ordered back to Black River bridge to ward off attack by Johnston, and the 118th was engaged in fortifying and skirmishing until June 10, when, by order of Gen. Grant, it was mounted, after which it was continually occupied with scouting. After the fall of Vicksburg it joined Sherman against Jackson, and was engaged there until the evacuation of the Early in August the 13th corps was transferred to the place July 17. Gulf; on the 6th the regiment turned over its horses, and next day left Bruinsburg, the 30th,
it
Vicksburg. After removal to Port Hudson, CaiToUton, Bayou, Boeuff, Brashear City and Berwick City, iana.
It
moved
it
arrived October 3 at
Camp
Bisland, Louis-
to Algiers, arrived the 7th, reported to Gen. A. L.
Lee, chief of cavalry, and was remounted.
Taking cars on the 11th, it went to Brashear City, crossing the bay, marched to VermiUionville, and arrived at Opelousas the 23d. Next day had an engagement near "Washington November 1, camped at Carrion Crow Bayou on the 3d, fought the severe battle of Grand Coteau moving again to Ver;
;
;
miUionville, fought in that vicinity the 11th.
near Vermillion Bayou,
when
The next encounter was
the regiment took seventy-eight prisoners,
encampment being then
New
Leaving thence for Donaldsonville, the regiment embarked there for Port Hudson, arriving January 7, 1864, and going on almost daily scouts till July 3,
the
at
Iberia.
:
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
1095
A
and frequently, and taking many prisoners. regiment was assailed by superior numbers at Bayou Grosse Tete, March 30, when a headlong saber charge, and hand to On April 7, hand fight alone saved them from defeat and capture. skirmishing sharply part of the
a detachment of seventy-five, with twenty-five
from the 3d 111. Cav., were surrounded near Plain's store by 600 of the enemy, and only after a desperate resistance were able to get away. Moving to Baton Eouge, the regiment was encamped there till September 4, raiding meantime with Gen. Lee, and fighting August 25 From September 7 to at Kedwood, Comite bridge and Clinton. November 24 the regiment was stationed at Hermitage plantation, opIt was in the engagement under Gen. Lee, at posite Donaldsonville. Moving to Baton Kouge on the 27th, it joined Liberty, November 19. Gen. Davidson's expedition to "West Pascagoula, Mississippi, and and one
field-piece,
arrived there
December
12.
Embarked
for
New
Orleans the 24th,
and returned to Baton Eouge the 27th. From that date the command was picketing and scouting until May 22, when the horses were turned over. Provost duty in the city formed the only employment thenceforward till October 1, when the 118th was mustered from the service. Co. G returned with two commissioned officers Capt. Shaw and first lieutenant Painter, and twenty-six enlisted men. arrived the 26th,
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. summer of 1864 for the 100 and was organized at Camp "Wood, Quincy, by Col. John W. Goodwin, and mustered in June 21. Co. D belonged to Henderson county, and was enlisted at Oquawka in May, by John M. "Wilson and Joseph S. Linel. After the company, had gone to Quincy C. D. Elting brought a squad of about twenty from Raritan. Citizens of the comity subscribed a private bounty, which amounted to about $18 per man. The company contained eighty-two enlisted men, including two This regiment was raised in the early
days service,
recruits, '
who
deserted before the muster-in.
place at Quincy.
"Wilson
was chosen
The organization took
for captain
;
Andrew
Kirkpat-
and "Wilson S. Baughman, of Oquawka, for second lieutenant. The regiment was ordered to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, July 26, and on arrival there was placed on post duty. After expiration of term of service it was brought to Springfield and mustered out October 14. rick,
of Biggsville, for first lieutenant
62
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE
1096
AND HENDEE80N
COUNTIES.
SEVENTH ILLmOIS CAVALEY. This fine regiment was sworn into the United States service at Butler in the month of September, 1861. In Co. L there were
Camp
probably a dozen from Henderson county, mostly from around Karitan.
WiUiam M. Morris, of Raritan, was orderly serand Elijah Jacklin, of same place, second corporal. William Pitt Kellogg, of Louisiana fame, was the jSrst colonel of the 7th, but he was never much with it and resigned early. Col. Edward Prince,
At
the organization
geant,
of Quincy, led term.
It
Missouri
;
it
began
through
in the siege of Corinth.
1862
;
its bidlliant
achievements to the close of
its
duty at Bird's Point and Cape Girardeau, operated around New Madrid and Island No. 10, and was active
It
was
Corinth, October 3 and 4
in the battle of luka, September 20, ;
and
in April, 1863,
erable part of Grierson's celebrated expedition from
formed a
consid-
La Grange,
Ten-
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In February, 1864, it marched, under Gen. W. Sooy Smith, from Guntown, Mississippi, to West Point, where that general was sadly defeated, aiid did excellent service in covering his retreat. In March 289 oflEieers and men re-enlisted, and in June, when these were absent on furlough, some 120 non-veterans of the regiment went out to Guntown with Stuigis on his iU-starred expedition against Forrest. The regiment resisted Hood's invasion of Tennessee, fought with valor at Franklin, Nashville and other places, and pursued him out of the state. We have mentioned only some of the leading engagements which are a part of the history of the noble 7th. The fighting, scouting, guarding and other service which it did were immense. It was mustered out at Nashville, and disbanded at Camp Butler November 17, 1865. Lewis Pickel, of Karitan, was promoted to second lieutenant of Co. L in Aiigust before the command was discharged. nessee, to
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP. Bedford township is No. 8 in N. E. 4, and is bounded on the north by Walnut Grove township, on the south by McDonough county, on the east by Warren, and on the west by Terre Haute. The land lying in the southeast and south part of the township is flat prairie, the soil of which is a deep black loam. In the north and northwest part of the township the land is undulating vsdth a brown clay subsoil. On the ridges which skirt the streams the soil
is
of less depth and of a lighter
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP. color
than that of the prairies.
color, soil.
It is usually a dark brown yellow being light on the slopes of the hills and partaking of the subFormerly these ridges were for the most part timbered, but
much of the timber has been cut still
1097
off
and the process of denudation
goes on.
Springs are
numerous throughout the towiiship and some are large
and valuable, furnishing a constant supply of fi-esh water, in quantities the necessities of large herds of cattle.
sufficient for
On
Sec. 6 are limestone quarries
Blocks of any desired
extent.
size,
which have been worked to some from one to two or three feet, may
be had, some of the larger are of a yellowish
brown
color, others are
with blue or light creamy gray.
Sandstone quarries also abound near the same range, two specimens appear, they are of a dark gray and creamy yellow. Honey creek enters the township at the southwest corner of Sec. 6, flows northwest through Sec. 9, and through the northeast of Sec. 8,
tingei}
and southwest of Sec. west part of
and through the south half of
Sec. 6. This running north one running through the Sees. 16 and 9 finds a terminus near the west line of that
by
creek is fed
5,
tributaries
;
section.
Earitan
is
a flourishing town of 300 inhabitants, containing
dwellings, three churches,
and ten business houses, a
fifty
postoflSce, print-
and several mechanical establishments.
It is situated on a on Sec. 11, the principal streets of which run east and west. The town was named in honor of the Earitan river in New Jersey, from which the township owes its first few settlers, a number of whom went from that neighborhood to Fulton county and made settlements there, and after moved into this township. The first store was started in Raritan in the spring of 1856, by
iog office
high plat of ground
Gulick
& Voorhees, who
continued
the business until the following
when they were superseded by Jaques Voorhees, who next year to Tharp & Eltinge, soon after which Mr. Tharp
spring of 1857, sold out the
sold his interest in
the business to Eltinge and formed partnership with
Groendyke in 1859. side of
the
Ehjah Day,
This store was situated on the comer on the south
main
street.
who
closed
Eltinge sold his interest in the business to
up the business
in 1867.
Parks and Jaques
Voorhees then started a dry goods store under the firm name of Parks & "Voorhees. This was in 1867. They were succeeded by Dr. H. F. Parks.
The first blacksmith shop in the town was built in August, 1858, by Jaques Voorhees for U. D. Voorhees. He carried on the business until 1865, when J. K. Bams was taken in as a partner. They con-
HISTORY OF MEECER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1098
tinued together for two years, and sold out to Douglass Bros.,
who
continued the business until John M. Johnston, the present owner, bought them out. C. Hartman started a wagon shop about 1860.
A
by
confectionery was started in 1865,
In 1858 the
first
hotel
was
started
J.
Tharp.
by Charles Hartshorn.
He
quit
In 1863, I. V. D. KeUey built a hotel, and rented the In 1864 he sold the same to C. V. D. Spader. John Groven-
the business.
same.
back went into the business in 1810. The first physician was Dr. Day. He built a residence in the town and after a few years sold out to Dr. Elliott. This was in 1862, and this
was Dr.
Elliott's first field
of practice.
He
died in 1863.
CHURCHES. In August, 1855, a small band of pioneer Christians, thirteen in number, together with the Eevs. A. D. Wilson and S. A. Bumstead, assembled at the house of S. P. Nevius, for the organization of a This organization was then and there consummated under the church. name of the Reformed Dutch church, of Honey creek, with six male
members
for its consistory.
Less than a month
later,
or September
16, 1855, at the house of Peter S. Tharp, the sacrament of the Lord's
supper was administered for the
first
time.
On
the afternoon of the
same day Dennis Nevius Simonson received the rite of baptism, this being the first child of the church, as he was also the first-bom of his parents. In 1856, two members, "Wm. J. Schenck and Martha, his wife, were added to the church, as were several others by certificate from the church of Fairview, and from eastern churches. It was in the spring of 1 856, in the old blacksmith shop which still stands hard by on .the premises of Mr. John Livermore, the first Sabbath school was organized with I. V. Kelley as superintendent. Mr. K;, it is said, occasionally had to submit to a good-natured rebuke for being late. To this
blacksmith shop both barefoot horses and barefoot children were
wont
to resort, the
From humble homes
former for shoes and the
they came to sing and to study of soil
latter for Bible tinith.
scattered thinly over the flowery strewed prairie
and breathed perfume
Him who
into the air
infused
fertility into the
and crowned the year with
fruitful harvests.
year of organization the congregation met in Afterward they repaired to the blacksmith shop before referred to. In the spring of 1857 worship was conducted at the house of Peter Tharp and "W". J. Schencks. When the school-house was
During the
first
private houses.
inclosed that lectures
became the place of regular
were held
at other
service, while afternoon
convenient places throughout the
settle-
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP.
1099
Among those who rightly preached at that time before the estabhshment of a regular preacher was the Eevs. "Wilson, Bumstead ment.
and Morris.
More than a year had now passed since organization, and they Accordingly, on October 18, 1856, Eev. C. were without a preacher. of Fort Jarvis, Eltinge, was called, and was installed pastor May D. corner The stone of the present church edifice was laid on 20, 1857. day. Previous this, same to of course, it had been foreseen that the site of this church as a nucleus the village would grow up. around the Therefore the building became a matter of debate which was carried on The location was, however, fixed, and a pastor not without acrimony. Measures began to be taken which, considering the fewness secured. of members and comparative poverty of the people, was no easy one. Mr. Eltinge went east and received funds to the amount of $1,600 by soHciting from members there, and by a loan of $1000 from liis own little means. Less than half the money was raised by contributions from the people of the new settlement. The lumber used in the construction of this edifice was brought over Lake Michigan in the vessel then belonging to the pastor's father.
memorable as the time when the temple, with its heavenward, began to take shape and proportion. As it approached completion fond hopes were realized, and there stood a neat and commodious house, ready to be dedicated. September 8, 1859, Eev. A. D. Wilson dedicated it and Eev. S. A. Bumstead preached the service, and having now an organization, a pastor and a house, the full career of the Eeformed Dutch church of Earitan began. Mr. Eltinge closed his pastorate in the spring of 1861, at which time the membership had increased from the original thfrteen to sixty two. At that time the consistory resolved to make the church self-supporting, and in fact accomplished their desires. In September, 1861, Eev. S. A. Bumstead came to supply the church for six months, and in the The year 1858
tall
is
spire pointing
spring of 1862
was
installed as the second pastor of the church.
In the history of the church so far there have been several
marked
during the ministry of Mr. Eltinge, the second during that of Mr. Bumstead, and one under Mr. Adams. Mr.
revivals,
the
first
Bumstead's ministry closed April 1875, and his place has been filled by A. A. Pfanstiehl. The names of the original members are as
Joseph Nevius and wife, Henry D. Voorhees and wife, and wife, Peter Tharp and wife, Simon P. ISTevius and wife, Peter Nevius and wife, and Mrs. Simonson, wife of Simon Simonson. The Earitan Sabbath school was organized on the 4th day of May, 1856, and continued, through the summer season. On follows:
Isaac Kelly
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1100 the
first
May
Sabbath in
last it
was reorganized by the appointment
A. Hageman vice-superinand W. Morris. The Earitin Methodist Episcopal church has a membership of sixty. The first class was formed in Earitin in 1864, and held its Eev. A. Morey first meetings in the old school-house now gone. was the first pastor. The first members were Geo. Mosier and wife, David Dilley and wife, Perry Gardner and wife, and Emanuel Alpaugh and wife. George Mosier was chosen the first class leader, under whose leadership the class soon became well established. Only two of the original members now remain members of the society. In the year 1873 the society determined to build a church, and with its characteristic energy proceeded at once to erect a splendid house of worship, which for convenience and architectur&,l beauty is not surpassed in the county. The style is Gothic, with comer tower and bell and with arched ceilings twenty -five feet from the floor in the center, and a seating capacity of about three hundred and fifty. This edifice was built by subscription, contributed largely by persons now members of the society, and the members were few in numbers and not rich, but contributed freely and as far as their ability would permit. There were 217 subscribers to the building fund. The cost of building, including interest account and other incidental expenses, was $3,962.81. This did not include labor performed by the members, which was not applied on their subscription. Had the labor been paid for in cash the building would have cost about $4,800. This society has employed the following ministers to preach for them Thomas "Watson, A. Morey, A. S. Atherton, J. E. Taylor, E. Eansom, P. S. Garretson, G. W. Miller, S. P. James, and A. C. of officers as follows
tendent, A. Gulick
;
:
superintendent,
;
librarians, J. Stanton
:
Calkins, their present pastor.
During the pastorate of P. S. Garretson the noted revival known meeting was held, resulting favorably to society here for
as the Swarts
the time being, but not lasting.
W.
Up
to the time of the close of Eev.
term as pastor the Earitan society was a part of the Ellison charge, but at the fall conference of 1878, held at Macomb, Earitan was set off" with the Colfax church as self-supporting, to be G.
known
Miller's
as the Earitan charge.
During the pastorate of Eev. A. C. Calkins the church building was improved by papering the walls and ceiling and the purchase of
new
pulpit furniture, at a cost a
little less
than $100.
Great
credit is
due the pastor's wife and others of the society in securing the needed improvement. neat little parsonage is owned by the society, which
A
cost $1,000.
BEDFOKD TOWNSHIP.
1101
in Raritan December 24, 1858, Henry Johnson, church of Eoseville, was moderator, and J. Voorhees, of the Baptist They resolved to adopt the ordinances of the gospel comclerk.
At a meeting held
was
also resolved that a council
meeting be called for the and adopt the basis of the doctrine and practice the declaration of faith and covenants pubUshed by the American Baptist publication society. This declaration was signed by Harry Burrell, Elvira Burrell, L. W. Otis, Clarressa Otis, William Ferine, Aletta Ferine, C. V. D. Spader, Jane Spader, J. Toorhees, Sarah Yoorhees, Elizabeth Hill, and Amanda Voorhees. On February 22, 1859, a council was called and the above members This were recognized as comprising the Baptist church of Raritan. meeting was called to order and presided over by J. L. Gordon as moderator, and J. Yoorhees, clerk. The following churches were represented Roesville, by Elder H. B. Johnson, Deacon B. W. Smith and James Tucker Berwick, by Elder H. S. F. Warren, of Linden, William L. Johnson, of Hillsborough, J. G. Gordon and A. Hengate. Twelve members having organized, presented their petitions, and were recognized as a church. The first sermon was preached by H. S. Warmouth. The first business meeting occurred on February 27, 1859. Henry Bull and William Ferine were elected deacons, and J. Yoorhees, clerk, and H. B. Johnson was called to preach. During his pastorate there were added to the church one by baptism, one by letter, and two by experience. On May 5, 1860, Elder Trower was employed to preach two sabbaths in each month. He officiated until October, 1862. In 1862 a revival took place which closed on December 16. Twenty-three were added to the church by baptism, three by experience, and one by letter. During the pastorship of Elder Trowers the church was admitted to the Salem Baptist Association. On January 3, 1863, a building committee was appointed to build a house 32x44 feet, with 16 feet posts, which was erected and inclosed munion.
It
purpose of being recognized as a regular Baptist church,
:
;
summer and fall of 1863, and plastered in the fall of 1864. summer of 1865 it was furnished, and on the fourth Sabbath
during the In the
of June, 1866, dedicated.
The Swedish Evangelical church was organized October 7, 1877. name was changed in order to obliterate church prejudice and thus combine all denominations and worship under the new name. The first members were This was the original Lutheran church, but the
Deacons son.
J.
M. Johnson, John Brown, Otto Feterson and Anton
This church has at present about
The organization of the
Roman
fifty
Feter-
members.
Catholic church was efi'ected in
:
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HBNDEESON COtTNTIES.
1102
membership is composed largely of members from WarThe first step taken in this direction was at the house ot John Leareys, in Warren county, before which worship had been held in many of the private houses, and especially at the house of John Berry, who, with the Hustons, McLaiies, Slaters, Downs, SuUvans, Denivens, Tiernies, from Henderson county, and others from Warren county, were among the first members, and also prominent in the The -church was built in 1876, under Eev. building of the church. James Halpins' administration, at a cost of $2,100, which was paid for by subscriptions from its membersliip and many Protestants 1855, and
its
ren county.
throughout the neighborhood, the Catholics having building of Protestant churches in a similar way. ated on section 2 in Bedford precinct and
This church
parish.
is
in size
is
first
known
32x42, with a
helped the
The church
is situ-
as St. Patrick's
spire sixty feet high.
Since the organization of the church Father OTarrell, Father Welden
and Father Murphy have presided. Karitan Lodge, No. 616, I.O.O.F., was instituted June 30, 1876, and was moved to Terre Haute in 1868. The charter members were M. M. Field, A. E. Stanley, J. C. Coulson, C. W. Hardesty, and L, W. Calhoun.
THE PIONEEES. The
points for early settlement were two, the timber of the south-
east portion of the precinct
Accordingly date.
now
The
we first
positively
and the southwest, near Bedford church.
find settlements
white
known.
settler
made
at these places at quite
an early
within the limits of this precinct
So many
is
not
conflicting stories reach the ear that
It is probable that John Scroggins was came, as near as can be ascertained, in 1829 or 1830. He was a native of Tennessee. He did not remain long in the neighborhood, but sold his patch of ground, containing ten acres, to
one cannot positively decide.
the
first.
He
Walter Huston and moved back, it is said, to Tennessee. Some not knowing these facts claim that Joel Huston came before this man, but he did not arrive until 1832 or 1833. He settled on section 30. Huston was from Tennessee. He left that state some two years prior to his
He made the journey with teams and Morgan county on his way out. William Pennington, who had come out with Huston, settled about the same time and place on section 32. A German by the name of Cloberg was settlement in Bedford township.
stopped a year or two in
the next.
He
Young, soon
settled
on section 35. Two other Germans, Statt and on the same section. Henry Isom, from
after settled
Tennessee, settled on section 34.
The
place is better
known
as the old
•
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP. After this
Beaver place.
1103
new arrivals were quite frequent, and Uncle when he arrived here in 1837 he found John
George Huston said that Huston hving in a point of timber just on the south side of the preThere was a school-house near Bedford and a log house was cinct. built
near
by
it
soon
The
after.
settlers did their trading at
Burling-
There was no mill on the Henderson and they were compelled to go to Crooked creek, some twenty miles distant, to and Oquawka.
ton
get their milling
done.
George Huston
He in
is
a native of
is still
living in the precinct, at an advanced age.
Rockingham
county, Virginia.
an early day, from which he
most of his time, and
is
to Illinois.
He moved to Ohio He has been here
perhaps better acquainted with the history of
than any other
the vicinity
came
man
living.
His
first
settlement was sec-
where he bought the tax title for 320 acres, and after bought a second tax title on the same place, held by another person. The house he rented when he first came to the country was the only one in that vicinity, and the prairie was one vast sea of waving grass. It was not until 1841 that he erected his first log house, with sod chimney. In later years it was torn down to give place for one of more modem style. Although entirely obliterated from the sight of the later settlers, the recollections of its tormer usefulness are still fresh in the minds of those who shared the protection of its sheltering roof and enjoyed the warmth of the sparkling embers on the hearth. In this log cabin Mr. Huston reared his family of children, who are mostly all settled about him. The nearest pork market was at Beardstown, on the river". On one occasion Mr. Huston started with a drove to that tion 26,
place in
company with
place they
his neighbors,
and when about half-way
to that
discovered that the hogs were chilling and they could pro-
no farther with them. They concluded to kill them, but having which to heat water with which to scald and dress them, after consulting, a plan not thought of before happened to strike Mr. Huston. He said "We vsdll dig a large hole here in the ground and ceed
fto
kettle in
:
it, and after the fire has burned sufiiciently we pour the water on the coals, which will make the water amply hot
kindle a large fire in will
to scald."
The idea was laughed
at at first, but they tried the experiproved a success. The Huston families are well remembered in connection with
ment, which
pioneer times, tion of the
and
compose a large share of the populaArchibald Huston settled a little farther up
their children
precinct.
same time. He died many years ago, but his widow, now Mrs. Bowman, is still living and is quite active for one of her years. She is a Tennesseean by birth. The family moved from that state to about the
HISTORY OF MEEOER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1104
Indiana, and in
company with her
father,
brothers came to this state on horseback.
was
killed
by lightning some
James Owen,
sister
Bowman, her
thirty-eight years ago.
and two
last husband,
They
settled in
the edge of the timber on section 29 or 30, and their house was the only one between that and Honey creek. They used to do all their trading with old Billy Smith at LaHarpe, which was but a small town The trip to and fro was usually made with old Buck and Berry
then.
and not
at a 2:40 gait, but at about the rate of three or four miles per
hour.
when Isaac Crenshaw settled here is not exactly known, thought to have been directly after Bowman. He was born in Georgia, irom whence he removed to Tennessee when young, and The
but
date
it is
from there to Adams county, Illinois, when after a residence of two years he moved to Iowa. He came back three years later and settled here on sections 30 and 31. Crenshaw died in 1880, and was buried at Hillsborough church, four miles south of his home. Mrs. Crenshaw is still
living in the neighborhood, as are
ans were quite plentiful in these days. seeing
them while
inclined
in the timber
and anxious
making
many
of her children.
Indi-
Mrs. Crenshaw remembers sugar.
to trade with the whites.
They were
peacefully
A fact which more than
one historian has failed to note, is that in nearly all the troubles between the whites and Indians, the former were the aggressors. We have mentioned the principal pioneers of the southwest portion of Bedford precinct others may have lived here who deserve a notice in the history of the community, but no matter how deserving, unless some one is left to tell the story, their deeds of heroism must sink into oblivion, or perchance live in better lives of those who have been led they know not by whom. From 1851 to 1858 a new tide of emigration set in, mostly Jerseyans from Fulton county, Illinois, where had ;
settled
many
fi-om Somerset, Middlesex,
towns along the Earitan, and having
now
demand
Hunterton, Sussex, and othet what is
settled in the vicinity of
for a trading point soon began to press its began to dispute the point at which it should be located. Josiah Brokaw and a few others living on the west side of Honey creek branch, contended that near his place was the proper and the only place for a town, while Peter Tharp and others living in the vicinity of the proposed location, said no, this shall be the place, and thus the two factions contended like two hungry dogs pulling at a bone, each trying to get the advantage of the other, until it was decided to take a vote on the subject, which ended the strife and located the town on its present beautiful site, and indeed a more pleasant and natural place could not be found, situated, as it is, between the two
Earitan, the
claims,
and the
settlers
BEDFOED TOWNSHIP.
Honey
1105
The land slopes toward the north, south show when this dispute arose and how long it continued, but it was not until 1856 that M. M. Field built the A. Tharp and Josiah Brokaw came here about first store building.
branches of
and
east.
creek.
We have no
same time, in 1851
the
as difference
dates to
;
which of them, was the
of opinion exists in regard to
it.
fii'st
is
hard to decide,
Brokaw was
called the
There were no houses in sight of his when he settled, and when the tide of immigration had set in, the first sermon preached on the prairie was delivered in his house. He lived until the country changed from its wild state to civilization, when an Tharp bought 149 acres on accident by lightning caused his death. He was the first to the S.W. i of Sec. 12, on which he is still living. The same year he raised a crop of cut hay with a reaper, in 1855. wheat that averaged thirty bushels to the. acre. He has in his possession a piece of money worthy of note. It is an old continental shilling, upon one side of which is stamped a tea leaf, emblematical of th^ unpleasantness at that time on the left hand comer, "Death to Counterfeit"; on the right, "Burlington, New Jersey. Printed by Isaac
lather of the settlement.
;
Colhns, 1770."
John Goodnight
one mile east of Bedford church in 1852. He had served as a soldier under Gen. Jackson at New Orleans, during 1814 and 1815. From Monroe county, Indiana, he came to Adams coimty, and from settled
He was from Stamford,
The date of uncle Peter Tharp's arrival He and his son "William came on built a small house, when the family came on. This time there a house two miles east known as the Hazeton house, another one
there to
here
and
was
Lincoln, county, Kentucky.
is
Henderson county.
between 1854 and 1855.
and a half miles southwest on Cornelius Schenck's place. bought the one-quarter of land on which Raritan
is
now
Uncle Peter situated.
He
and school-buildings. H. D. Voorhees came in 1855 and settled on eighty acres near where the town is located. He worked some at blacksmithing and improved his farm. In 1858 he lost one of his arms in a corn sheller, after which he moved to Raritan. Zelota Britt and Abraham Brokaw came the same year. They both settled east of town. These men are both dead. Some of their children remain in the neighborhood. Mrs. Brokaw lives on the old homestead two miles west of town. James Hagernan settled in what is now popularly known as the Prairie Side farm in 1856. Soon after, William Van Arsdale came here. He was out on the gave the ground for the cemetery
one day preparing to build a stable which he intended to use a house, when who should come along but uncle George Huston, and wanted to know "what in the world he was trying to prairie
for awhile for
1106
HISTORY OF MBECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
"Build a stable," said Mi-. Yan Arsdale. He laughed at the idea and said, "Van Arsdale, you will live until your hair is quite gray Why, this land will never be before you ever make a farm here. worth more than it is at present." Although Mr. Huston's judgment was good on other matters, he made a mistake that time, for that has proved to be the garden-spot of the precinct. F. A. Hixon came from Hunterton county in 1854, and was the first settler nearest the limits His place of settlement was section 15, on which there of Earitan. was a log house and a three-rail fence around the place. A part of the land had been broken. A party was surveying and a regular laid out road in use in the south part of the county. M. M. Field came in 1854. Jaques Yoorhees about 1855. From this time on to 1859, attracted by the glowing accounts of the early settlers, many flocked here with theii' families and settled close together in this vicinity. The arrivals were so frequent and near together that to determine who had the precedence is quite difficult. Suffice it to say that at an early date came Jaques Voorhees, R. V. Cortelyon, Garret Simonson, Peter Goven, Aaron Johnson, Wm. Van Arsdale, Judge Eltinge, James do."
Berry.
The town of Earitan takes its name from the Raritan river in New whose banks came most of the inhabitants that people the town. The river was named for a tribe of Indians who were encamped near it. A town called Bedford was started just across Jersey, from near
the south line of the precinct at a point called Bedford. regularly laid out town.
The buildings have
It
was a
A store was kept there
since been
moved away.
by Adams & Hardy. The population at one
time was four or five families. Raritan seems to be quite well adapted to the growth of such organizations as practice their peculiar rites and ceremonies with none to behold but the all-seeing
Eye and
those
who have been
as to be admitted behind the vail of secresy.
To say
so fortunate
that, in quite
an
manner (fulfilling the command of the great Master, to let not the right hand know what its fellow-member is doing), they have performed many acts of benevolence, is to say only what many unostentatious
who have been
the recipients of their benefactions would
testify.
They an organization as early as 1875. The number of its lodge is 727. The preliminary meeting was held November 9, 1874, at which time Eli T. Hinman, R. L. Taylor and Up J. V. D. Kelley were appointed a committee to draft resolutions. to the granting of the charter they worked under a dispensation. Silas D. Parsons, Jacob A. Anderson and Robert L. Taylor were the
The Masons
are entitled to the credit of being the pioneers.
established themselves
as
—
—— ;
;
;
—
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP. principal oflScers,
1107
being worshipful master, senior warden and junior
warden.
The Independent Order of Odd-Fellows were granted a charter for purpose of performing mystic rites and for the purpose of practicing the principles of F., L. and T. in their own peculiar manner. Karitan Lodge, No. 616, received its charter June 30, 1866. The charter members were M. M. Field, A. E. Stanley, J. C. Coulson, The order did not prosper well, C. W. Hardesty and L. W. Calhoun. the
some other reason not known to the outside world, moved across Terre Haute in the spring of 1868. The following, by a local poet, is inserted here at the request of many citizens of Earitan and vicinity. [Ed.
or for
the line to
Full twenty years ago, and more, when Raritan was new, When on these plains the prairie grass and prairie flowers grew, When from our native eastern hills and valleys we had come To seek, in this far-distant land, a resting place and home ;
Wild and unbroken was the view, unturned the virgin soil. The prairies broad on every hand, inviting honest toil, Tall herbage nodded gracefully before the passing breeze. And far and near were pleasing forms of native shrubs and trees. The sacred ties of friendship, yea, the love of nearest kin. Had been ignored, tho' felt to be a sacrilege and sin, From scenes of earliest childhood days, deep graven on the heart, From long-loved homes, we felt constrained with sad regrets to part, Not as when first from dear old Jerseys rode in wagons new The Wilsons, Pumyeas, Voorhees, to what is since Fairview, Where now, when the enlivening sound of her church-going bell, The honored sons of worthy sires in peace and plenty dwell. Not thus, but gliding swift along at railroad speed, we hied From homestead of old Somerset, from where the gentle tide Of Earitan's "North Branch," and south toward the Atlantic flows. And where, athwart the sunset sky, grand Pickel's summit rose. From Middlesex, from Hunterton, and Sussex, too, they came From classic Middlebrook, of Revolution fame, From Fox Hill, where the sweet delicious huckleberry grows. From Pluckmin, from Peapeck, and where Rockaway's streamlet flows,
From quiet homes of Readington, where Dominie Van Liew Full forty years proclaimed the truth, beloved by all he knew, From Lebanon's peaceful valley, where Van Amburg's earnest voice Made sinners tremble and believe, and Christian hearts rejoice From Eocky Hill, from Six Mile Run, and streams of lesser fame, From obscure towns and villages to prairie land they came Full joyfully and hopefully forsaking native land And all that made it home for them, to join our pioneer band. When this glorious " Sucker State " then hath, perchance, been found, No other soil where health and wealth and pleasure more abound. So Judge Brokaw and Nevius 'twould be, when they came to seek Full twenty years ago and more, their home on Honey creek.
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES,
1108 Then
'twas the "Jersey Settlement "
Few names
will nicely
rhyme with
— what now — go find out
is
it
Baritan, if
you can
Scarce, also, as the visits of angelic messengers
Are towns so proud of her
folks as Earitan of hers.
Some
pioneers came others from afar,
Still
following those
first
toward the Occident they haste
Even Fulton county was
— westward their guiding
star,
too old for restless enterprise,
Fairview furnished some recruits for our new paradise. Enshrined in sacred memory will ever be the name Of each new settler from the east who left their homes and came To cast their lot with us and share the pleasing novelty Of prairie life, so full of mirth, so peaceful and so free. Of such were Voorhees, Morris, Tharps, not less than half a score, Grooms, Kelleys, Posts, Fields, Simons, a baker's dozen more. The Gulicks, Hardins, Cortylyons, Van Arsdales, Groendykes, Schencks, Clawsons, Halls, Quicks, Hagemans, all Jerseymen alike, These all and some whose names refuse to jingle well in rhyme. Forth came among the earliest, and more in course of time. From many another sister state to Illinois have come. And here to-day, enjoy with us, this happy harvest home. To our first prairie Sunday school, within the humble shop. On yonder farm yet standing, there from valley and hill top.
And
From calm, rude or half built house, across the prairies wild Came many a one who is here to-day, who then was but a child,
And
to that shop, our prairie church, each holy
Sabbath day,
Good father Morris came to preach, and people came to pray. The Baptists and Methodists, the Lutherans and the Dutch, All Christians, faithful and sincere, not righteous overmuch. Their children now to womanhood and manhood quickly grown. Remember with complacency those happy days their own. Those halcyon days, when school was kept but six months in the year, And teachers ruled the young ideas by love and not by fear, When breaking teams, five yoke of oxen, turning the prairie soil Ne'er turned before, gave novelty and zest to daily toil. When half-mile furrows making the bound'ry Kne 'twixt neighbors Gave promise of sod-corn and wheat, best fruits of farmers' labors. Post offices were far between when these old farms were new, Our Highest one was Dug Out near the margin of a slough. Some found their mail at Ealekins and others at Shake Rag, Euphonious name, derived from what was once a Union flag. Kind Uncle Sam heard our petition, laid it on the shelves. And granted us the privilege of carrying mail ourselves, As often as once every week, and at our own expense. Each took his turn across the plains, through creeks, and over fence. Mail days with glad expectancy, our population came. And thronged the village store, wbere Gulick, honored name, Announced each letter, then towards him who answered to the call. O'er heads it flew, to reach the floor or strike the opposite wall. One question, whether fences be required on the prairie. Was settled, it was thought, by statute, quite contrary.
;
;
— —
;
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP.
1109
As also by the cattle and their owners, for this true, The letter would influence the former's taste for pastures new. But growing crops would not "pan out" if totally neglected. There was Kelley's wheat and Hixon's corn must be someway protected, Then posts from Groosendreck's timber hauled, with wires in close suspense. Or pickets driven in the ground, would do for lawful fence. Of man's first struggles with the beasts that roved this fenceless plain, Long-horned and short, imported straight from Texas or Des Rains, Sing, gentle muse, that from the ruins in some ravaged field, Inspired with deep, mysterious thoughts, and caused our faith to yield. To robust prairie steers our fences were an aggravation, went for crops with brutish exultation. By day, by night, at work, asleep, was heard that ominous rattle Of crushing stalks, and crushing ears, devoured by ravenous cattle. 'Twixt loosened wires they
More dangerous to integrity than common-place temptation Was this, to see our crops destroyed without a compensation From wire to boards, from boards to hedge, from hedge to pickets driven. We felt one consoling thought, there'll need no fence in heaven. Coeval with the incipient church and mission Sabbath school, A band of skillful singers rose the harmony to rule. With them all joined with one accord in sweet melodious lays. Few lacked an ear and voice to sing, who had a heart to praise. Heard ye the rhythmic melodies of that first prairie choir. Their sweet hymn's and anthems then our every heart inspire, And still, as time rolls on, that choir is to our memory dear. Oft in the stillness of the night their songs I seem to hear. When the shadowy portals of the dim, oblivious past Fond memory catches glimpses, too evanescent to last. Of those who left us years ago for some far distant shore, And some whose once inspiring voice shall greet our ears no more. Hail, music best interpreter of every kind emotion, Heaven born dispenser of delight and soul of our devotion. Without thy cheering influence our home had been too sad; Thy solace kept our thoughts at ease, and made our spirits glad. A town was wanted then was felt what well was known before. That every one could not secure a town by his own door With stores, and shops, and week-day schools, and Sunday congregation, !
—
So greatest
good to greatest number, settled the location. farmers bought and sold. And then a house for school and meetings some say now it's sold In Christian sympathy, denominations could unite In Christian union there was strength to work for truth and right. A house of worship much was needed, soon the people joined To build a temple for the Lord— for worship more refined— In His own name the truth to preach, to Him glad songs to raise, Bevoted to His service consecrated to His praise. The caravan of sturdy teams, some twenty years ago. Which from Oquawka's sandy banks moved ploddingly and slow-
A store was erected where the
—
Up
o'er
Colomas street where wooden valleys meet,
the Junction's steep ascent, thro' lone
Hard by Ciena's clay-brown
hills,
;;
;
HISTOEY OF MEECER
1110
Full freighted with strong
And
AND HENDEESON
beams and
joists
and
sills
;
;
;
;
COUNTIES.
of wondrous length,
—
boards of Holland mills for beauty and for strength, Swift plunging through the Henderson and Honey creek unspanned. To where had already fixed the site of Earitan. That was a sight, and those were scenes to be remembered long; The people had a mind to work, their faith and zeal were strong. To build this sacred house for God, His friendly aid besought. And like the Jews in Solomon's day, their grateftil offerings brought. First Reformed church in Henderson, around it clustered soon. Our thriving village, with its business stores a timely boon To husbandmen of prairie land who hither came in scores, To market their surplus products and lay in family stores. May we boast of our heritage this the garden state Our progress, our resources, correspondingly are great The fertile earth, at our behest, hath yielded much increase. And God hath blessed our western home with plenty, health and peace. Full twenty years ago no thorny hedges intervened To shade the traveler's winding course across the grassy scene; When we to Monmouth, Burlington and Blandonville would go, No lengthy lanes nor sharp rectangles, made the journey slow. What, tho' in sloughs and unbridged creeks our teams were often found, With borrowed chain and doubletree we'd reach the solid ground. It's bilious, Simon used to say, when he would pull us through Next time we'll find some shallower ford, and head that awful slough. When, with our dominie Morris, in the days of long^go. We took an apostolic ride, a mission work to do. Hard by old Deerpark and the home of Cruser just begum To far-ofi' Bushnell held our course, nor reached till set of sun. faultless
Then
Stewart, Willis, WyckofiF, Sperling, Crusier, Posey, others.
United in their christian efibrts, as a band of brothers, To give their town its earliest church that was their noblest mission. ;
And Bushnell
sees their noblest labor blessed, their
We take a retrospective view
homes
in full fruition.
the forgotten past. Full of unnumbered hopes and joys too sweet it is to last. Looms up on memory's faithful page, as if 'twere yesterday When o'er those plains so vast and wild we our devious way. Admiring nature's beauties round us on every hand. Full well resolved from that time forth to dwell in this fair land O'er hills and dales of Honey creek surveyed the prospect wide. Found there our chosen dwelling place and made a prairieside.
Those
:
whose grateful shadows shelter us to-day, us forcibly th4,t the time is passing swift away While those for our enjoyment made and those ordained for food All say to us, in cheerful tones behold, our God is good. lofty trees,
Remind
:
Down the dim vista of the years I see these shrubs and flowers. New planted, bursting into bloom, fostered by heaven-sent, showers And genial sunshine, steady growing thro' each yearly stage, Developing their marvelous beauties with advancing £^e. Fond recollections cluster 'round the settler's new-made home Each one had formed a pleasant refuge, never more to roam
;
t
V !
^"•^'"^^^
[
^^gj -
i
'
'^ Q
r
^?^^
j^^HBHj^
k.
'
'
/)
^
^/*tt^^^. c-^
;
:
;
;
;
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP.
;
;
•
1113
As each with others sympathized in loving brotherhood, Each, while providing for his own, toiled for the general good. Through many a slough, up many hills, desponding and weary. Hedged in with thorns, our path of life seems often' rather dreary; Yet who that recollects the charm of prairie toil and strife, But will confess those early days the happiest of his life. For there were social parties then, and many a banquet rare
To excel in serving up a feast was each good housewife's care The girls improved their taste for dress and studied the arts of charming, While sons and sires discussed the modes of western farming. 'Twere not for me in fulsome strains of flattery to speak Of early pastorates,
when
yet in numbers
we were weak
The name of Bumstead every heart with fond remembrance thrills From Adams we were loth to part Pfanstiehl we cherish still. Our harvest song, be it loud and long and as our gifts are greater. So let us praise, in loftier lays, the name of our Creator He hath blessed us more in our earthly store than we in weakness pleaded His sun and rain hath given us grain, and every blessing needed. This year our land, on every hand, yields us a bounteous treasure We thankful keep, and as we reap, our harvest yields us pleasure. What if in spring we could not sing, so sad seems our condition. He, while we wept. His promise kept, and gave us glad fruition. The warbling bird, whose song is heard within yon leafy bower, Each shining day seems thus to say sing of His love and power. Then come and sing, your music bring we'll chant " that old, old song. Till life shall end, then joyful spend a harvest home in glory." ;
!
:
;
BIOGEAPHICAL. Personal liberty and freedom of conscience were the germinal ideas
oppressed and proscribed to leave the different counand adjacent isles to abandon all dear social scenes and fond influences which cling around nativity, and brave the perils attendant upon the settlement of a new. and distant country, inhabited that induced the
tries
of Europe
;
unknown savages. All the sacrifices, however, from home and friends were counted by them of Uttle relative value, when they thought of gaining the privilege of behig free men in the full import of the term. Our fathers brought with them, when they crossed the turbid Atlantic, our civil and religious institutions locked up in their brave hearts, and an AUwise Proviby different tribes of
involved in a separation
dence directed their pilgrimage to a land whose broad expanse of terdeep, swift rivers, lofty mountains and rich soil constituted a fit arena tor the birth of the struggling thoughts of world-beneficent con-
ritory,
and the maturity and development of those noble sentiments which are as soul to one of the finest countries which the sun looks
ception
down upon from his throne in the heavens. It was a wise policy on the part of the framers of our constitution, 63
HISTOKY OF MERCEE AND HEITOERSON COUNTIES.
1114
and in perfect harmony with the magnanimous and generous spirit that animated our ancestors, to throw open wide the door of citizenship, that the oppressed and honest masses of other countries might here find that liberty and freedom of thought and action forbidden by. other governments. Thousands every year crowd to our shores, attracted by the superiority of and the advantages and privileges afforded in the United States to those of other nations. And some of the most patriotic and honorable citizens of which our country can boast are to be found among those who have come to this country that they might
make
it
their
home by
In this class localities,
is
whose
adoption.
included
many
of the best citizens of this and other
forefathers purchased liberty, not at the price of
eternal vigilance, but at the risk of their lives. E.EV. A. A. Pfanstiehl, of Earitan, Henderson county, lUinois, was born at Holland, Ottawa county, Michigan, November 14, 1866. His parents were Hollanders, who moved from the JSTetherlands in 1848 on The national church of the Netheraccount of religious persecutions. lands about 1844 becoming very rationalistic and domineering over the
consciences of religious worshipers, a large
thinking
it
own
God
according to the
dic-
and accordingly seceded from the nachurch, growing into what is now the Seceded Church of Hol-
tates of their
tional
number of people rebelled,
their unqualified right to worship
consciences,
In consequence of this secession they were persecuted by the land. government, until 1847 a large number of families, under the leadership of the late Rev. A. C. Yanlialte, D.D., emigrated to America and settled in the woods of Michigan, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. About the same time another colony, under the leadership of Dr. Schouton, emigrated to Iowa, and built what is now the town of Pella.
This emigration has gone on more or less ever
in Michigan alone there are nearly 30,000 Hollanders.
yet possessed with the riches of hardihood, frugality characteristics of indomitable perseverance
and energy,
they. soon built
a town and settled the country with comfortable homes.
they have settled the place teristic
of the nationality.
is
marked by the progressive
Not long after
since, until
Though poor, and the Dutch Wherever
spirit charac-
settling they built a college,
which has sent forth many professional men both to the east and west. This college is under control of the general synod of the Eeformed Church of America, and is incorporated under the name of Hope ColHere A. A. Pfanstiehl received his edulege, at Holland, Michigan.
He
studied theology in the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of the Northwest, at Chicago, and graduated cation, graduating in 1876.
from that seminary in 1879. Having received a
call
from the Eeformed
;
BEDFOBD TOWNSHIP.
1115
Church he was ordained and installed as pastor of the same on July and continues the pastorate. He was married to Miss Julia It may be inA. Barnes, of Prairie City, Illinois, on May 10, 1882. 24, 1879,
note that the lumber with which the Reformed Church was was sawed in a mill at Holland, Michigan, and was shipped over Lake Michigan to Chicago in a vessel belonging to the pastor's father when the latter was an infant one year old. In 1880 he was appointed as a delegate to the London Centenary Sabbath School Convention, to represent the Henderson County Sabbath School Association. He was absent on a tour of -four months, visiting England, Scotland, France, Switzerland, the Rhine country, Belgium and Holland, the native land A. A. Pfanstiehl is possessed of a rare combination of his parents. of excellent qualities, which admirably fit him for the profession in Carefiil, though quick in utterance, using corwhich he is engaged. rect language, is a good elocutionist, possessing more than ordinary talent. He has a well stored mind and is a deep thinker. As a friend he is social and courteous. The earliest record known of the Schbnok family is found on the records of Amsterdam, Holland, dating back to 1153, bearing a mili-
teresting to built
When
the first emigration to America was is not must have been at an early date. The name is found on records at Long Island, and Monmouth and Somerset counties, New Jersey, at dates from 1660 to 1683. Th^Schenks along the tary
commission.
^actly known, but
Eiaritan
and Millstone rivers, Somerset county,
seendants
New
New
Jersey, are de.
who came to Somer.set county. children, who grew up and married,
from Johannas, or John,
Jersey, in 1683.
He had five
their births were from 1691 to 1728 The youngest daughter, from 1729 to 1793. Catharine, married her cousin, and raised a family of eight sons and four daughters. One of the sons followed the seas and died young,
two sons and three daughters their
;
deaths were
the other four brothers all settled,
Earitan
and Millstone rivers.
or at least lived for a time, along the
They were married and
settled in life
from 1735 to 1745, and owned mills and stores on the Millstone river, where many of their descendants remain, and many others have moved Cornelius, William and and now of Henderson county, Illinois, was William Schenck, who moved from Monmouth county, New Jersey, to Hunterton coimty, New Jersey, long before the revolutionary war. His wife was Mary Winters, and among his children were Ralph, John and Josiah, all of which were in the American service as soldiers. John was a captain. Ralph was wounded, and after the war drew a pension. Josiah was three years in the service, and was with Gen. Washto other parts. Silas,
The great-grandfather of
the subjects of this sketch,
HISTOKY OF MEECEE AJSD HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1116
New Jersey, when he came near losing his life at that
iugton in crossing the Delaware at Trenton, surprised the Hessians at that place, and
After the war he removed to Weston, Somerset county, and bought a farm of Gen. Frederick Frelinghuysen of 300 acres, where he
time.
and died, and was buried in the cemetery at Millstone, New Jersey. His wife was Alshe Wycoff. They had nine children, four sons and five daughters, all of which are dead except Josiah, who is living at Millstone, New Jersey. Jacob "W. was the father of the family now in this country. He purchased the homestead at Weston, where he Uved and died. In 1848 he married Ann Brokaw, of the same county. She died in 1854. They are both buried at Millstone, New Jersey. They left six children, five boys and one daughter Magdaline died 1854, and was buried at Fairview, Fulton county, Illinois Josiah died 1857, and was buried at Millstone, New Jersey John H. died at Baird's Point, Missouri, and was buried at Raritan, Illinois. He was a member of lived
:
;
;
Co. L, 7th
111.
William
Cav. Reg.
J.
Schenck was
Jersey, April 4, 1833.
bom
at
West Somerset
Pie married Miss Martha
Ann
county.
New
Stryker, of the
same county. They removed to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1855, where they have since resided. He was among the earliest settlers of the county in which he lives. He has taken much interest in educaan active part in the development of the country morals, state. To them have been bom two children, a daughter and a son Gilroy Anna, who married William Davis, and one son, Jacob W., who is still remaining at home. Mr. and Mrs. Schenck are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In poUtics he is a republican. Coenelius Schenck was born in Weston, Somerset county, New Jersey, in 1852. He was man-ied to Miss Liddia M. Stryker, of the same county. Three children was the result of this union Josiah, bora September 27, 1857 married Miss Elizabeth Gearhart December, On Mr. Schenck's 1880 Mary, residing at home, was born 1860. arrival in Henderson county he bought a quarter section of land in Sec. 15, on which there was a small log house. small poi-tion of the land had been broken up, and fenced with a fence three rails high. He immediately began improving a farm, and in a few years he had transformed the wild prairie into a fine farm. His son Josiah is now living upon the old home place, and Mr. Schenck is spending his de-
tional matters,
both in church aitd
:
:
;
;
A
clining days in Raritan in ease ftnd comfort, the effects of an industrious
life.
James Hageman, one of the prominent pioneer settlers of Earitan, and proprietor of the Prairie Side Park, was born in Somerset
BEDFOED TOWNSHIP.
UlY
New Jersey, June 27, 1824. Here he spent his youth at and when at the age of twenty-two commenced a course of study with a view to the ministry, and accordingly entered sophomore class of Rutger's College, New Brunswick, New Jersey, iii September, county,
school,
1847.
of
In less than a year failing health compelled the abandonment
mental occupation and a return to the pursuits of agriculture on his
In November, 1849, he was married to Miss Margarett same county. This happy union was blessed by six children being bom to them, four sons and two daughters, Sarah Ann {wife of A; "W. Van Dyke, editor of the "Bushnell Gleaner,"), Phoebe,
father's
farm.
Kershaw, of the
Charlotte,
Herman and Frank
son, died in
are living
;
Gilbert L. K., the eldest
the spring of 1869, in the sixteenth year of his age, at
when three years old. The remains of cemetery at Earitan. Mr. Hageman's career in He removed from his paternal life has been an extremely varied one. home to New Brunswick in 1854, and embarked in the business of
Bushnell
;
Charlie, second, died
both repose in the
making up goods to order, in In April, 1856, he emigrated to his and commenced making a home on the then
manufacturing and selling clothing and partnership with S. R.
Walker.
present location in Illinois treeless, fenceless,
unplowed
prairie.
The
first
building in Raritan
who had first were finishing their dwellings just enough to ma|^e them comfortable. Mr. Hageman commenced at once to cultivate the virgin soil, plant trees, build fences and a dwell" ing, naming his chosen heritage Prairieside, to which the suflix " Park or farm is of late years appended by the villagers, as the Grove, or, Hageman's Grove. Here are held the pioneers' festivals, 4th of July, harvest home, political meetings, etc. Mr. Hageman. removed to Bushnell, McDonough county, Illinois, and commenced the editing and publishing of a newspaper which he named the "Bushnell "Weekly was then in process of erection, and the few settlers arrived (the previous
summer and
fall)
He continued the same for four or five years, when declining he gave place to A. W. Van Dyke. Since that time he has been an occasional contributor for several county papers. After a residence
Eecord." in health
and a half in Bushnell, Mr. Hageman returned to his A few years later he sold twenty acres from the south side for $1,500 cash in hand and commenced the furniture and mdertaking business in the village, the latter branch being still continued by him. Mr. Hageman has been closely identified with the rise and progress of the Reformed church in Raritan, and also the Sabbath school connected therewith, of which he was chosen superintendent at the time of its organization, in 1856, and was re-elected three succeeding years and again at a subsequent period. Twenty-five years of six years
Praii'ieside farm.
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDBE80N COUNTIES.
1118
he delivered, by appointment, a on the occasion of its quarter centennial anniversary. He became somewhat famous as the Prairieside poet through the pubhcation of various essays in rhyme, some of which will be found elsewhere in this work, among which may be mentioned "Lights and Shadows of Prairie-life in the Early Day," "The Miseries of Drunkenness," "Retrospection," "Be Happy," "Vain Regrets," "The Old School-house." Mr. Hageman is also a composer of music, and has also some mechanical genius, .and among his many business engagements Mr. H. has found time to devote a little study to mechanical skill, having constructed several violins and a few violoncellos. The last vioHn which he constructed was made of seventy pieces of wood grown by him on his own farm. He was elected justice of the peace for Bedford precinct, Henderson county, in the spring of 1882. Mr. John G. Cox was born in Somerset county, New Jersey, August 13, 1821, where he passed the early part of his life. He was joined in marriage with Miss Ellen Voorhees September 21, 1844. In the spring of 1860 our subject moved from New Jersey to Fulton county, Illinois, where he resided until the following October, when he removed to the vicinity of Raritan. Here he located on a farm, where he remained until the time of his death, March 9, 1882. Here Mr. Cox, with commendable integrity, industry, frugality and good business habits, succeeded in amassing a comfortable competence and surrounding himself and family with all the comforts of life. He was an exemplary member of the masonic institution, having" been initiated after the organization of the school
historical address
in the mysteries of that order
December
fellow-craft degree April 11, 1875,
degree of a Master
Mason June
1,
8,
1874.
He
passed to the
and was elevated to the sublime 1876. He was duly imbued with
the noble and elevating and sublime principles of the mystic order. J. T.
Cox
is
Among
a merchant of Raritan. the worthy prominent citizens of Henderson county we
mention the name of Waltee Huston, deceased, and father of Walter Huston, a retired farmer of Raritan. From his first settlement in Bedford precinct in 1831 to the time of his death, he was identified with all the interests connected therewith, and was widely and favorably known throughout the whole neighborhood in which he lived and
He
bom
Rockingham county, Virginia, where he spent He removed to Tennessee at an early day, where he was married to Miss Nancy Bradshaw, of South Carolina. This union resulted in fourteen children being born to them (twelve of acted.
was
the early part of his
whom
in
life.
were born in Illinois), as follows John, Joel B., Grizie A., Mary Ann, Margarett, Mary Ann P., "Walter, William,
Archibald,
:
BEDFOKD TOWNSHIP.
1119
Matthew, and Nancy Jane. Those not named died while young. Of this Walter, a successful farmer and fine stock fiimily two only survive :
resides in Earitan
raiser,
;
Mary Ann
P., wife of G. "W.
Penny, resides
Missouri.
in Marysville,
Zelota Beitt, another of Henderson county's old
settlers,
was
bom in Cedonia county, Vermont, June 6, 1805, and emigrated to New York in 1810, where he was married to Catharine Haskins, of Herkimer county, that
April 4, 1833. Kendall county,
to
them.
to
Henderson county October, 1855. accumulating property.
successful in
aud esteemed circles,
by his
Four children were
state,
He removed
to
friends
Illinois, April,
bom
1845, and
Here he made a farm and was
He was
industrious in his habits
and acquaintances, and popular in masonic
haviag taken the chapter degrees.
A. Dueling was born in Somerset county, TSew Jersey, in 1827, and was married in 1851 to Miss Mary A. Allen, of Hunterton county,
They were residing at Fairview at the time of their of the same state. mamage, after which they removed to Avon. Here they resided until This was 1858, when they removed to Henderson county, Illinois. the year that Lincoln and Douglas were stumping the state for the presidency. Our subject listened to one of their debates while at Galesburg. Mr. DurUng has never associated himself with any of the benevolent or religious institutions,
is
liberal in his political views,
mind and an independent way of thinking. In an manner he stands by the convictions of a clear head and pure
possesses a clear earnest
purpose in every department of as a
right
life,
and considering
this, his success
farmer has been somewhat singular, for he turns neither to the
nor
left,
either for
beheves to be right.
man
or parties, in pursuance of what he
found that less decided minds a friend to educational development
It is generally
succeed best in business.
He
is
and good morals.
Henet D. Vooehees, retired farmer and justice of the peace, of was bom in Somerset county, New Jersey, 1820,
Bedford precinct,
and was married to Miss Elizabeth Nevius in 1842. Eight children was the result of this union, as follows, named in order: Daniel, Joseph, David, Sarah, Elen,
John H. and James.
His wife having
he was married a second time to Mrs. Elizabeth S. Suydam in 1872. Mr. Yoorhees came to Henderson county in 1855, and settled died
of the S.W. J of See. 1, in BedHe improved the place and lived upon it until 1858, when he removed to Earitan. An accident, resulting in the loss of on eighty acres of land on the
W. i
ford precinct.
arm, has been an inconvenience to him, yet he writes a finfe hand with his left hand and still works some on his farm near Earitan. his right
HISTORY OF MEECER AND HENDERSON COtTNTIES.
1120
He was
elected justice of the peace in 1861, and with the exception of
three years has constantly held the
He
office.
of school treasurer for nineteen years.
They
has also held the
office
are connected with the
Reformed church. Mr. Voorhees was educated in New Jersey, where he learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed at Raritan after coming to this county. He began life poor, and is one of a few who have wrung success out of hard labor and good management. He is of German descent, his grandparents having come from Holland in an early day.
W. 0. Huston, farmer, of Bedford precinct, and son of Walter Huston, of Raritan, is the youngest child of the family. He was bom Henderson county, Illinois, May 18, 1858, and was married FebThey 5, 1880, to Miss Eliza J. Green, of McDonough county. have one child. Mr. Huston owns his father's old homestead of 160 in
ruary
acres.
He
a
is
member The
at Blandonsville.
and
vice
and
member is
of the Mystic Brotherhood of Justice, located
object of the institution is to suppress crime
to aid innocent parties in obtaining justice.
of the Christian church.
well and favorably
He
is also
a
Though a young man Mr. Huston
known throughout
the neighborhood.
His
manner makes one at home in his society. He J. M. Johnson was born in district Feinsjo, Sweden, in 1845. there received a ,high school education and was apprenticed to leam friendly, courteous
He came America in 1869, landing in Burlington, Iowa. Here he finished his trade and went to La Harpe and spent a part of his time at Roseville. In 1874 he came to Raritan, where he worked for awhile as a jour, for one year or until 1875, when he began business for himself. He was married in Webster county, Iowa, to Miss Arinia Josephine Peterson in 1874. This union has been blessed by three children, two boys and one girl. Mr. Johnson's father is deceased, and his mother resides in Sweden with her sister. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Masonic order, and a member and deacon in the Swedish church organization of Raritan. In politics he is a republican. Wtett Stajstly ranks among the several prominent gentlemen of Henderson county who have taken an active part in its development. He was born in North Carolina in 1835, where he remained until at the age of eighteen years, when he removed with his father's family the blacksmith trade at the Agricultural Industrial School. to
to this county.
year,
and
at the
On
their first arrival here they rented land the
same time bought land on
section 4,
where they
first
set-
but continued to rent for three years after, devoting all their surplus time to the improvement of the place which was to be their future tled,
home.
Gur
subject
began
life
with nothing but his empty hands, his
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP.
1121
whole stock-in-trade being his indomitable energy and industry.
He
began to work by the month, in which way he managed to lay by a small share of his wages with which he bought his first eighty acres From this small beginning he added to his farm until 1882. of land. He controls over 1,000 acres of choice land. In 1876 he built a first
handsome mansion at a cost of $10,000. This house is three stories high with a gothie tower extending high above the tall trees that surround the picturesque place overlooking the surrounding country,, with
hardwood finish and carved solid stone steps main entrances, it presents a grand appearance, and one
high arched windows, leading to the
would scarcely believe, not knovsdng the this,
edifice
facts, that
carved this stately heritage out by his
the proprietor of
own
were built at a cost of $8,000. Miss Ellen Veech, a native of Kentucky.
barn and outbuildings
His was married
energy.
He
The following happy home: Jesse A., Artie, John, Minnie, Georgie, and Maggie. John Stanley, his father, an Englishman by descent, was born in North Carolina. He left his native state f6r Fort Dennison, Iowa, but changing his mind landed in Henderson county, in 1864: to
children bless their
In his family there were eight children
Elinois.
:
Sarah, the eldest,
WiUiam Eobinson.
They are both deceased. She died in Henderson county, and he in North Carolina. Mary Jane, wife of Eh Eeziner, resides near Biggsville, this county. Hannah married A. E. Stanly and is deceased. James H. died while young, caused by married
an injury from the kick of a horse.
"William S. married Miss Ellen
McDill ; he was killed at Stone River. ville,
Eodden
married Isabel
Miss Dennison, of
His widow resides
at Biggs-
W.
George
Illinois.
;
married Nancy "Woodside. Stephen B. she died and he married a second time to a
McDonough
county.
Mr. Stanly
is
a republican in
pohtics.
WiNFiELD
S.
HixsoN was
in Hunterton county. New Jersey, in with his father's family to Henderson
bom
When young he came
1842.
They were among the first During the late war he was a memYol. Inf., but was not in any engagements,
county, Illinois, in the spring of 1854. settlers
in the vicinity of Earitan.
ber of Co. his
D, 138th reg.
111.
regiment having been assigned for garrison duty.
home
after the
acres of
war he rented land
land south of Earitan.
and erected upon married in
it
until 1869,
On
his return
when he bought
eighty
This was raw land, which he improved
He was a substantial house and outbuilding. fall of 1864. in the Hill, Ella Miss to
Henderson county
They have four children: Andrew E., Annie Mary, Maggie, and one not named. When Mr. Hixson first came to Henderson county, there
HISTORY OF MEBOEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1122
was but one house in the neighborhood, that of Josiah Bokaw. Peter Tharp came the following spring. W. H. Penny was bom in Henderson county, and was married in 1860 to Miss Ellen Britt, who was bom in New York. Georgie, Annie, Effie, Fannie, Lizzie, Gussie, Percie and Cosie are his children living. Eleven children were bom to them three not named are deceased. His father, George W. Penny, was born in Maryland in 1800, and is He was a soldier during the Black Hawk war, during still living. which he passed through the country in pursuit of the warriors under After the war was over he came back to Henthis illustrious chief. derson county and bought what is now known as the Allen Voorhees farm. He was married about forty-five years ago to Miss Mary A. Huston. They had eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Penny are living in Mayville, Maryland, at a good old age. He was a carpenter by trade, which he followed until he began farming in Henderson county. Before this he did not ovra a foot of land, but succeeded in accumulating several hundred acres of choice farm land. William H. Penny, ;
our subject,
is
well
known throughout
the county as a successful and
enterprising farmer; his 400-acre farm shows evidences of industry.
Mr. Penny
is
a
member
skill
and
of the masonic institution.
Ajbeam Brokaw (deceased) was born in New Jersey in 1830, and was married in the same state, in 1853, to Miss Gertrude Striker, of the same .county. Soon after his marriage they removed to Henderson county, Illinois, settling on the farm now owned by Mrs. C. A. Cox. Not unlike many of the early pioneer settlers of this precinct, Mr. Brokaw came here a poor man but blessed with the riches of hardihood and a strong, determined will, he soon improved a farm and made a comfortable home. When he first settled on the now home farm, he began at once to plant trees and shrubbery, and erect new farm buildings, and at the time of his death had just begun to realize the return from his hard labor. He was a prominent member of the Keformed church and much respected by his neighbors. By their marriage they had eight children, as follows Isaac, John D., Mary G., Yandivier, Isaac, Martha A., John S., Comelius S. Mrs. Brokaw's father, Isaac Striker, and mother, Gidie Voorhees, were born in New Jersey her great-grandfather Striker was a revolutionary soldier. S. P. Nevius was born in New Jersey in 1825, and is the son of Simon and Brachie (Simonson), of German descent, his father having emigrated from Holland to America in an early day settled in New York, where he was married and raised a large family of children, among whom were David, John, Mary E., Simon P. (our subject), Elizabeth, Dennis, Abram and Garrett. The latter died at Bushnell ;
:
;
;
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP. a few years ago
;
he was a miller by
1123
Our subject was married Miss Sarah Davis. They have to bless their home Gan-ett, Anna, Eichard, trade.
in Fulton county, Illinois, in 1851, to
had four children
bom
and Minnie; Annie
is
:
Of
deceased.
his grandparents but little
is
remembered by him, except that his grandfather was in the revolutionary war Mr. Nevius remembers seeing the musket he had carried Mrs. Nevius' father was Richard Davis, and her during that war. mother's maiden name was Sophia Simonson. In this family there were the following: J. S., Sarah, John, L. N., J. V. D., Lawi-ence W., Frederick, Margrett J., and Anna C. Her brother John was a member Her father came to Fulton county in 1837, of the 7th 111. Cav. where he died and was buried at Fairview. Mr. and Mrs. Nevius are members of the Reformed church. Peter Groom was born in Mercer county, New York, in 1826. On coming to Illinois Mr. Groom first settled in Fulton county. Here he ;
when he removed to this county. where he now resides. The only houses near him when he settled in the neighborhood were those of Dennis Foot and Josiah Brokaw. They had lived there years before. The year 1854 was noted for new-comers, among whom were the Stuarts and Bonhams. When Mr. Groom arrived he had but $175, and for the first year lived in a small stable, surrounded by a patch of hazel brush. He now owns 265 acres of choice land, upon whiqh are good buildings, besides 160 acres of land in Kansas. He was married in Henderson county in 1850, to Miss Sarah Wilson, a native of New York, who came with her parents to this state in company with Mr. Groom. By this union they had ten children Crissie C, William H., John W., Nancy C, Emma W., Nathaniel G., Anna L., Ella E. and Peter, besides one not named who died while young. Mr. Groom's father moved to Illinois in 1855, where he died about 1871. His mother remained in New Jersey, where she died. His grandfather was English descent, and his grajidmother German. They were both bom in New remained until the spring of 1857,
He
settled
on the S.E. J of Sec.
5,
:
Jersey.
James H. Butler was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, and came Adams county, in the fall 1832. Mr. Butler grew up to manhood, taking such chances for an education as offered with his father's family to
times of the country, and connected with which was the old log school-house of that day. Notwithstanding the meager and in the early
was surrounded, he and grew up to manhood with a ruggedness by the exposure and hardships
rude literary facilities with
which
his early life
secured a very fair business education, constitution
seasoned to
consequent to a pioneer
life.
After a residence of eighteen years in
'
;;
HI8T0BY OF MERCEE AOT) HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1124:
Adams
removed in the spring of 1850 to Hancock comity, and in the same year to Henderson county, Illinois, where he bought land on the S.W. J of Sec. 29. This land he sold to John Wasson in March 4, 1844, 1867, and a quarter of unimproved land in Sec. 30. he was married to Miss Nancy Jane Mattock, of Adams county. This marriage has been productive of the following children Julia A. (deceased), wife of R. H. Barnes, editor of the Earitan "Bulletin"; George H., who resides in Jackson county, Kansas; Charles C, a student of Eureka College John, who died at the age of twelve Tobias, and James P. During the excitement consequent upon the first county, they
:
;
discovery of gold in California, Mr. Butler determined to join a band
of emigrants and seek a fortune on the Pacific coast. 1850, he crossed the plains in
Hannibal.
He was
Accordingly, in
company with a party who
started
chosen captain of the party during their
from
travels.
among the party, he, in company with a main party and took a route by themselves, and
Dissatisfaction having arisen
few _ others,
left
the
reached the destined place in safety.
he followed farming
rebellion of the southern states.
his return
from California war of tlie
when
He
then enlisted as a private in the
company reorganized he was elected lieuand served with the same until failing health necessitated his
118th ni. In£, and tenant,
On
until the breaking out of the late civil
leaving the
field.
On
the
entering the field the regiment was consigned
to Gen. Osterhaus' division,
and was a participant in the following
battles: Hain's Bluff, Arkansas, surrounding of Vicksburg, Port Gibson,
and charge
at
Black Eiver bridge.
Christian church, and a
member
Mr. Butler
is
a
member
of the
of the republican party.
John Goodnight (deceased) was bom in Stanford, Lincoln county, May 4, 1794. He was a soldier under Gen. Jackson at New Orleans during the years 1814-5. He was married to Ehoda Brown October 18, 1820. She died in 1823, and he was married a second time to Agnes Jones December 22, 1825. She died December He removed to Indiana in 13, 1874, leaving him once more alone. 1827, and here in Monroe county lived the greater part of his time for twenty-five years. Under the eldership of Michael Combs he embraced Kentucky, on
the doctrine of the Christian church in the year 1833.
Adams *
county in the
fall
He removed to
of 1852, and early in the spring of 1853
removed to a farm one mile east of Bedford church in Henderson county, and from there to Blandinsville in the spring of 1876, where he died at the age of eighty-five years, one month and twenty-four He was an exemplary christian, and as a man he was honest m days. all his dealings, ever ready to denounce evil on its first appearance the poor -never left -his door uneared for; the hungry were bountifully '
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP.
,
1125
from his table, and the naked were clothed by his generous died June 25, 1879. By his first marriage with Miss Ehoda Brown he had two children: Isaac, born July 3, 1821; Sarah M., August 19, 1822. Isaac died in infancy, and Sarah married Samuel supplied
hand.
He
Agnes Jones, his second wife, was born They were married December 22, 1825. The following children were born to them: Elizabeth A., born October 16, 1826 Mary J., April 14, 1831 Martha E., February 26, 1834 Amanda F., April 24, 1836; Thomas H., December 8, 1840; Francis M., Jan-
A. Moore Februai-y 12, 1846. in 1800.
;
;
;
uary 12, 1845.
The Tharp family is of German extraction and originated in HolThey emigrated to America in a very early day. In this family there were eight children, as follows Abner, Cristopher, John, Peter, Arthur, Mary, Ellen and Eliza. Mr. Tharp was married in 1839 to Debora Wagner and became the father of eight land.
:
Kaziah, Jacob, Amanda, Larinda, Lottie, Emma J., Maggie K. Jacob served three years as a soldier in the war of the rebellion and was a member of the 14th HI. Cav. When our subject children
:
he bought 149 acres of land on the S.W. which time there were no houses to be seen anywhere were there any fences, and when once turned loose to graze cattle and horses would wander far away through the taU prairie grass, which would often c^use several days' himt before they were again found. The nearest trading place at that time was at Burlington. He remembers having hauled wheat to that market which he sold at thirty cents per bushel, and oats from twelve to fifteen cents. Com was selling at eight cents, during which time the railroads were charging ten cents per hundred for carrying it to Chicago. cow and calf were worth from $10 to $12, and horses $60. But notwithstanding all the disadvantages incident to those times, Mr. Tharp's pioneer life was a success, and he is now enjoying the fruits of his labors. In poUtics Mr. Tharp was rocked in the very cradle of democracy, but still he denied secession as a constitutional provision on the one hand and the doctrine of federal aggression on the other. He stood with first
came
to Illinois, in 1851,
J of Sec. 12, at around, neither
A
Douglas at the commencement of hostilities between the two sections, as against two extremes, North and South. Jacob and H.y. Young were born in New Jersey and came to I%,irSenator Stephen A.
view, Fulton county, Illinois,
were soon after followed
about the year 1840 or 1841, whither they brothers. Their
by their parents and two other
permanently near Fairview, where they died and were removed from Fairview to Henderson county about 1865 or 1866. They immediately after their arrival bought a
parents located buried.
Our
subjects
HISTORY OF MERCER ASD HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1126
farm of 160 acres of land on the N.E. J of Sec. 22. The country was and out of the wild prairie they have made a fine farm, and the substantial farm buildings erected by them show evidence of enterprise and a verification of the old adage that in union The two brothers live and work together. Mrs. H. there is strength. grandparents were among the very first settlers in Fulton V. Young's father is still living at the good old age of eighty years, Her county. revolutionary grandfather was a soldier. and her
just then in its infancy,
We dedicate,
with pleasure, a part of these pages to a family that has been long and well known in Henderson county. There are many
who have equal, and in fact prior, claims upon the community we esteem only the date of their settlement in the county, but
others if
desiring to put
which we hart.
write,
upon record the prominent and worthy of the day in we take up the account of the family of David Gear-
In doing
so,
we
realize the fact that at best
finger-board to guide the fiiture biographer to a
we can
only leave a
more successM account
The subject of our sketch was born in 1819, in New where he was educated at a common school and brought up to farming. He moved, in 1852, to Fulton county, Illinois, where he immediately renewed his occupation. He was married, in Fulton county, to Miss Catharine Young, September 24, 1 856. By his marriage he had four children. After a residence of eight years in Fulton county, he removed to Warren, where he remained two years. In 1854 he came to Henderson county, to visit and look at the country. Returning to Warren, he moved to this county in 1862, at which time he bought eighty acres of land on Sec. 12, and afl;erward 300 acres. of the family.
Jersey,
By
his second marriage, with Mrs. Elizabeth Perrine, they have five
children.
Garret Simonson was born in New Jersey, where he was educated and raised to farming. He came to Henderson county in the spring of 1857, and bought eighty acres of land of his brother on Sec. 8, where he at present resides. He. was married in New Jersey, in 1845, to Miss Martha Dunham. Three children were the result of the marriage. R. B. D. is principal of the high school of Troy, Missouri, where he graduated with high honors, after earning money with which to pay his tuition. D. Simonson, father of the subject of this sketch, w?is born in New Jersey, and is of German descent. He was twice married, and his children are Rev. John Simonson, Garret, D. M. Simonson, Dennis S. (deceased), James W. (a resident of Rock Island county, and member of the legislature), Marie (wife of Abram Wycoff ), Gertrude E. (wife of Parker Wright, of Chicago), Balinda M. and Annie live at Port Byi-on. :
;
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP. John
S.
bom
Nevius was
advantages of a
ceived the
in 1820, in
common
1127
New
Jersey, where he re-
school education and afterward
which he worked until he came to Henderson county in 1836. On his first arrival here he purchased 160 acres of land, broke the same, and began making a farm. He
learned the carpenter trade, at
was married in New Jersey in 1846, to Miss Maria Ann Brokaw. They have had eight children, as follows: Simon, Catherine, Peter (deceased), Sarah Jane, Mary B., David (died when three years old),
and Brachie. His parents were Simon and who were both bom in Somerset county, New Jersey. His father died in 1862 and his mother in 1876. They were buried in Redington cemetery, Hunterton county. New Jersey. Their family consisted of nine children, six boys and three girls David resides in New Jersey Mary Ellen, wife of Benjamin Voorhees,
Peter B.
(at
home),
Brachie (Simonson) Nevius,
;
died 1868
;
her remains repose at Bushnell
Henderson county
New
;
;
Elizabeth Ann, wife of
Simon Peter resides in M. Lane, Dennis, re-
Abrara V. Garrett and Simon Addis, grandfather of Mr. Nevius, was a revolutionary soldier, and Mr. Nevius still remembers seeing him go through the manual of arms. Mr. Nevius has been a member of the Reformed church for twenty-three years, and has been sides
in
Anna
J.
Jersey, formerly lived here
;
are deceased.
chosen deacon at different times.
James H. H!azblwood, farmer, was bom in 1830, in the state of where he received the advantages of a common school education and was reared to farming. His parents, Joseph and Mary, were bom and raised in Kentucky, where they were married, but moved to Indiana in an early day, and remained there until 1852, at Indiana,
McDonough county, Illinois. Our subject Mary J. Duncan, of Henderson county, and happy union they have been blessed with three children. As
which time they removed to
was married in 1860 to Miss
by the
a citizen Mr. Hazelwood's life has fair
dealing.
He
is
a
member of the chapter
been characterized by honest and order and also a
member of the Masonic He is also of La Harp.
a
member
of the
Christian church.
Hunterton county. New Jersey, 1833. a common school, and learned the trade of which he has since followed. In 1857 he came
Aaeon Johnson was
He was educated carpenter
and
at
joiner,
bom
in
where he sought and found employment at his trade, which he worked for nine months, after which he removed to Henderson county, in the spring of 1858. He was married in the to
Fulton county,
at
spring of
By
this
1869 to Miss Catharine Coozatt, of Fulton county, Illinois. bom to them Liddie and Minnie C,
union two children were
:
HISTORY OF MEEOEB AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1128
who
home.
In Mr. Johnson's father's family there were he was the eldest Emma E., died and her remains repose in Somerset county, New Jersey Cornelius resides in New Jersey, Mary J., wife of A. E. Eeed, John M., Jacob W., Hannah M., Ellen and Sarah, all reside in New Jersey Dewitt lives in Adams county, Iowa Liddie Josephine died when seven years old. Mr. Johnson's father, of German descent, was bom in New Jersey, and is still living at the age of seventy years. His mother's maiden name was Liddie Wycooll and was also of German ancestry. During the late war our subject was a member of the 30th 111. Inf and was engaged with his regiment at the battles of Nashville and Kingston. He served until the close of the war in 1865. His regiment formed a part of the 17th Army Corps, under Gen. Sherman. Mr. Johnson has never had any political aspirations nor sought for office, neither has he connected himself with any of the benevolent organizations of the present time, but is social and free in his habits and opinions, and liberally supports the cause of education, religion, good morals and public progress. The estimate here placed upon his character is a willing testimony of many who have known him for years. R. Y. CoETELYON was bom in New Jersey in 1821. His parents were Aaron and Elizabeth VanArsdale, of German descent and bom in New Jersey. They had four children, our subject being the second Ellen is of the family. Mariah, the eldest, died in New Jersey married and resides in New Jersey; William resides near Earitan, this county. Mr. Cortelyon was married in New Jersey in 1847 to Miss Catharine Stevens. The following children have been bom to them Margaret (deceased), Harvey, Stephen (deceased), Eddie, Eugene (deceased). The family remained in New Jersey for eleven years after their marriage. They then came to Henderson county. Immediately after their arrival here he purchased 160 acres of land on are living at
eleven children, of
whom
:
;
;
;
,
;
:
N.W. i of Sec. 10, forty acres of which was already improved. Mr. Cortelyon began life with- but little, but by industry and good management has succeeded well. For a large share of his success in life he
the
woman, first to the counsels and admonitions of a kind mother, and second to the encouragement of
attributes to the influence of noble
a judicious wife. EoBEET H. Baenes, editor of the "Earitan Bulletin," is perhaps as well known and respected as any man in Henderson county. He was born in LaHarpe, Hancock county, Illinois, April 29, 1849 is the son of H. H. and M. D. Barnes. He commenced learning saddlery with George Newton in 1862, and worked at that trade and shoemaking for three years. He sold notions, etc., from 1866 to 1870, when he quit ;
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP. business to
1131
on account of declining health, and in that year, 1870, went Here he spent his time for awhile in hunting, clerking
Arkansas.
and overseeing about, ninety hands, mostly In the of 1871 he returned to La Harpe and spring negroes. Miss Julia married to A. Butler March 19, 1871. Immediately was returning south, he settled on a small farm near Kaleigh, thereafter Tennessee, a watering place about nine miles northeast of Memphis. In the fall of the same year he returned to Raritan, Illinois, and started a saddlery and harness shop in company with S. D. Parsons. In 1873 he bought property and built a shop, 16x32, two stories high, the upper room of which was used for a grange and masonic hall. In 1875 S. D. Parsons retiring from business, he formed a partnership with G. H. Butler, his brother-in-law, and put in the first exclusive stock of hardware, and enlarged the building to 32x48. In the fall of 1876 he issued the first copy of the " Raritan Bulletin," a two-page paper, in This was issued in the interest of Hon. John Hungate, size 5x7. candidate for congress, and self. The subscription fee charged for this sheet was ten cents per annum. In about six months after he increased on a cotton plantation
the size of the paper, as well as the subscription to twenty-five cents.
was made a five-column two-page paper, and later a and the subscription placed at $1 per annum, and finally in 1878 to a five-column eight-page, at the same price, circulating all over the Union. His wife died September 18, 1877, leaving The next year
it
five-column four-page,
who is living with her grandMr. Barnes was married a second time to Miss Ida M. Beard, March 17, 1880. By this union they have one child, Jettie M., bomPebruary 14, 1881. She died September 11, 1881. In the fall of 1881, he built a large business house, 32x64, two stories high, the upper part of which is wainscoted and ceiled with matched and grooved flooring, and is used as a town hall and for storing furniture. The lower floor of the building is used for storing implements. Jaqdes Yooehees, one of the early pioneers of Bedford, was born in Somerset county, New Jersey, August 21, 1825, and was raised to a small babe five days old, Julia A.,
father Butler.
At the age of twenty-one he came with his father's family to Greene county, Illinois, in 1847. They made the journey through with teams and wagons and were twenty-four days on the road. On' farming.
Greene Castle, Indiana, they were delayed and compelled on account of high water. After waiting two days for a ferry to take them over the river, they went to work driving stakes in the river, by which means they managed to take their wagons to the other side, after which they swam their horses across. The nexf year after his arrival in Illinois he returned to his native state, and in 1850 celearriving at to wait
,
64
1132
HISTOKY OF
MEECEE AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
brated his marriage with Miss Sarah Yoorhees, after which he returned to Illinois, settling first in Fairview, Fulton county,
where he bought a farm and remained till 1855. He then removed, settling near Earitan. At this time the whole country was one vast prairie. He bought 160
John Huston, on Sec. 10. After a resimoved to town and engaged in company with Abram Gulick. He con-
acres of choice prairie land of
dence of two years he
left
the farm and
the mercantile business, in
when he sold his interest to Adam Eight children have been born to bless the happy home of Mr. and Mrs. Yoorhees Mary Jane, Henry N., Lucian A., Eddie and Edwin, twins, Abram J., Elmer E., and Emerett. Mary J., Eddie, Abram and Emerett are deceased. Mr. Voorhees is of German
tinued the business until 1876, Crist.
:
descent, his grandfather,
was born
Abram
in Somerset county,
J. Yoorhees,
New
was Holland Dutch. He His parents
Jersey, in 1798.
emigrated to America in an early day, and settled in New Jersey. His mother was of French descent her maiden name was Mariah De Harp. His grandmother on his mother's side was Margarett Howell, and on his father's side Sarah WycoflT. Jaques Yoorhees, father of our subject, was first married to Miss Sarah Allen. She died while our subject was young. He was married a second time, to Miss Sarah Schenck. She having died in 1849, he married Nancy Slack. By this union they had six children. Mr. and Mrs. Yoorhees are con;
nected with the Baptist church of Earitan.
There is probably not an old settler in the precinct of Bedford but who, if he were asked who the Tharp family are, would answer without any hesitation "One among the first and most honorable families of Henderson county. " William Thaep, the subject of this sketch, was bom in Huntei-ton county. New Jersey, in 1835, were he received a He liberal education at a common school, and was raised to farming. came with his father to Fulton county in 1854, and a short time aft^ came to Henderson county, where they purchased land on section 14, near the site of where Earitan now stands. He remained with his father, assisting him in the improvement of the new farm, until the spring of 1857, when he began clerking for Jaques Yoorhees. Here he obtained a knowledge of the mercantile business, in whidi he afterward embarked in company with Lewis B. Eltinge. They continued the busi:
Eltinge sold his interest in the business to one Grovendyke. In 1860 he bought out Grovendyke's interest and has since In 1873 he built the largest that time carried on the business alone. and most substantial store building in Earitan, if not in the county, on ness until 1859,
when
block G. The size of the building is 28x40, .with twentytwo feet posts. The upper story is used as a masonic hall. His father,
lots 8
and
9,
BEDFOED TOWNSHIP.
1133
was bom in Hunterton county, New Jersey, in May, and was married to Miss Catharine Bogart in August, 1828. The family moved to Fulton county in 1854. Mr. Tharp staid there a short time, and leaving his family he and "William came to Karitan and bought a half section of land on the south side of the road west of town. When he came here there were no improvements on the prau-ie one two miles and only two or three houses in the neighborhood, one one-and-a-half east of town known as the Hazelton house, miles southwest on Cornelious Schenck's farm, and one on William They camped and lived Cortelyon's farm one and a half miles west.
Peter Tharp, 1801,
—
wagon box put on stakes driven in the ground to keep the snakes weeks, while they were putting up a house. After getting everything in readiness the family came on out, and they all commenced battling for a livelihood. Uncle Peter, as he was familiarly called, next bought the quarter section upon which the northeast part He gave the ground for the school-building, of Earitan now stands. He was one of the first officers elected in and also for the cemetery. the Eeformed church, of which he was an honored member. K uncle Peter Tharp had an enemy in the neighborhood it is said that no one ever knew of it. Three daughters and four sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tharp. Three sons and one daughter are still living, all of whom
in
out, for six
are living in Illinois
Mrs. Tharp
was
except Isaac,
who
is
living at Nortonville, Iowa.
cemetery of Earitan, Mr. Tharp's death. Before his death he had erected her grave a beautiful head-stone, with two pillars, one of which was laid to rest in the beautiful little
four years prior to to
mark his own last resting-place. Beaed is not identified with the history of Henderson county for so long a period as some others, but he has reached a position of prominence in the community by his own exertions as a successful left
blank to
De. E.
He
practitioner.
attributes success to the fact that experience
has
throw aside many of the old dogmas of the early practice, and to use such remedies as prove the least harmless, and afibrd the most speedy relief to the patient. Mr. Beard was born in Lees"burg, Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1820. In 1829 he removed from that state to Ohio, where he received his education, and graduated at the medical college of Columbus, Ohio. Soon after this he began the taught
him
practice of
to
m that state, and continued it for seventeen years. Henderson county, Illinois, in 1865, and during his
medicine
He removed
to
residence here his practice county,
and he
is
classed
He was
has extended over a large portion of the
among
the most skillful and successful of the
married in Ohio in 1841, to Miss Ten children, five boys and five girls, were bom to them. profession.
Mary Brady. Dr. Beard's
HISTOEY OF MEECER AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1134
ancestry were of Scotch-Irish descent, and runs back to the Moors and
His grandfather was born in Virginia in 1761. from that state to Ohio, where he died at the advanced age of ninety-two. When a young man, he was a drummer in the revohition, and joined the army in company with a man with whom he was at that time learning a trade. After his service and the war was over, he followed shoemaking as an occupation. The subject of this sketch, S. B. Van Aesdale, who is now passing Bradys, of Virginia.
He removed
his declining years in the village of Earitan, with all the comforts of life
spread around him, was one among the first few enterprising band of pioneers who came to this county in "days that tried men's souls,"
and through whose influence the pillars of society were founded on the principles of virtue and knowledge. He was born in j^ew York in 1815, and is the third child of a family of six children, and three only of whom are living. His sister, Catharine, wife of Garrett Statts,
New
resides in
and
S.
Jersey
;
Peter B. resides in Fulton county, Illinois, New Jersey. His father
B. Van Arsdale resides at Glen Garden,
having died in 1836, and his mother May 26, 1847, he came to IlliThere he bought some land nois, settling in Fulton county, in 1850. and began to impro\'e and make a farm. During his settlement there he made a visit to Henderson county and was attracted with its natm-al advantages for agricultural purposes, but not until some time after this They returned to could he be induced to remove to the new eldorado. Fulton county and in a short time sold their farm there, and in the spring of 1856 came up and bought 160 acres of land on Sec. 22. He Having bought a improved it and traded it for 180 acres on Sec. 7. residence in town, he retired from business. He was married in New Jersey, in 1836, to Miss Joanna V. Bergen. Six children was the Abraham, the eldest, born March 1, 1838, marresult of the union ried Miss Mary Ann Huston, daughter of George Huston, one of the first early pioneers of Bedford precinct they have fom* children and live south of Karitan. Peter, born May 9, 1842, married Miss Amanda :
;
they have three children. J. B. Van Arsdale, bom October married Miss Ann M. Lewis she having died, he mai-ried Sarah M. Brokaw. Peter served three years as a soldier in the late Mr. Van Arsdale's grandfather, war, as a member of the 14th 111. Cav. Abraham Van Arsdale, was born in Somerset county. New Jersey, December 2, 1750. He. was a magistrate. His father was born in J.
Huston
30, 1844,
;
;
Holland, and emigrated to America in an early day and settled on Island. He was an only son, as was Mr. Van Arsdale's father. He was buried in Harlingen cemetery, Somerset county, New Jersey. Mr. Van Arsdale's grandmother, Margaret Keneday, was born in
Long
:
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP. America.
In Mrs.
Yan
1135
Arsdale's lather's family were the following
was born September
14, 1804; John, March 12, 1813; Mariah, April 18, 1815; Peter and Philip Bergen, twins, March 5, 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Van Arsdale are members of the Reformed church.
James, the eldest, 1808; Joanna,
June
7,
Matthew Hcston, though a
yoiing man,
nevertheless worthy of a he was bom and reared. From his youth he has been an active business man, and to him the community is indebted for the introduction of fine bred horses in the neighborhood, which business receives a part of his attention. He first began to raise graded cattle and blooded horses about 1876, and made it a success from the start. His farm and stables are in section He was married in Henderson county Decem28 he has 108 acres. ber 15, 1871, to Miss Minerva Lovett, whose parents were among the very first pioneers of the precinct, as were also the grandparents and father of Mr. Huston. Mr. Huston's father is Walter Huston, a retired farmer and resident of Earitan. Mr. Huston is an honored member of the masonic fraternity. William H. Coetelyon, one of the pioneer settlers of Bedford precinct, was born in Somerset county, New Jersey, May 29, 1826, and was married in the same county to Miss Elizabeth M. Field, pf the same place. Four children were the result of the union: Emma Elizabeth (wife of R. Y. D. Simonson, was born in New Jersey), A. W. Cortelyon, Fannie A., and Lyon are all at home. His father, Abraham Cortelyon, was also born in Somerset county, New Jersey, in 1795, and was married in 1817 to Miss Elizabeth Yan Arsdale, of the same state. She was born in Middlesex county. His oldest sister, Mariah, was born in New Jersey in 1818. She married Christopher B. Melick, of the same county. They had ten children. Ralph Y. married Catharine Stephens, of the same county. He moved to this state in the spring of 1858. Ella P. married Richard Hageman, of North Branch, New Jersey, where they still reside. William H. Cortelyon is of German descent. His great-grandparents were Hollanders, who came to this country at a date unknown, but which must have
place in the history of his county,
is
m which
;
been before the revolution.
bom
William Cortelyon, grandfather of our
Jersey and settled on Long Island. Mr. Cortelyon, in the spring of 1836, shipped his goods to Fulton county, where he had gone to visit friends, and in the meanwhile came to subject,
was
in
New
Henderson county to look at the country, and being satisfied with the Uppearance and prospect, he returned to Fulton county, and came back with lumber ready to build. The prairie grass was almost waist high all
over.
He
bought his
first
land of David Rankin, in section 10.
HISTORY OF MEEOEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1136
When
he came out he brought five carpenters with him, and a house was soon erected but one day, when he was in town, a heavy windstorm came up and carried away the newly-built edifice. Daniel Leinbach was bom in Pennsylvania in 1811. He was a German by descent. He learned blacksmithing in Pottsville, that He moved in an state, and followed the trade durjjig his lifetime. ;
early day to Ohio, at the
first
settlement of that state, where he was
Ann Messer. They raised a large family of among whom were Isaac, Henry, Mary Ann, Benjamin,
married to Miss Julia children,
Donald, Samuel E., Emma C, Hannah M., and James W. Mr. Leinbach came first to Fulton county in an early day and bought a farm, and resided for four years, when he removed to Henderson county, where he bought 160 acres of land in section 1, of John Huston. Sarah
He
J.,
and made a fine farm, which is still owned by the heirs. Henderson county, near Raritan. He married Miss Elizabeth Huston January 1, 1871. John Bowen was born in Giles county, Yirginia, in 1800, and is the son of John Harless Bowen. In his father's family, there were His father died in that state. His mother was still fourteen children. living at the time he left the state. "When a young man Mr. Bowen left his native state for Michigan with teams. When he arrived in Ohio he ran out of money and was forced to stop and seek employment, which he found, and remained there three years. He then went to Michigan, and after a residence of five years came to Blinois in 1836. He first settled in McDonough county, and two years after came to Hancock, where seventeen years of his life was spent. He bought land in that county, and having three yoke of oxen, harness and wagon, he was not long in making a start in life. He sold his land there in 1854 and removed to Henderson county. At one time he owned over a section of land. He was married in Virginia at the age of nineteen years to Miss Mary Burton. He is the father of the following children: Ariminta, Marshall, Elizabeth, Lena, John R., Almeda, Catharine, W. H., James H., Mary, Jonathan, Arena, liafayette, Eliza, Warren, and two others who died while young. Though Mr. Bowen is now eighty-two years of age, he is quite active and attends to all the little odds and ends about the farm. In all his struggles with fickle fortune to gain a competence, and the severe trials through which he has passed, it is a source of great satisfaction to him He in his declining days to know that he has the good will of all. improved
His
it
son, Daniel, a farmer, resides in
holds to the principles of Freemasonry.
John H. Atkins was born in Elmira, New York, Septeniber 18, There he was educated, and meanwhile assisted his father. At
1823.
BEDFORD TOWNSHIP. the age twelve years lie
went
113Y
where he clerked in a which he went back to New York and worked in a furniture shop, and later on the Erie canal, in the summer, and in the winter in the timber, chopping logs. He was marAfter their marriage ried April 19, 1849, to Miss Abigal Dalrimple. Steuben county, to and from moved there to Schenectady county. he On the last day of October, 1854, Later he moved to Potter county. they started for Lee county, Illinois, and in the spring of 1857 came On their arrival they found the soil unbroken, to Henderson county. were no roads and they could take a straight course to BurlingThere houses could be seen anywhere. There were living in the No ton. neighborhood at that time David Thompson, William Van Doran and James Statts, from Ohio, and Charles Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Atkins began life under the most unfavorable circumstances. They, however, They now own a fine farm and a went to work with a determination. to Pennsylvania,
country store for his uncle, after
house that cost $8,000
when
Mr. Frank Everett, of
Abner D., who
is
built.
New
Their children are
Mexico),
residing at home.
Mary Jane
He was
:
Sarah (wife of
(deceased),
and
married to Miss Alice
Mr. Atkins' grandfather was a Scotchman, who America at the age of eighteen. He was a soldier in the revolution, and lived to be 104 years old. Mr. Atkins' father volunteered during the revolution and was present when Gen. Uoss was killed. His eldest brother enlisted as a drummer and was promoted to lieutenant. Mr. Atkins was drafted during the late war and immediately responded, leaving his family and his thriving business to vinBiggs, of this county.
emigrated to
dicate
days
upon the tented
when and
field
the principles that he cherished.
the expression of abolition sentiments subjected a
In the
man
to
he hesitated not to espouse the antislavery cause, and never turned his back upon the dusky fugitive that asked for succor while escaping to freedom. The fundamental principles of the republican party have received his warm support from beginning to the present time. He is a member of the masonic fratersocial
political obliquy,
nity.
Hugh G. Woodside was born in Washington county, Virginia, June 30, 1826. When about nine years old he came with his father's family, in the fall of 1837, and settled in the northwest corner of Mccounty," where his father bought a quarter-section of land on which there was slight improvement. After he had made some improvements and lived on the place a short time, a man with a forged
Donough
came on and his father bought that also. He remained on the time of his death, in 1854. He was married in North Carohnato Miss Jane Galliher. They had, seven children: Nancy,
title
place until the
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1138
Mary, James, Julia, William and H. G., the subject. One other was born in North Carolina and died there while young. Mr. H. G. Woodside was man'ied in McDonough county in 1851 to Miss Catharine Wilson, of the same county. Thirteen children was the result of this union, as follows Nancy, Jane, William, Henry, Edward, Annetta, Andrew E., Alonzo, Grant, Charles, Minnie. Those not named died while young. His grandfather, James Woodside, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Woodside received such an education as the times afforded. He was a pupil in the first school established in Bedford precinct. This was a subscription school and was held in a log house near Bedford church. Mr. Woodside has been chosen assessor of Bedford precinct for several years. Joseph S. King was born in Ireland in 1824, and emigrated, to America in 1845. He landed in New York and resided there twelve years, during which time he worked by months' wages as a common farm hand. He managed to save from his monthly earnings about $400, which, on coming to Henderson county in 1856, he invested in ninety-five acres of land. This is the place which Jacob Ford now owns. He sold the same two years after he had bought it to Charles Marshall. The land fell back into his hands again. He then sold it He next bought the farm on which he now lives, to David Rankin. and altogether he owns 700 acres, besides some town property. In 1877 he built one of the most substantial farm buildings to be seen in the country, at a cost of $8,000. Standing on an elevated plat ot ground, this building presents an imposing picture and mark of enterprise. When he came to this state he lived in a log cabin 14x16. Fourteen years after Mr. King's arrival in America his parents came His over. His father, James King, died in Henderson county. mother is still living at the age of eighty years. They were bom in the north part of Ireland. There were eight children in the family, :
three of
whom
side in
this
are deceased
state
;
the rest, with the exception of one,
Sarah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Jane,
:
Susan,
re-
Mary,
Samuel and Alexander. Mr. King was first married in New York. His wife having died, he was married again to Miss Julia McLain. For the first seven months' labor in this country Mr. King received $50, After working for two years he half of which was paid in clothing.
home to Ireland to assist through the famine. He high school in the county of Monaghan, Ireland. interested in educational matters and the development of
sent all his earnings
was educated
He
is
much
society
many In
and
religion.
years.
politics
at a
he
They is
are
He
of school director for of the United Presbyterian church.
has held the
members
a republican.
office
TWELFTH JosiAH
Beokaw
ILLINOIS OAVALEY.
(deceased), son of the late
1139
Major Brokaw, of Fair-
view, Fulton county, Illinois, was bom near West Somerset couinty, New Jersey, April 25, 1829, and was married in 1850, to Miss Mary
Ann Groendyke, by which union .
resulted seven children
:
Georgie
Owens, of Mercer county, Illinois Gertrude D. Ida, wife of George Stephenson; Frederick V. L., Cox of M. wife (deceased), Garat A., and Charles IST. E. Edmond Mr. Brokaw was Anna, wife of J. T.
;
,
;
one of the first pioneer settlers of Bedford precinct.
He came
into
neighborhood about the year 1831, and purchased a large tract of land, at which time there were but a few houses in the neighborhood
the
within sight of his dwelling. It
prairie.
The whole country around was one vast
was only a few years
after this that the tide of emigration
when many others foUcwed, and began the erection of dwellings, fences, etc. At an early day the settlement went by the name of the satin,
Brokaw settiement, until the progressive enlargement of its domain, when its name gave way to a more distinctive appellation, more suited Then came the familiar Simonsons, to the growing spirit of the times. Voorheeses and Neviuses, with many other families and housieholds, who soon made the prairie to smile and bring forth the fruits of industry. Through all the signs of eventfuL growth, Mr. Brokaw, though young in years, was regarded as the father of the settlement. Every newcomer received more or less of his help and guidance, and always a welcome at his house. The string of his cabin latch was always hanging at the door in sight of all. Happy days were these, though days of toil and anxiety. In the development of the prosperity of the settlement Mr. Brokaw lent his aid in securing religious services on the Sabbath. The first sermon was preached at his house, and after the estabUshment of the Reformed church he became a member. that
time to the time of his death, in February, 1879, he had
From by
his
and example done much toward promoting its prosperity. Before his death he had been chosen a member of the consistory, and was to have been ordained to the office of deacon the day of his burial. His remains repose in the cemetery of Karitan, where a monument appropriate to his past worth and usefulness has been erected.
liberality
TWELFTH Several
men from Henderson county were
most of them in Co. L. Col.
Amo Voss,
fi'om its
ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
Mercer county
of Chicago,
commanded
enrolled in this regiment,
also furnished a very few.
the 12th a year and a half
organization early in 1862, and was succeeded
by
Lieut. -Col.
mSTOEY OF MEEOEE AND HENDERSON
1140
Hasbrouck Davis, of the same time
till
city,
who
COUNTIES.
served as colonel from that
The regiment was ordered to made a monumental reputation. At Fryatt's Farm
after the close of the war.
Virginia, where
it
men, performed one of the most daring and dashing exploits of the war. His camp was attacked at daybreak by 800 of Ashby's cavalry he ordered a charge, and the
Lieut.-Col. Davis, with about eighty
;
on the Winchester road. There they made a determined stand, protected by houses and stone walls; but his men, giving no heed to obstructions or numbers, dashed down upon them with drawn sabers, cutting and slashing right and left, like loosed demons. Seized with consternation, the rebels fled in tearing rout, leaving between forty and fifty of their number in Davis' hands, and from twenty-five to thirty of their dead on the ground. His loss was less than twenty wounded, three or four mortally. The regiment was shut up with Gen. White's command at Harper's Ferry in Septem^ ber, 1862; but having permission to cut their way out, managed to slip away at night without detection, and on nearing Williamsport, Maryland, came upon a rebel supply-train, captured 112 wagons loaded with ammunition and provisions, a drove of beef cattle, and fifty pris^ oners. The whole history of the 12th sparkles with exciting episodes like these. At one time Lieut. -Col. Davis, with 300 of the regiment, went on the " Stonewall raid," moving from Thompson's Cross Ebads to Gloucester Point, passing between Lee's army and Richmond, and within two miles of the rebel capital. In scouts and skirmishes it was abundant; in battles it fought at Aldie, TJpperville, Gettysburg, Boonesboro, Burevola, Funkstown, Williamsport, Jones' Cross Roads, Falling Waters, Chester Gap, Rappahannock, Culpepper, Raccoon Ford, Madison, Germania Ford, Stevensburg, and Brentsville. The camrebels were driven to Darkesville
paign of 1863 being ended, the 12th came
and reorganize.
When its
1864, to St. Louis
;
home
ranks were agaip.
thence to
New
to Chicago to recruit
full it
went, in February,
Orleans and Alexandria, fighting
at
the latter place on five different days of April and May.
In the latter month it fought also at Markville, Yellow Bayou, and Morganzia. It performed a variety of service in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi, until February 28, 1865, when 120 oflicers and 200. men whose term
had expired were discharged, and the remainder were consolidated an eight-company organization.
into
SEVftNTH msSOUBI OAVALEY.
1141
SEVENTH MISSOUEI CAVALRY. summer
of 1861 William Bishop, of Missouri, began recruitwhat was known as the Blackhawk Cavalry, an independent regiment, which he rendezvoused at Warsaw. About the first of August a certain Crumpton from that place arrived in Oquawka and persuaded T. W. Kinsloe, merchant, to enlist a company, and remained In the
ing in this state
a short time to assist him.
Kinsloe at once addressed himself to this and being further aided by James Vance, John A. Pence and William Morris, in little mofe than a month had sixty-nine men, including a dozen or more from Keithsbnrg, wlwwn lie took down to There company E was organized and officered, Kinsloe "Warsaw. being chosen captain, Vance, first lieutenant, and Pence, second lieutenant. Col. Bishop assembled nine fractional companies, and, after drilling them a few weeks without arms, crossed the command over to Alexandria, Missouri, where it remained about the same On February 20, 1862, this_ length of time and then went to Macon. battaUon and Capt. Louis' company of cavalry were consolidated and named the Seventh Missouri Cavalry. Capt. Daniel Huston, Jr., 1st reg. U. S. Inf was appointed colonel Col. Bishop, lieutenant-colonel; object,
;
,
and Daniel
McKee, major.
Dissatisfied at being assigned to a sub-
Bishop immediately resigned. On the 25th the IST. A. Winters) and B (Capt. Foster B. Hawks), which had been attached to the 22d Mo. Vols., were transfen-ed to the 7th. On March 7th the two unattached companies of cavalry commanded by Capt. Frederick C. Loring and Capt. Benjamin iordinate position, Col.
mounted companies
A (Capt.
T.
Humphrey were
consolidated with the 7th.
B
of this regiment
was ordered
to
On
the 12tli company
be broken up and the
men
dis-
command. Companies E and among H were at the same time consolidated and lettered D, and Capt. William McKee, of company B, was placed in command of the new company. There being now an excess of oificers, Capt. Kinsloe was mustered out. None of the officers of the Blackhawk Cavalry received commissions until the various consolidations had taken place, and that battalion was only indifferently mounted and armed; but after the changes spoken of the regiment was provided with sabers and Hall's carbines, and grew to be well disciplined and efficient. In the spring the regiment moved to Booneville, and was separated tributed
other companies of the
companies going to Lexington, two to Pleasant Hill, and four to Independence. On the 11th of August companies B and D at ladependence, together with a few Missouri state militia. into detachments,, six
——
HISTORY OF MERCEE
114:2
commanded by
AND HENDERSON
Lieut. Col. Buell, of the 7th,
COUNTIES.
had a
engagement,
shai-p
lasting six hours, against 800 rebels, under Quantrell and Hughes.
A
part of the federals got away, and the surrender of the rest was agreed
upon with the
stipulation that the
wounded on both
sides should be per-
mitted to remain at Independence till able to be removed.
The prisoners
were paroled. Company D had seven killed and about a dozen wounded. Soon after another detachment of the regiment had a combat at Lone Jack and the 7th was ordered to Arkansas, where ;
December 7, 1862. company D were killed, and a The same nyanth Vance was promoted large number wounded. captain and Pence first-lieutenant. The regiment had an engagement it
took part in the battle of Prairie Grove,
Capt.
McKee and
at Saline river in
several
men
of
August, 1863, and a
little later
took part in the
fighting around Little Eock, and the capture of the city.
After that
was divided, and kept scouting and doing guard duty, until the muster-out of the non-veterans at St. Louis in November, 1864. On January 1, 1865, the re-enlisted men and recruits of the 7th Cavalry were encamped at Pine Bluff, where the regiment had been for a long
it
time stationed under
Ma,j.
Brawner.
The
duties at this place were
owing to its being the advanced post of the army, and the month of January was spent in carefully scouting the country in the direction of the enemy. The regiment having been depleted by the muster-out of a large number of its members, in February, 1865, it was consolidated with the 1st Missouri Cavalry, the designation of the latter being preserved and thus the name and organization of the severe,
;
7th Missouri Cavalry disappeared.
BALD BLUFF TOWNSHIP. "The white man landed, Need the- rest be told ? "
Byeon.
Bald Bluff precinct stretches across the entire north end of HenIn its narrowest width it is scarcely three and one-half miles. Its greatest breadth is a little more than four and one-half miles. The greatest length is nine miles. It is made up of section range 12, 4, and section 12, range 5, the latter comprising about onethird of its territory. It is bounded on the north by Mercer county, and on the east by Warren on the south by Greenville and Oquawka derson county.
;
precincts,
and on the west by the Mississippi
river.
thirty-four sections, or about 22,000 acres of land.
Its area is over
Of that
portion of
BALD BLUFF TOWNSHIP.
1143
the precinct whicli is in section 12, range 5, very little can be utilized
being sand whicli was deposited by the have forever gone by. Conjecture, and the almost unerring guide of science, would lead us to the belief that this was once the bottom of a mighty inland sea. Here once from bluff to bluff rolled th« murmuring sound of its waters, and over this space the terrible billow has chased others of its kind when lashed This part has a few farms opened in into fury by the bowling storm. it which will scarcely pay the cost of cultivation, while some of it is purposes of cnltivatioii,
for
it
Mississippi in the ages that
The greater part of it is thickly covered with a known in common parlance as the "black jack," inter-
only barren sand. species of
oak
few other
spersed thinly with a
This "black jack" makes
varieties.
Of that onty purpose for which it is much used. -part which is in section 12, range 4, a considerable portion is marked by the same features as that of section 12, range 5, but it has a differexcellent fuel, the
irom
ent soil
it,
most of
it
being covered with a rich alluvial deposit,
and wash from the high bluffs which bends in a crescent shape, which at
to the eastward.
lie its
The
bluff
farthest point almost touches
Une between the two townships in section 18. Immediately at maybe found in the wide realm that is known to man made up of the wash of vegetable decay which has been coUedting for ages. The generous sun has touched for countthe
the foot of the bluff is soil as fertile as ;
less
years the vegetation of these bluffs,
they poured their wealth of soil
low land beneath. hands carress her.
and with a lavish extravagance the bosom of their sister, the
down on
How quick and bright How lavish are the gifts
her smile
when her
her bosom, a generous wealth of golden harvest e'en tickeled rises
away as nature
upon
its
crest
may be
had given a slightly convulsive sob and
The
some 300
feet
it
be
seen stretching
left
though
undisturbed
its
bluff in section 18 reaches its farthest point
west and comes to an abrupt point abruptly
though
the east of this depression
far as the eye can reach a superb plain gently rolling as
gentle upheavals.
its
To
with the rudest implement.
the abrupt bluffs, and once
son's
she laughingly bears upon
when
it
recedes again.
It rises
above the country to the westward, and from ago it received the name of Bald Bluff, from
sparse vegetation years
From here is seen the finest perhaps unsurpassed in the state. Looking ^^estward one sees for a distance of a mile well cultivated and whence comes the
name
view in the county, and
of the precinct. is
comes a stretch of two miles thickly set "blackjack" oak, beyond which the msijestic Mississippi may be seen rolling onward to the 'sea, bearing on its bosom water-craft of almost every kind which are hurrying to the highly ptoductive land, then with the shrubby, gnarly
—
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEK80N COUNTIES.
1144
marts of the world heavily laden with the products of the soil, or heartheii* decks those who are hurrying away from the
ing pi'oudly on
sultry south to find a season of rest
among
the lake-dotted prairies of
the north, where the pure and inspiring breeze will kiss back to cheeks now pale and wan the glow of health. On beyond this one's gaze is lost in the
misty maze that hovers o'er Iowa's
Looking south, and a tance,
may
be seen
little
Oquawka
nestling close beside the gallant Missis-
While
sippi, on her eastern shore.
fair prairie land.
to the westward, ten miles in the dis-
further on,
more than a
score of
and graceful
miles away, one beholds, looking skyward, the
tall
of Burlington's temples of worship, and the
smoke of a thousand
spires
where strive the honest, manly sons of toil, rising heavenkind among the clouds. To the northwest Keithsburg may be seen modestly trying to conceal herself among the trees, which her tasty citizens have set alongHere nature is more profuse in her display side her thoroughfares. industries,
ward
to join its
than for miles around. "
Here summer
And here Here
is
first unfolds her robes, the longest tarries."
the favorite pleasure resort of the people for
From
here the last remnant of Black Hawk's
many
miles
whose hands were reeking with the gory tribute of revenge, standing upon the point of this bluff, while its rounded crest is gilded with the ghtter and glare of the rapidly sinking May-day evening sun, with heaving bosoms and tear-stained faces they bade a last sad adieu to their home of other days, and were soon gone across the Mississippi, to return around.
tribe,
never.
Here, July 4, 1851, occurred a very serious accident. A swing had been put up on the point of the bluif, so that in its sweep to and fro it went far out over the side of the bluff. Among others, in her turn, a Miss Nancy Van Eaton was in the swing when it broke, precipitating her a distance of forty feet, where she was picked up more dead than alive by W. H. Heaton. She recovered and is still living. July 4, 1862, at a celebration occurred an event intensely interesting to the rude element, which formed so large a part of society of that time, being a desperate fist encounter between two rival devotees of the art of bruising. in
many
was
cases
by
The
conflicting statements of spectators, colored
prejudice,
would lead us
satisfactory to neither party.
One
to the belief that the result
of the combatants,
St. Clair
(Chane) "Watts, afterward enlisted in the 50th HI. Eeg., of which he
was chosen
color-bearer,
and
his
was the
first flag
planted on the walls
BALD BLUFF TOWNSHIP.
1145
Donelson, thus proving that his courage was not all of the He went through the war without a scratch. This tract was nearly all military land. The precinct is one of the
of Fort
lc|wer order.
"Who the first settler was we have been The earliest one of which we have any definite information is Moses Cowan, who settled on Sec. 18, about the farm is now occupied by W. H. Phelps. the year 1836 John P. Eobinson settled one mile south of the bluff about the same date, and Isaiah WUletts on Sec. 8, Dr. Thomas Willetts on Sees. 4 and 6. James Fullerton was also one of the first settlers. He built a cabin on the S. "W. J of Sec. 8, known as the Heaton farm. James Halsey settled near where Belmont church now stands, in the year 1842, and last settled
in the county.
unable to definitely ascertain.
;
in the
year following built the
first
frame house in the precinct.
who
Charles Watson,
subsequently married a daughter of Mr. Halsey, came the same year, opening a farm near by, upon which he
Luiher Watson, a brother of Charles, came about the same James Heaton and his sons settled on this quarter, and bought it in 1852. They also purchased the quarter south of it, and the N.W. i of Sec. 17, where they lived until 1870. They stiU lives.
time,
and settled near.
daim
to have raised 100 bushels of corn to the acre on the part of this which adjoins the timber on the north side of the bluff. They also
land,
When
the land was new it was wheat being an average yield. Thomas Flack, a son of merry England, settled on section 9, and by dint of bard toil and careful economy he has gathered about him a raised three tons of
hay
to the acre.
very productive, thirty bushels of spring
competence.
William E. Green located at his present home, on section 16, in H« was the first justice of the peace ever elected in the precinct, and also was its fii'st school treasurer. His son Charles, who helped his father change this virgin prairie into a highly productive 1851.
farm, has, for nearly a score of years,
been post-master
at the
county
seat.
In 1862 John Cooper, a native of Pennsylvania, with his parents, came to Wayne county, Indiana, soon after which his father died. He grew to manhood learned the trade of a cai*penter. Thinking ;
walked and drove twenty-five head of and sixteen head of hogs across Indiana and through Illinois to Henderson county. In company with his brother, Moses, he bought a few quarter section in Grreenville precinct, and went to work on it. years subsequently he sold to his brother and bought in Bald Bluff, to better his fortunes,
in 1852 he
catde
A
where he
now owns a thousand
buildings,
acres of well cultivated land, with
which were built with his own hands.
good
MERCEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
IIISTOEY OF
1146
William Morris, who subsequently entered the army and became a captain, settled in the southeast corner of the precinct in 1852, where he nows owns a splendid farm. He is also largely interested in cattle growing in the Indian Territory. John Laird settled, about the same time, just across the river from Capt. Morris, and is still living there. James Armstrong and John Eowley, brothers-in-law, came from Boston, Massachusetts, and settled on section 10, which was then an unbroken prairie, which they now own and have transformed into highly productive farms.
Solomon Clark had
settled, in 1854,
the same year James D. Clark,
opened a farm in the same
now
vicinity.
on
Sec. 12, T. 12, E. 5,
and
m
a leading grocer in Keithsburg,
Two
years subsequently to
this,
Henry Clark built the house now occupied byT. J. Moffett, on section 7, and moved his family from Fountain county, Indiana, About this time the into their new home in the autumn following. Spees, another family of Clarks, and a man by the name of Taylor, The first settled to the west and farther south in section 12, range 6. school taught in the precinct was taught by Mary Bool Glancey, now Mrs. Thomas J. Moffett, in 1851. The school-house was built of logs and stood on section 18, on the west slope of the bluff. The principal in the spring,
patron of the school was Isaiah Willetts, Esq.,
whom
the school mistress boarded.
now of Keithsburg, with now lives near the
Mrs. Moffett
There are now seven schools in the precinct, and Sunny Grove, in section 12, range 5, and Belmont, Douglas, Harmony, Cornstalk, and Sixteen, in section 12, scene of her early labor.
known
as Centreville
—
range 4
all in a flourishing condition with the exception of No. 2, Douglas, which seems to be a bone of contention among those who
should be
its
most ardent supporters.
CHURCHES. There are but two churches in the precinct, the Belmont Episcopal church and the Wesleyan Methodist, of Bald Bluff, both of which are When the Belmont church society was in a flourishing condition. organized, is a date in its history which we have not been able to reconcile,
on account of
the church
edifice,
them Belmont ministers.
conflict of authority,
but prior to the building of
the society held meetings at different places,
school-house, which were
ofiiciated
at
by
Early in 1860 the people resolved to have a church
ing and immediately took the necessaiy steps to do exhibit will show
:
so, as
among
itinerant build-
the following
BALD BLUFF TOWNSHIP. State of Illinois,
1
County op Hendeeson.
J
1149
"
"We do hereby certify that at a meeting of the society of the Metliodist Episcopal church, holden at the Belmont school-house, in Dist. No. 6,T. 12
4
]Sr.,E.
W.
of the 4th P.M., on the 14th day of March, 1860, We, the undersigned, were duly elected
for the election of trustees.
under the
name and
of the Trustees of the Belmont Methodist
title
Episcopal church, and that the term of service of said trustees expires
when they shall be removed by death or a vote of said society. Given under our hands and seals this 26th day of March, 1865. Chaeles "Watson, Koyal Eanney, "WlLLLAM AeMSTEONG, "WiLLIAM MoEY,
LuTHEE "Watson,
James H. Huleok, Geoege Sloan,
Jeeemiah Bivens, James Hollineoke. The congregation membership of about
is
now under
the leadership of Kev. Cole
;
has a
The Belmont church has been a power in the upholding of the cause of Christ in its vicinity. The building is a frame structure, 28x40, and was built in the year 1860. fifty.
BALD BLUFF WESLEYAN METHODIST CHUECH. BY REV. This church was organized pastor
;
church
March
15, 1868, Eev. J.
The
R. E. Cassel, class steward.
members
Cooper, Francis tern,
A. E. BEOOKS.
at the
Ann
following
Cooper, "William
This
little
Sixteen school-house, but in the year
house of worship.
A. McGilvra, a
of the
list
time of organization: R. E. Cassel, Perry Gofi',
Mary
Lycurgus Cooper, Leroy Cooper, Harriet
Edwards, Judith Miller.
is
Goff, Francis Pat-
Crawford, Christian
band worshiped for a long time in 1878 they erected a commodious
This work was due in a great measure to the untirJoseph Campbell. The following is a list of
ing labors of the Eev. the pastors
who have
served the church since
its
organization
:
Eevs.
from March 15, 1867, to September, 1868 S. G. Cheny, April, 1868, to April, 1871 F. Barton, April, 1871, to September, 1871 A. D. Manly, September, 1871, to September, 1872 H. Breckenridge, September, 1872, to September, 1874 L. Davis, September, 1874, to September, 1875 Joseph Campbell, September, 1875, to. September, 1878 W. W. Stewart, September, 1878, to Sep^. tember, 1879 A. E. Brooks, present pastor. This church has passed through severe trials, being strictly reformatory in its organization and discipline, and holding definitely to the J.
A. McGilvra, organizer,
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
doctrine of vital holiness as a distinct christian 65
attainment in personal
:
;;;
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1150 experience.
Many
souls
have been converted
the instrumentality of this organization. bers have
now passed over
distant lands
and are
Xhe church
there.
of
is striving
mem-
original
its
some have gone to build up the Master's kingdom
to the silent ma-iority
laboring to
still
to the Saviour through
Some
;
amid much opposition
to
advance the
maintains regular services, has two outstations, and carries on a union Sabbath school. The church building
cause of true religion.
It
now owned
in" part by the said Wesleyan Methodist church and in by a joint stock company. List of present members A. Patten, Frances Patten, Mary Ball, Reuben Ball, Louisa Eicketts, James Smith, Ci-oyse, Eichard McCullen, A. E. .Brooks, M. E. Brooks, Hattie Brooks, William Speck, Olive M. Speck, Louisa Staley. The church membership at present scarcely exceeds in number the original charter members. Its membership has been greatly diminished of late by emigration and removal of members. Bald Bluff precinct was a part of Oquawka until its separate organiCommencing on the line dividing "Warren zation, September 8, 1858. and Henderson counties, where the Henderson river crosses said line, thence following said river west to where it crosses the east and west
is
part
lines
:
through center of Sec. 29, T. 12, E. 4 "W. thence due west to thence with the river to the Mercer county line ;
the Mississippi river
;
thence east to the line between Warren and Henderson counties.
September 10, 187-t, by order of the county board, the following terriwas added all that part of T. 12 N., E. i W. formerly belonging to Greenville precinct, except the west half of section 33, and that part of sections 31 and 32 lying south and east of Henderson river. The Fifty years ago there was not a white inhabitant in the precinct. census of 1880 showed it to have a population of 964 souls. Below is a list of justices of the peace and constables, with the date
tory
:
of their qualification, after the separate organization of the precinct Justices of the peace John Eowley, November 31, 1857 William E. GreeiJ, November 2, 1858 William E. Green, November 5, 1861 James Kile, November 7, 1865 William E. Green, November 31, 1868 James Kile, November 2, 1869 William E. Green, November James Mitchell, November 8, 1870 James Kile, November 2, 1869 John H. Eice, November 7, 1876 WUliam E. Smith, 4, 1873 November 6, 1877 John H. Eice, November 6, 1877 John H. Eice, November 8, 1881 John Home, June 5, 1882. Constables: James H. Halsey, November 21, 1858 Andrew L. :
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
November
Andrew
November 5, Merit E. Green, November 3,
3, 1859 Arthur Eoberts, June 14, 1862 Elisha, N. Kile, November 27, 1867
Moriis,
;
;
;
L. Morris,
Levi
W.
1861 1863
;
Armstrong, December
BALD BLUFF TOWNSHIP. 19,
1868
;
November
Merit E. 4,
1873
;
;
Merit K. Green,
June
8,
1881
2,
1869
;
McCnrdy, November
Z.
November 4, 18Y4 M. Scott, November 6, 1877
E. Green, F.
November
Green,
James
1151
;
Henry Hodson, ISYS
4,
;
Merit
November 6, 1877 Henry Hodson, November 4, 1879 Merit E. Green, November 8, 1881.
"William Morris, ;
;
;
BIOGEAPHICAL. John Cooper, one of the largest landholders in tliis section of the was born July 8, 1817. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Jennings) Cooper, were natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania. In 1817 they moved to Wayne county, Indiana, where he (William Cooper) died a few years later, and is buried in the orthodox Quakers' His wife is still living (1882) at the advanced age of graveyard. William Cooper was a soldier in tlie war of 1812. niaety-six years. He became the father of nine children Perry (died in Kansas), Moses (of Henderson county), John, Safah (now Mrs. Lewis McClain), Baldwin (of Wayne county, Indiana), Anna, Ephraim, Matilda (dead), and John Cooper was bom Eunice. All came to Illinois except Sarah. He was but three months old ia Washington county, Pennsylvania. when his parents removed to Indiana. His life thus far has been sixtyHis schooling was five years of rural surroundings and experiences. acquired in the log school-house, with its slab benches, mud chimney, etc. His youthful arm wielded the axe that felled tree after tree till the Indiana farm was cleared. At the age of eighteen years he engaged at the carpenter's trade, which he followed fifteen years. He became owner of a large pai't of the Indiana homestead. In 1862 he sold his property and started for Illinois. He drove about fifty head of cattle and ten or fifteen head of hogs from Indiana to Henderson county, walking all the way himself. The journey was a tedious one, so muddy was it. Mr. Cooper, in company with his brother In two Moses, bought 160 acres of land in T. 11 N., E. 4 W. or three years he sold his interest to his brother and purchased in Bald Blufif precinct. He has continued adding till he now has 1,014 acres of land. He has done his own building. Industry and economy of time by expenditure in machinery, etc. have marked his career. Although Mr. Cooper has been town trustee and has filled some minor ofiices, yet he meddles but little with politics any more than to vote his republican principles. Mr. Cooper was married March 6, 1846, to Martha Smith, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana. She died
county,
:
,
leaving
two children
attorney for 1847.
:
Eauseldon,
bom December
24, 1845,
Henderson county, and Martha Elnora,
now
bom
state's
June
21,
Mr. Cooper was next married, October 27, 1864, to Mary A.
;
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AI^D HENDEE80N C0TINTIE8.
1152
and Sophia Crawford, then of Henderson She was born in Wayne, county, Indiana. This union has been blessed with nine children Frank, born September 6, 1865 Carleton, born January 10, 1867; Emma, born December 15, 1868; John, born October 16, 1870; Eva, bom August 16, 1872; Ada, bom April 30, 1874 Sophia, born March 4, 1876 Howard, bom August 15, and Jennie, born April 10, 1882. Mr. Cooper's portrait is 1879 Ci'awford, daughter of Jacob
county.
:
;
;
;
found in
its
proper place.
Geoege H. Vogt was born 1836.
He
is tlie
in
Muskingum
county, Ohio, June
son of Frederick and Caroline Vogt.
The
9,
elder Yogt
carried on the tanning business, and George learned the trade and worked at the business at Chandlersville, Ohio. At the age of twentytwo Mr. Vogt reached the conclusion that it was not good for man to be alone (he felt that way about himself at least), and on November 1, 1858, he was married to Miss Sarah S. Few, daughter of Thomas and Harriet Few. Mr. Vogt removed frcfm Ohio to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1867, and after a residence of four years in Mercer he located in Henderson county, where he now resides. He considers farming his legitimate business, but still he has such a fondness €or live stock that he does a great deal of buying and shipping of cattle and hogs. Mr. Vogt has been a member of the I.O.O.F. since 1864, and a member of the masonic fraternity since 1857. The first ballot that Mr. Vogt had the honor of depositing for President was given to the "Little Giant" of Illinois but he is now, and has been for a good many years, a member of the republican party. When Mr. and Mrs. Vogt started up the steps of time together, they had the misfortune to have their residence consumed by fire and all their goods destroyed but theii' hearts did not fail them because of their misfortune it rather nerved them for a more earnest battle with life's cares. Mrs. Vogt was bom in Muskingum county, Ohio, March 10, 1839. They have three children: Durward F., Fannie M., and Lewis S. Mr. Vogt has an excellent farm of 160 acres under a good state of cultivation. The parents of Mr. Vogt were natives of Germany. Mr. Vogt is a genial, big-hearted, companionable gentleman, and has a strong sympathy for all mankind. Reuben S. Wolff was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, July 30, 1832. He is the son of Christian and Steinner Wolff. They were born, respectively, October 30, 1791, and March 6, 1781, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He went with his parents to Cumberland county in the spring of 1870. He is a carpenter by trade and followed the business for some years. He came to Henderson county in the spring of 1871. Here he is engaged in farming. He was ;
;
;
married in 1852 to Caroline Mellinger, daughter of L. MeUinger. is
a Universalist in relicion.
^
He
;
BALD BLUFF TOWNSHIP.
1153
Nancy Haeeis, daughter of Kichard and Anna Gregar, was February 12, 1817. She married Nelson Harris Kentucky, bom Mercer county, Illinois, in 1861. They lived in the Adllage of to came they four years then moved about to Henderson county, Illinois, Joy Mrs. in
;
She was married in April, 1838. He died She is an Episcopalian. February 1, was born December Russell A. 6, 1827, in the State of Ohio. He came to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1835, and located near Here he followed farming and stone where Gladstone now stands. until when he 1858, bought a farm in the northeast quarrying part of Henderson county, where he resided until his death, which He left a wife and two children to mourn his occurred June 2, 1879. The elder child of the two is William L. who was born departure. August 24, 1857 and the other is Park, born August 29, 1860. Mrs. Eussell, to whom Mr. Russell was married September 22, 1856, was Miss Elmira Cowan, daughter of'John and Sarah Cowan, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Russell was born in "Warren county, In 1829 she went with her family to Ohio, September 24, 1824. Indiana, and resided there until 1836, when they removed to Henderson county, Illinois, where Mrs. Russell's home has ever since been. Geo. W. Ditto was born in Shelby county, Ohio, March 29, 1820. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. He came to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1836, where he remained until 1840. He then removed to Texas, where he resided until 1849, when he returned to Mercer county. He -was married March 9, 1857, to Elizabeth, daughter of John F. and Nancy Davis. She was born July 13, 1 834. She was the sixth daughter. Her parents came to Illinois in 1835, and settled in Pike county, near the Fall river. Mr. Ditto bought a farm here and put improvements on it, and in 1852 he came to Henderson county, and improved the farm on which he now resides. Mr. Ditto has been school director of Douglass district for thirty years. where she lives at present. 1870.
,
;
He owns 667 acres of land. John Rowley was bom
He
is
a strong greenbacker
politically.
Connaught county, Ireland, September 4, 1818. He removed with his parents to New Brunswick in 1839, and remained there until 1844. He then removed to Massachusetts, where he remained until 1854, and then came to Henderson county, in
He formerly worked at the tanner's 1:rade but since he has been a resident of Illinois he has devoted his time to farming. He was married in 1849, to a daughter of William and Mary Armstrong. Illinois.
;
They have four children: William J., born January 11, 1860; Janney R., December 26, 1858; George H-, August 12, 1867; Samuel, August 24, 1868. He has a farm of 420 acres of good land,
HISTOEY OF MEECER AND HENDEE80N OOTINTIES.
115i all
well improved, with good buildings.
district
ever organized in the township.
but
lican,
is
now
a greenbacker.
John Laied was born Ireland in the
He organized the first school He was formerly a repub-
common
He was educated in Henderson county, Illi-
in Scotland in 1826.
schools.
He came
to
nois, in 1860, where he has since resided. He has always followed farming as a business. He was married July 3, 1848, in New York,
Mason, who was the daughter of James and Margaret She died at the age of twenty-seven years, and Mr. Laird again married, this time selecting the daughter of James and Ellen Venable. The names of their children are George, bom August 18, 1858 Jennie, born November 10, 1860 Ealph, February 15, 1862 Joseph, born January 13, 1865; Charlie, born October 15, 1867 Levi, born January 15, 1880 and Staley, born March 1, 1881. Mr. Laird owns a farm of 500 acres. He is a democrat politically. Thomas S. Flack was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1821. He removed with his father's family to Virginia to Elizabeth
Mason.
:
;
;
;
He
in 1837.
received only a
common
school education.
teaming from Columbia to Baltimore from 1843
He
to 1853.
followed
He
then
removed to Oquawka, Henderson county, Illinois, remaining in that town but a short time, and then removing on the farm on which he
now lives. now owns good
He
has been very successful in his
state of cultivation.
plenty of
eiforts in life.
a fine farm of 400 acres of good land, and
all
His buildings are
all
it is all
He
under a
good and he has
kinds of stock around him.
Samuel Mickey was bom in Richland county, Ohio. He came to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1851. He received a common school education. He came to Illinois with a team, the trip being long and tedious in those early days. Mr. Mickey learned the blacksmith trade, which business he followed for ten years, in partnership with James Cunningham in Oquawka, at the end of which time he removed to Bald Bluif township, and engaged in farming in the spring of 1865. Mr. Mickey is a member of the Odd-Fellows order. He is a Methodist in his church relations. He was married in 1852. He is in good circumstances.
William Moeeis was bom in Fayette county, Kentucky, October 1820. His parenfe were Virginians. He received a common school education, and came to Illinois. and located in Henderson county
20,
in 1846.
Mr. Morris took a
turned in 1851 to soldier in the
At
Illinois.
trip overland to Colorado in 1850 and reIn 1861 Mr. Morris enlisted as a private,
Union army and took
his place in the
the battle of Independence he received a
Blackhawk cavalry.
wound
in the
head from a
BALD BLUFF IXJWNSHIP.
1165
He was confined to the hospital musket ball on August 11, 1862. Mr. Morris was married until September 29, when he returned home. They have been blessed with January 9, 1843, to Eva A. Carpenter. John, Myrin
C, and George N.
Mr. Morris has a fine Mr. Morris is an earnest greenbacker, casting the only vote for Peter Cooper for President which that distinguished philanthropist received in Bald Bluif township. In two years from the time named, when the one vote for the greenback cause stood sad and alone, 401 votes were cast for the greenback candidate for congress, and Mr. Monis felt proud, as he had a right to, over the Mr. Morris large accession to his political ranks in his own precinct. of the Methodist Episcopal member church, and has a been since is He is also a member of the masonic fraternity and stands high 1857.
three children
:
farm of 317 acres, well improved.
as a citizen.
James H. Halsey was born in Ohio, August 15, 1833. His parents He received a liberal education in the were natives of New York. schools of Oquawka and then removed to his farm, twelve miles northeast of Oquawka, where he has ever since resided. He was a soldier in the Union army from August 15, 1863, until the close of the war. He was in Co. C, 91st 111. Vols. He was married March 5, 1857, to EUen M. Armstrong, daughter of "William and Nancy Armstrong. They have four children Ellen N., Sarah E., Mai-y L., and Jennie P. He has a farm of 160 acres. He is a member of the Methodist Epis:
copal rfjhurch.
Ephraim Coopee was born in Wayne county, Indiana, December His parents were Pennsylvanians. He was married September 15, 1862, to Ruth Malady, daughter of John and Ruth Malady. They have two childi'en. Mr. Cooper owns 173 acres of land. In the earlier part of his life Mr. Cooper followed the business of carpenter and joiner. John Hite was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, February 15, 1831. His parents were Pennsylvanians. Our subject removed to Mercer county, Illinois, in I860', where he remained until 1879, when he removed to Henderson county, where he now resides. He has always followed farming as his legitimate business. Mr. Hite served 18, 1825.
as a soldier in the 20th 111. Inf., the last year of the late civil war. He was married November 1, 1853, to Margaret J., daughter of James and Catharine Grew. They have had eight children born unto them,
whom are living. Mr. Hite is in good circumstances. Lemuel* T. Clark, Keithsburg, farmer, was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, July 14, 1853. His parents were Solomon and Huldah (Templeton) Clark. When he was but two years old he came with his seven of
HISTOEY OF MEECEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1166
parents to Keithsbiirg, Mercer county, and there remained one year. The family t]jien moved to Henderson county, from whence Mr.
Lemuel Clark returned to Mercer county when he had reached the age of manhood, and settled on the farm on which he now resides. December 24, 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Campbell,
daughter, of John and
They have no
children.
Mary Campbell, of Henderson county. Mr. Clark is a gentleman of education,
common
having attended the
schools until eighteen years old, and
finishing a, business education at the Burlington Business College of
Burlington,
Iowa.
For the past eight years he has been teaching
six years in his own district. Politically Mr. an abolition democrat. He is a man whose word is as good as his bond, and who is respected by all who know him. John Swanson was born in Sweden, June 20, 1849. He received
school in the winter
Clark
;
is
common school education in his native country. He came to America in 1869, and settled in Mercer county, Illinois. He worked as a farm laborer for two years. He now owns 130 acres of land, aU improved. He was married March 17, 1871, to Amelia Sheff". Nelson H. Phelps was born in Oquawka, Henderson county, Illinois, February 22, 1834. His parents were natives of New York state. He received his education at Galesburg, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri. In 1854 he engaged in general merchandising, which he followed until 1857, when he engaged in banking in Oquawka for two years. He then retired from business, and in I860 went to Pike's Peak. After a stay of two years in the far west he returned to his home in Oquawka, but soon went south and served as first clerk in the paymaster's department. He was married July 4, 1855, to Julia Denison, daughter of Erastus and Martha Denison. They are the parents of six children, five of whom are living. Mr. Phelps has always voted a
with the republican party.
bom
David B. Mueray, farmer, was
in Ohio,
May
15, 1845.
In
1849 his father's family removed from Ohio to Mercer countj'^, Illinois, where they remained until 1856, when they removed to Henderson county. Our subject was married January 1, 1878, to Miss Nettie
They have' two children George E., born March 9, 1879, and Pay B., born January 10, 1882. Mr. Murray has a good farm of 100 acres. Eeligiously he is a liberal. John Walters was born in England, February 12, 1820. He was educated in the high schools of his native counti-y. He came to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1852. He has a farm of 276 acres well improved life has been a success with him. Mr. "Walters was married in 1831, to Miss Frances, daughter of William and Frances Edwards. Shaffer.
;
:
WALNUT GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
1157
New York,
June 21, 1849. He married the second time, choosing for his companion this time Nancy Chard. They have had seven children born unto them: Thomas, Mary F., JohnW., George A., William, Nettie H., and Joseph, all living but She died in
May
13, 1858,
one.
William E. Smith was born in England, January 30, 1832. He common schools. He came to Ohio from England, and from Ohio he removed to Illinois, and settled in Henderson county, in 1842. Mr. Smith was elected a justice of the peace in 1877, which position he held for one term. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been since 1843. He was married
was educated in the
April 12, 1860.
John H. Rice, farmer, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, His parents were from Kentucky. Our subject was educated in Oquawka in the common schools. He was a member of Cb. C. 91st 111. Vols. He returned home, and lived in Oquawka for a short time. He then went on a farm, and has since followed farming. He was married December 29, 1865, to Miss Margaret J. Martin, daughter of George P. and Caroline Martin. Politically he February 14, 1844.
is
a republican.
Geoege McCdedy was born in Henderson county, Illinois, DecemHe followed teaming from 1878 to 1880, and then removed to the farm. He is a republican in politics. His circumber 15, 1856.
stances are good.
WALNUT GEOVE TOWNSHIP. is generally termed township 9, comprises thirty-six sections of the choicest farming land in the county of Henderson. Though there is no eminence from which a
Walnut Grove township, which
range
4,
view of the entire township
may be
taken, yet the physical features
everywhere a delightful landscape to the human eye. Standing on a rise of ground on the north side of the township, there is stretched on the left out in summer a glorious prospect of forest, field and sky
present
;
billowy grain and waving corn, extending as far as the eye can reach until the green of the fields and the blue of the heavens meet in the distant faint horizon on the right hand the view
hand are
fields of
;
is
more circumscribed
:
the landscape here,
more
undulating,
is
dotted
with green groves, with white houses, with red barns, decor^ated with then- white trimmings. In front extends the long line of heavy forest which skirts the banks of the Ellison. In the edge of this timber is
HISTOEY OF MEECEB JOUD HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1158
the Ellison church,
its
whiteness standing out the more clearly in the church and trees together lifting them-
midst of the dark forest trees
up
selves
to
;
the open heavens, both
speaking of nature's power and
skill,
monuments
To one standing on
reverence of the soul of man.
God, the one
to
the other telling of the piety and
the township and looking to the north, there
is
but
the south side of
little
change in the
marking the south bank of ElKson valley is faint and indistinct. In front and on both sides are unequaled farms running back on the long ridges and gentle slopes, the hedges, the groves, the golden fields of grain against the background of watery sky, all combining to make up a scene the silent beauty of which beggars the skill of writer's pen or painter's brush to describe. The beautiful and fertile lands of this township are abundantly drained by various streams and brooklets. The Ellison, which enters the township on the east from Warren county, after flowing through section 24, passes on in a northwesterly direction until it reaches the north side of section 10. Here it turns and flows southwest, passing out of Walnut Grove township in section 18. The southern tier of sections is drained by a little brooklet which rises in section 27, and scene, save that the green fringe
which, after passing through creek,
several sections, empties into
which enters Walnut Grove township
out again in section 31.
Honey
and passes
Several brooklets, taking their rise in the
central portion of the township
good drainage
at section 32
and
falling into the Ellison, furnish
to the central farms.
Ellison creek, which,
who was drowned
it
is
said,
was named
for a
man named
an early day while laboring on a mill, is the only stream or brooklet that has been dignified with a name. The banks of this beautiful stream are fringed with an abundance of timber, which yearly is thought to be increasing. Almost every variety of wood common to this latitude is here found oak, white, burr, black and other varieties soft maple, black walnut and butternut hickory of several varieties lime, ash, ironwood, elm, crab-apple, thorn-apple, wild plum, and an abundance of hazel and dog-brush are all to be found on the banks of the Ellison. The cool shades of these groves, the refreshing water of the springs and streams, the rich and juicy grasses of the prairie, all combined in an early day to make this a Ellison
at
:
;
;
;
paradise for the wild grazing herds.
The
soil
of this township that lies along the streams
colored loam, through which in
many
is
of a chocolate
places the clay subsoil crops.
Back froip the streams the soil becomes a rich black loam, possessed of unbounded fertility, and well adapted both for the raising of fruit and also for agriculture and stock-growing a number of the citizens of ;
WALNUT GEOVE TOWNSHir.
1159
engaged in the latter, and have many acres set in and blue-grass, which grow most luxuriantly. There are two stone-quarries in the township one on section 24, formerly owned by Johnson & Ray, and a second on the old Earkthe township are clover
:
on the
patrick place
Ellison.
,
WILD ANIMALS AND GAME. To one walking bank of the
evening along the woods seems well nigh impossible that at the time of the advent of the"'first settlers these woods were filled with deer, turkeys, antelope, squirrels, wolves and an occasional panYet such was the case. Mr. Davidson was accustomed to kill ther. turkeys for his home use from the lots about the place. When out of meat it was the custom of all the early settlers to go to a deer path about dusk in the evening or daylight in the niorning, and there wait for the coming of a deer, which, when killed, was at once dressed and Even as late as 1851, at a wolf-hunt on South dragged to the house. Frame, 300 deer were counted in the circle, and one dog of Uncle In 1857 a Mr. Aleck Rankin's caught and killed no less than four. Brent found a panther in a tree near his house, and even later than that a black wolf came into his neighbor's yard and carried ofi' a large in the quiet stillness of the
that skirt either
Ellison,
it
,
porker.
The
was not unattended with shown by the murder of the man who first erected a
early settlement of the township
danger, as
is
Mr. a man named Harris, from New York. was an old soldier who had fought in the war of 1812, and had come to this county to settle on a piece of land which he had drawn for his services in that war. Here he hoped to make for himself and family a home. Having cleared a small piece of ground on section 11, a quarter of which he had drawn, he began the erection of a cabin, which was nearly completed. After a hard day's labor cutting and squaring logs for the completion of his home, his labor being no doubt lightened by the thought of the dear ones with whom he was soon to be united, he kindled a fire on the hearth and sat down to his evening meal of hominy and coffee. From this point nothing was known for many years as to what 'occurred up to the time his body was found. A day or two afterward, a neighbor going to see him found him dead, with face bowed over upon his plate of hominy and a bullet hole through his head. Evidently he had cabin within its limits
:
BLarris
gun in the The alarm was given at once, and the few men in the came together and made all possible investigation as to the
been shot from the rear, the murderer having placed his little
window.
county
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEE80N C0TJNTIE8.
1160
murder, but without learning anything. For a time suspision rested on the Indians again on some parties who afterward removed to the ;
west. cabin,
About some of
six
months
his relatives
after
Mr. Harris'
came from
burial,
New York
near his
little
to see if he could
be found, and after disposing of his claim they again returned to New York. More than twenty years passed away and the' matter passed from the minds of all. Yet not all, for the murderer never forgot it. One day some one in the township found in a Cincinnati newspaper the account of the hanging of a criminal for murder, who on the scaffold made confession of his crimes. Among other murders was the account of his killing a man named Harris in Henderson county, Illinois. The murderer said that he saw him draw a large sum of money from a bank in a town in New York, and to obtain this followed Mr. Harris through to Henderson county. He first dressed himself as an Indian and then approached the house and shot him while at his supper. Having failed to find on his person or in the cabin any of Harris' gold, save a twenty-five cent piece, which he threw on the floor, he left in disgust. To those who were acquainted with the details of the murder, the proofs of the truth of this man's story seemed conclusive, and there seems to be no doubt that after many years Mr. Harris' foul murder
was
partially avenged.
Many parties, it is said, have dug about Mr. one man has made experiments with instruments, gold,
which
is
Harris' grave, and in hopes to find his
supposed to be buried somewhere in the vicinity of
his
cabin, but all without success.
Soon after this sad affair, which it is thought occurred in 1833, the township was settled at two different points simultaneously, by Mr. Frederic Davidson and Aleck Rankin, two of
men and
Wahiut Grove's
best
Mr. Davidson, with his family, the;i consisting of his wife Elizabeth and two children, Marion and Martha, came from Indiana to a point near Ellison, iu Warren county, in November of 1833. Here he resided about one year. He then removed a mile or two down the Ellison to the edge of a long point of timber, within the limits of Henderson county, and here settled about the same time that Mr. Rankin came to Walnut Grove, in the spring of 1834. In the edge of this timber, to which staunchest citizens in the early days.
was given the name of "Long Point," Mr. Davidson erected a cabin and began his pioneering life. No doubt his Scotch ancestry helped him to endure the privations to which he was subjected. Yet no ancestry can make privations less, and though it may lighten heavy loads it can never entirely remove them. The least of all his labors were performed when Mr. Davidson had erected his little log cabin.
WALNirr GBOVE TOWNSHIP.
1161
At the point of woods kaown as Walnut Grove, which has since given its name to the township, Aleck Kankin settled. Close down by the bank of Sampy Branch, beneath a majestic tree, he drove his wagon
and four children, and his brother Hugh's family, and four children. Here they camped all night, and next morning a site for Aleck Eankin's house was selected. Trees were felled and hewn so as to fit together and a cabin erected. "While they worked at felling trees they lived on the wild game which passed by the wagon, tame and unacquainted with the sound of human speech and laughter. At night, while their wives slept ia the wagon, the men slept beneath the overhanging branches of a mighty tree. The night they moved into the house a strange incident occurred, which must have deepened these men's faith in an overraling providence. When Mr. Kankin went out from the cabin the following morning, a great limb had fallen from the tree on exactly the spot where they had laia so many nights. Had they been there, no doubt both would have been killed. Here, also, a cabin was erected for Mr. Hugh Rankin, who did not, however, live here long, but moved farther north and built a shop on the Ellison above the bridge at a point about north of the present church building. Here he followed his avocation as a wheelwright, making chairs, tables, etc., and here for many years he had a sugar camp. In the fall of the same year two other brothers, Joseph and James Eankin, came on and settled, the former south of Sampy Branch, his cabin standing where the house of Alexander containing his wife consisting of wife
.
Rankin, Jr.,
now
stands.
west of his brother Aleck. while
.James erected a cabin about eighty rods Joseph at this time had a large family,
James had four children.
In the
fall
his family,
of this year, 1835, a fifth brother, William Rankin, with
came
on,
and
settled
on the Ellison
the present United-Presbyterian church.
Hugh and Joseph, he nished by the Ellison,
at a point northeast of
Here, assisted by his brothers
power for which was furwhich a race was dug. He afterward added to this a little pair of burrs, in which he ground corn for the neighbors. All of these brothers were influential and enterprising men, and though most of them are dead, yet in the influences left behind them they
erected a saw-mill, the for
still live.
this time Judge Steele came to Walnut Grove and entered where George Dixon now resides. The following spring he settled on this land. Four brothers named Kendall also settled near Mr. Steele, but they remained only a short time, afterward going into Olena township. In the southeastern part of the township Mr. W. P. Thompson erected a cabin on the west bank of the Ellison, and here
About
the land
HISTOET OF MEECEE AJTD HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1162
he now (1882)
resides.
thirty miles to
Spoon
In the early days of his settlement he went was then sometimes compelled
river to mill, and
to stay several nights for his grist, while his dressed pork bi'ought
him
but one dollar a hundred. In the fall of 1836 Hugh Lee and wife and Thomas Allison (then unmarried) came. In the fall of 1837 came John Pogue, and two years after,
with his wife, he settled where they
now
their pioneer life near
Soon after this came on and began
reside.
the Mathers family, possessed of sterling worth,
where Mr. Joseph Mathers now
resides.
HOSPITALITY.
The
hospitality of those early days
knew no bounds.
The
log
cabin of the pioneer was the point to which the weary travelers directed their steps. its
When
the great white
wagon drew up before the cabin, The women, though never seen
occupants were eagerly welcomed.
before,
were kissed and carried in
acquainted as
new
if
by
comer's horses
instinct ;
;
to the fire
;
the children became
the barns were never too
full to
hold the
the house was never too small to accommodate
and goods. Did anyone chance by that way, he was warmly welcomed. So it happened that often, in a little cabin, with Did any its single room, slept beside the fireplace full fifteen persons. one have an ox team or wagon, or chain, when the Rankins first came Did anyone have anyinto Walnut Grove, it was common pi-operty. thing not possessed by his neighbors, it was completely at the disposal and for the enjoyment of all.
their persons
EOADS. Every man then made his own road. The travelers' way no fence nor farm nor barn lot obstructed but, obtaining his bearings, he went directly to the point desired. Generally the Indian paths were folwhich along the lowed, led banks of streams, midst shady groves, with ;
camping grounds here and there near some bubbling spring. Often a full half day's ride would be made and no one met, save an Indian, solitary and alone. But oftener no sound disturbed the sacred stillness virgin of the air, nor fell upon the woodman's ear, save the distant echo of his ax, the chattering of the birds, or the murmuring of the stream hard by.
Sometimes the
solitary
traveler
would chance upon an Indian
burying-ground, to one side of his beaten track.
made mounds were bowls fruits, to
Upon
the
little
new-
of nuts, or milk, or newly gathered cheer the weary traveler on his silent journey to the happy
hunting grounds.
Upon
forest
the warrior's grave lay his accustomed
bow
WALNUT GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
1163
and proven arrows. Beside the chieftain rose up the mound of his faithful pony, killed that he might ride in the new life even as he had
and
lost one. Sometimes, not often, beside a new made faithful squaw, in death as she had been in life, swaymound, and beating and fi'o, time upon her breasts. Yet such sights ing to in the old
sat the
did not often greet the travelers' eye, as he wandered up or down the banks of Ellison. Oftener he met an Indian, attended by as this
pack of dogs, his many-sized papooses. The squaw came next with papooses before or behind, or perchance swung on either side, while behind was a pony, trained to obedient service, with great packs hanging from either side. Beneath some overhanging tree, close by the stream perchance, they stopped, when four small trees whose tops would intertwine were bent together, a eo^'ering was thrown over all and fixed fast. Then while her liege lord lay upon the ground and smoked, the dusky squaw hastened with water and wood to prepare the evening's meal, while her papooses playe'd upon the grass. Amid such sights and scenes the early pioneer lived and labored to prepare his home.
Ms squaw,
his faithful
warrior led the way, the
EARLY SCHOOLS. Coming from eastern homes, where they had enjoyed some eduoaadvantages, the early settlers soon felt the need of the same
tional
privileges for their children. this
little
that
The
first
session of school ever held in
township was taught by Mr. John Sampy.
Mr. Sampy was a
wiry man, with keen eyes, and wore an expression on his face
frowned
It is said
down
all
would-be disturbers of the schoolroom's quiet.
that in a corner always stood several rods that were powerful
arguments in favor of obedience, and these were by used without scruple.
Indeed, tradition
tells
many
teachers
of a threat on the part
name has been he ever again beat his boy until the blood Tan down his back. In the minds of these early teachers the accumulation of knowledge seems to have been necessarily connected with the
of an irate
parent to thrash the schoolmaster, whose
justly forgotten,
if
administration of blows.
The building in which the first school was held was the one first by Aleck Kankin for a dwelling house. It was a log cabin, built by the laying together of logs fitted at the ends. Its windows, some maintain, were of paper, well greased so as to admit the light, while others think that the oiled paper only took the place of the window, a small square one, which had been broken out. The floor was of puncheons, or slabs of linn-wood, hewn smooth on the one side. The room was seated with slabs, into which holes had been bored and erected
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1164:
The backs
pins inserted.
to the seats
who brought them to school in home again at night. Ai'ound
were supplied by the children,
the morning and invariably took them the
room were
slabs elevated above the
other seats, called desks, upon which the scholars learned to write.
Some
of the children,
more
fortunate than others, possessed spelling
letters. Others had letters cut from some paper, which were pasted on a board held before them. After completing the spelling book the pupil began to read the New Testament, which he read in until he graduated from the school, the time of his graduation depending less upon the pupil's advancement than upon his ability to help support the family. The majority of the boys went bareheaded and barefooted, and girls and boys alike often wore home-made clothes spun from flax. TJpon the dismissal of the school every boy, when he reached the door, turned and bowed to the Children's teacher, whUe each girl was expected to make a courtesy. papers, children's columns, were things unknown, and but little attention was paid to the child mind in the early days of the history of Walnut Grove township. The influence of these early surroundings in developing from these children strong men and women is beyond all measurement. The fact that the children of these parents have almost without exception made themselves both fortunes and names is proof enough of the value of
books, from which they learned their
the early institutions.
come men
From
this little school-house in the
wood have
that have flUed with honor to their county almost every
station in life
;
have come
men who have
filled
the legislative chair,
the pulpit, the desk of the teacher, besides furnishing
and laboring life mind that compares the sional
men
results in
for profes-
Every candid
to nearly every western state.
making good men of
the early days
with the results of our later hot-bed civilization must confess one of
two things
:
either the early institutions of our fathers surpassed ours,
or else they worked upon better material.
EARLY PHYSICIANS. Sickness, it is said, was less frequent then than now. Log cabins, through whose chinks and fire-place came plenty of fresh air fresh game, simple food, and a quiet life, all combined to produce health. Over all the township but one doctor traveled, by name McMillan his memory is still fragrant in the minds of many. Day and night he traveled aver his circuit of three counties, sleeping on his horse. Once a man with a gash in his forehead was found on the Ellison, slowly bleeding to death. man going to a neighbor's house where ;
;
A
Dr. McMillan was treating a patient, met
him sound
asleep upon his
C
h a CTo-iA,
WALNUT GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
1167
When
he was ready to sew up the gash on the man's head, he them to let him sleep an hour so upon the grass Many like he slept, and awoke with steady nerve to do his work. incidents are told of this good man, whose name is novi secure. Methods of treatment then were peculiar. A fever patient was allowed no water and if perchance, while the doctor slept, the patient awoke and slyly drank a whole pitcher of ice water, thereby saving his life, " the doctor would exclaim: "What a constitution that man has got!
horse.
was unable and told
;
;
But with the passage of years passed
much
to the relief of physicians
and
away many of the
old ideas,
patients.
AMUSEMENTS. If the early
days lacked some of the means of amusement furnished
the youth of to-day, eration are
it
deprived of
also possessed pleasures
which the present gen-
In 1840 a party or a marriage was a neighb)or-
The people came from far and near the marriage was A dinner was prepared of the choicest kind: deer and turkey from the forest, fresh fish and wild ducks from the streams, grouse and quails from the field furnished the meat, to which the skillful farmer's wife added every delicacy possible to limited means to prepare. After the marriage came the dinner; then around the room these hospitable people gathered and chatted the afternoon away, these simple, merry-hearted folk. With the coming of the evening's dusk came the going of the older ones, while the younger folks remained behind. Then when all was quiet again, through the blackened rafters of the kitchen would ring the twang of the fiddle-strings as Mr. Thomas Gibson tuned his violin and prepared for the evening's dance (aft amusement the Associate Reformed church approved of only among their own families). Old-fashioned games, the very names of which have passed away, were played with a gentle frankness and sincere modesty most beautiful to behold. In the fall corn-huskings would be held, at which the men picked com, the women quilted, while the children played as only they could play. In the winter a Mr. McCoy went from one private house to another teaching singing-school, hood
affair.
;
"our's" to everybody.
using the old
system of notes, of which there were four
:
one round,
a second square, a third three-cornered and 'the fourth like an
X.
CHURCHES. Soon
after the coming of the early settlers, pious hearts erected a house of worship, a short distance east of the present United Presby-
The building was of frame, the lumber for which Mr. William Rankin sawed at his little saw-mill on the Ellison. This terian church.
HISTORY OF MEECEK
1168
AND SENBERSON
COUNTIES.
chuteh was erected by Hugh, Joseph and William Rankin, and was In one end was a chair beside which the preacher 16 X 20 in size. In front of him, on bendhes without backs,
stood.
pins in them, sat the cdngregation.
The custom
made
"by placing
in those times was to
gather in the morni'ng at ten o'clock, and listen to a sermon, after which the people had a recess Of some thirty minutes, when they ate their Innch, and then another sermon, lasting until three or four o'clock in the afternoon. It is related tha;t at one time when the Eev. Wallace was preaching he fainted away, one hot summer afternoon. Some of those sitting near brought water, and after he had recovered he announced this psalm, one that to the congregation must have seemed very appropriate: "My bones waxed old, because I roared all day long." In addition to the communion service of our time, they then had on the Thursday before sacrament a fast day, when but two meals were eaten and all the members stopped work and attended divine worship, two sermons being preached as on the Sabbath. At this time no Sabbath schools were held, and the children were rather instructed in the catechism, which, togeither with the chapter read and explained before the sermon, which explanation sometimes occupied nearly an hour, took the place of the insfruction given in the Sunday school of to-day. Among the early church organizations •of this township, by far the most important is The Ellison United Presbyterimi Ohwrch* ^The printed recordssay that Ellison congregation was orga;nized in 1859 but it must be
—
;
remembered
that
its
organization consi'sted principally of an union df
the Associated congregation of Bethel and the Associate Reforriied cOn-
^egation of Ellison. The integral pai-ts composing the present congregation have an early and in the main an honored history m conneeInas'tion with the moral and religious status of Henderson county. much as our honored brother, Rev. James McArthur, has undertaken to set in order the early history of the Associate congregation of '
Bethel,
we
'Ellison.
shall confine ourselves to the Associate
The
Reformed branch
history of this church, until the union,
traditional, asneither written
is
of
almost entirely
nor printed records have ever been placed
in the hands of the present writer.
The congregation of Ellison was organized by some time between the years 1836 and
Indiana,
the Presbytery of 1839, and was a
preaching station in connection with the South Henderson church. In the year 1839 the first church building was erected near the present cemetery.
This was a small frame and
is still
standing in a rather
dilapidated condition, on the farm of Aleck Rankin, Jr., where it is occa* Contributed
by the
pastor, Eev. J.
H. Montgomery.
WALNTJT GROVE TOWNSHIP.
1169
«
gjonally
used as a house for tenants.
sisted of "William Eankin,
George
The
first
session of Ellison con-
Wallace and John Sampy. The fathers is as of these the fragrance of ointment poured forth. loemory The former of these fell asleep in 1870, aged seventy-three, and the Among the first latter in 1875, at the advanced age of ninety-five.
new
S.
was the Eev. John Wallace, two or three years, and of whom tradition says that he labored so long and fervently on hot summer days, that he fell to the floor from sheer The first pastor was the Rev. John L. Freatley, who exhaustion. preached at Ellison one-fourth of the time, giving South Henderson the remaining three-fourths, and receiving as salary from both stations the sum of $400. This pastoral relation, from an unhappy combination of circumstances, did not prove a very desirable one. He was installed over About this time the united charge in 1842 and released in 1846. South Henderson became self-sustaining, and desired the whole time of a pastor, and consequently Ellison as a young fledgeling was left to shift for herself. For several years the congregation obtained of the supplies to
•who ministered
sutppUes
the
more or
organization
less statedly to the people for
from various quarters,
all
the while gi'owing in number,
power and influence, from the tide of immigration flowing in from the eastern states. the
The
congi'egation having enjoyed for a few
months
preaching service of Eev. "W. E. Erskine, and liking the general
young man, proposed a marriage, which was accepted upon the duties of pastor, he was ordained April 14, 1852, by the Second Presbytery of Illinois, and installed pastor May 15 of the same year. This pastorate continued for six years and one month. During its continuance the congregation was strengthened and encouraged, and the memory of our deceased brother Erskine is very precious. The year 1858 was made memorable by the union of the Associate and the Associate Reformed churches of North America. Soon after this union was affected a movement was made to eonsoKdate the congregations of Bethel and Ellison, which bearing of the
;
and that he might enter officially
was
icfiected
of these
October 18, 1858.
In order that the
congregations might be entirely
free
way
for a
union
and unencumbered,
from the field. In the mean time had been erected near the residence and on the farm of the Hon. David Eankin. To this house the united charge repaired and worshiped in sweet union. The united congregation soon after made out a call for the services of the Eev. James McArthur, iate of Eyegate, Vermont, which was by him accepted, and he was
the Eev. Erskine practically retired
a larger church building
installed as pastor,
July, 1867.
At
the time of the union the united
1170
HISTOEY OF MBECEB AND HENDERSON COUNTIES. *
session consisted of "William Eankin,
Jokn Sampey, A. 0. McQuown,
John Carothers, Stephen White, Robert Kirkpatrick, Alexander Spears, and James S- Gowdy, a good, able and formidable session. At the time of the union of the two congregations the membership reported was 180, just twice the present membership. The union had scarcely
been accomplished before an organization was asked for
at Olena.
This was granted, and effected September 8, 1869. This new organization carried off a large portion of the west side of Ellison, and greatly its numerical strength. In 1866 the congregation at
depleted
Biggsv^ille
was organized, which took
off a slice of the north side of the congregation.
The
pastorate of
Hev. McArthur continued over thirteen years, and during his ministry 146 persons were added to the communion of the church, and yet, at the close of his pastorate, his congregation, because of new organizations and frequent removals, was left comparatively weak. During the ministry of Mr. Erskine, the stock and barn-yards of Mr. David
Rankin increased in so extraordinary a manner that uninterrupted worship in the old meeting-house could no longer be enjoyed, and consequently it was concluded to sell the old edifice to the above named ;gentleman, and erect a site that the
new
building at such a distance from the old
worshipers might be free from the interruption and
annoyance of irrational animals, and consequently the present commodious building was erected at a cost of $4,200. Also during this pastorate the session was strengthened by the election, ordination and installation of the following elders A. BeU, A. Small, J. S. King, D. G. Lant and I. T. Pogue the latter three continue with us unto the present time. Father McArthur's health, never robust, became severely impaired during 1871-2, and a retirement from pastoral labors was necessitated, and accordingly the relationship between pastor and people was formally dissolved in August, 1872. This honored father still resides within the bounds of the congregation, and carries with him in his old age the respect and esteem of the entire community. After a vacancy of three years, during which several fruitless attempts were made to secure the services of a pastor, a call was made out for the present incumbent, who entered upon pastoral labors October 1, 1875, but was not installed until June of the following year. In the autumn of 1876 a very commodious parsonage was erected by the congregation for the use of the pastor. At the commencement of the present pastorate the congregation numbered but seventy-one members. Since that time seventy-two have been added to the membership of the church, but so great has been the western immigration that our membership, at this writing, comprises just ninety :
;
WALNUT GROVE TOWNSHIP. members. the Ellison
May peace and prosperity ever remain within the borders of United Presbyterian church. Methodist
Prairie
South
1171
Episcopal
Methodist Episcopal church, which
Church.
is situated in
— Soutli
Prairie
the southeastern part
township, was organized some time previous to the year 1850. composed of some of the best people in the township, and has in eomiection with it a flourishing Sunday school. In the absence of any
of the It is
church records but
little
is
known
of
its history.
At
various times
during the past fifty years, since the settlement of Walnut Grove, Baj)tist,
Gampbellite and preachers of other denominations have held services
The Christian church, of which Dykman Shook was the leading spii'it, and at whose house the first services of this denomination Almost every denomination is now were held, has now fallen away. rppresented in this township, though there now exists, but two church buildings in the township, yet none of the good seed sown has been The results are plainly visible in the integrity, moral tone seed lost. here.
and noble worth of
its citizens.
the schools, the beautiful all
Less directly are the results seen in
homes and
thrifty
farms of the people, for
these are but the outer signs of the inward character,
unfailing fruit of the ministry of the
which
is
the
word.
CEMETERIES. ^
The sists
first
cemetery in the township was "Walnut Grove, which con-
of three acres of
and by
him given
ground on the land
first
owned by John Sampy,
to the Ellison United Presbyterian church.
It lies
but a few rods east of the church building, in the edge of the grove.
Here are buried some of the early
settlers of the township.
The
first
dead was John Boan, who lived upon the place now owned by William Chard the second was George McGrew. After then John Gibson was buried here, all, strange to say, strong men in the prime of life. How often is human strength but sheerest weakness ? The Davidson cemetery consists of three acres of land in section 12, which was, in 1837, set apart by Mr. Davidson for burying places. The first person buried here was one of his children, and iohabitant of this city of the
;
buried,
a magnificent monument, costing $1,125,
marking his resting-place.
South Prairie cemetery, which is situated was set apart by Mr.
here he
now
lies
on a high eminence overlooking the Ellison, Adair, on
whose farm "
it is
situated.
The dead are here. I hear their steady throw Of shuttles moving in the upper air, Weaving a fabric pure and white as snow."
;
1172
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
AJSTD
HENDEESON COUNTIES.
TORNADO.
we have but one tornado one of the most frightful in results known. Probably no more powerful storm ever struck our country, and had the township been settled as thickly then as now, several hundred lives would have In the history of Walnut Grove township
to record,
been lost. The following account of the storm is taken from the " Oquawka Plaindealer," of June 4, 1858 On Sunday evening last, May 30, about five o'clock, a tremendous tornado, which in its force and terrible effect was never equaled in this pai't of our land, passed over the southern part of this and War:
'
'
ren counties, in a northeasterly direction, literally tearing to pieces everything in its course, destroying many lives and a great amount of
The hurricane took its origin in the vicinity of Terre Haute, Henderson county. About a mile north of this town the house of William Bennett was blown down, and among other things a feather bed was earned away which, has not since been found. The houses property.
and barns of Elias Keener and George Foote, in the range east from Mr. Bennett's house, were destroyed. The wife of Mr. Keener and the wife of Mr. Foote were somewhat injured. Mr. J. Peasley's house was much damaged. The house of Mr. George Pence was moved some eight rods from its foundation, but being strongly built was not broken. Mr. Pence's family was in th« house, but fortunately escaped all injury.
"The house
David Thompson, which was about ten miles from Terre Haute, was destroyed, and here is the first place where we have any information of lif6 being destroyed. Mr. WiUiam Thompson, a brother of David, was instantly killed, something having been driven completely through his temples. A chUd of David Thompson was so injured that it died the next day. The storm then passed on directly in range with the town of Ellison, increasing in velocity and power, but narrowing in scope. At a place called the Stone Quarry, about one mile west of Ellison, the house of Mr. Hiram Johnson was fairly blovm to atojns, and five of its inmates killed their names were as follows Mr. Hiram Johnson, aged twenty-seven years of Mr.
;
:
Mrs. Willard Hurd, a
Mr. Johnson, aged thirty-three years Mrs. Spaulding, a twin sister of Mr. Johnson Charles Hurd, a son ot Mrs. Willard Hurd, aged thirteen years, infant child of Mr. Johnson. The bodies of the above were found many rods from where the house sister of
;
stood. Those who were in the house, and still living at last accounts, were the following Mr. Joseph Bannister, Mr. Johnson's hired man. Mrs. Hiram Johnson was blown about eight rods .from the house, alighting in a slough. One leg is broken in two places, an arm :
WALNVT GEOVE
TOTKNSKtP.
Ilf3
aad also one or two iribs. While sitting on th,e bajik of tli© saw her infant child come floating down the stream,. She put out her hand and caught it, but, its life had departed. Mr. Willard Hurd, a brother-in-law of Mr. Johnson,, is fatally injiired, as is Ms son Bona. A house a few rods distant from Mr. Johnson's was occupied by Mr. A. E. Burton and his wife. Here a party of six young men out for a pleasure walk had taken refuge at the approach of the The tremendous roaring and the fiei-ceness and blackness ol storm. the approaching cloud admonished them of danger, and tliey all ran to an unoccupied house, which was protected by a high and perpendicular bluff upon the side the storm was approaching, and this act was, probably the means of saving their lives. The hou,se they vacated was completely annihilated, and the one they had taken refuge in was leveled to the ground. Mr. Burton was but slightly injwed. His wife
l)roken>
alougli sli«
had her collar-bone broken.
"In our visit on Monday to the different houses which contained and wounded, we reached the house of Mr. Little in the evening, about eight o'clock. The sight which met us here was most appaUing. The five dead bodies lay in one room. Mr, Hurd and Mrs. Johnson, mangled, cut and bruised, lay in the room adjoining. Bona Hurd had been removed to the house of a neighbor. The coffina for the dead had just arrived. The body of Mr. Johnson and his infant child was brought in at the request of Mrs. Johnson, aiiid with the dead
remarkable
fortitude
she took her farewell view of their earthly
remains.
"Mr. Hurd with his family had but recently removed from the State He had several hundred dollars of gold and silver in a small trunk, which was contained in a larger oije, no trace of which has been discovered. Mrs. Spaulding also had considerable money in the house at the time. This lady's husband was in Yeruioflt, and was to have started west on Monday. A most horrible recital awaits his earning. Soon after passing the Stone Quarry the tornado, crossing the line into Warren county, struck the little town of Ellison and completely demolished it, killing ten or twelve and wounding about forty. But three of the twenty-five dwellings in the little town were left of Yermont.
standing."
After passing over the track of the storm, and gaining such descriptions of the
years give,
storm from the old settlers as they can after the lapse of it would seem utterly impossible for one to describe the
tornado. Large and sound stumps were torn from the ground and carried some rods. Every spoke in a log wagon was tiroken out. The large timber west of I^Iison was razed to the ground. force of this
;
HISTOET OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1174
Small hickories, three to six inches in diameter, were stripped of every
The tire of a wagon wheel was found broken and one end driven into the ground two feet and a half. Horses and cattle were killed by being carried up into the air and particle of bark' and twisted into a withe.
dropped to the ground.^ The storm seems to have been largely electric, as is shown by its leaving glass unbroken. It first assumed the shape of a cyclone when near Terre Haute, and had its origin in the coming together of two storms. To some it seemed to reach down from the heavens, like a gigantic rope, swaying to and fro. Soon it began to whirl; as it advanced it narrowed in width, but developed strength correspondingly. To those at one side it was black as a moving column of darkest night to those in the storm it seemed light, and they rose in the vacuum, some say fifty or a hundred feet, in the midst of grass, dirt, clothing and timbers. Some objects were thrown out on the oiJter edge of the circle,
and, as
it
moved
on, these objects falling presented a strange
appearance to observers. The center of the track of the storm was swept clean, all objects being thrown out to the one side or the other.
Many
incidents and experiences bordering on the marvelous are told, and could not be believed, were it not that the narrators are men of unbounded trust and veracity. The loss to property occasioned by this
storm we have been unable to estimate, while there can be no computation as to the loss in precious human life.
frightful
BIOGRAPHICAL. John Pogub was born
in 1819, in the State of Ohio.
He
is
of
His father was Samuel Pogue, of county of Down, Ireland, who came to America about 1790. On both sides of the family the ancestry was of the old Scotch Presbyterian stock. Samuel Pogue settled first in Maryland. He afterward resided both Finally he moved to central in "West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Ohio, where the subject of these notes, John, was born. Here he Scotch-Irish descent.
passed his early years, until he was eighteen years of age, when he
removed in the fall of 1837 to Henderson county, Illinois. For the first two years he worked around by the day or month, early forming In the habits of industry and evincing practical business qualities. Elizabeth Miss winter of 1839, January 22, Mr. Pogue was married to Brook, daughter of John and Margaret Brook and sister of Isaih Brook. Mrs. Pogue is a woman of great practical ability and native good sense, believing that the patent of real worth belongs to those who do right and live by industry. They have lived together a long and useful life. Forty-four years have passed away and they have
WALNUT GROVE TOWNSHIP.
1175
seven children. Samuel H. died at the age of nineMaria Louisa is now Mrs. J. G. Stewart. Q. T. married Miss Emily Spear, and resides near his parents. William G. now resides on the Aleck Eankin farm, having married Miss L. Rankin. Margaret Jane is now wife of Mr. J. L. Ford. The two younger sons, now young men, are twins, named John S. and James S. respectively. Mr. Pogue began life as a farmer, for which avocation he had a special
raised a family of teen.
Having obtained a tract of land soon after his marriage buy as much more through his wife's assistance. To land he has been adding steadily, untQ he now has some 1550 acres
inclination.
he was able to this
He
of land.
lived
fii'st
in a log cabin near the present Ellison United
The house was
Presbyterian church.
built of
hewn
linn-logs.
It will
both the energy of those days and the nature of the houses to state that this house was taken down one morning by Mr. Pogue and his man and moved about one mile and completed by night so as to permit him to sleep in it. In this cabin for years they lived illustrate
and labored, enduring
all
the privations incidental to pioneer
life.
At
Pogue gave twelve bushels of fall wheat for a sealskin One bushel brought him two pounds of nails. In those early
one time Mr. cap.
money as they do now. He once carried a ten around in his pocket for several months without needing it, and the possession of fifteen gold pieces that were put away for safe keeping was after a few months forgotten, though afterward found in the straw tick. Exchange, not cash, was then the working principle. It may be proper here to state that Mr. Pogue was raised a democrat days
men
did not need
cent piece
he is now a firm republican. The change of party principles was a little incident which occurred while Mr. Pogue was at Louisville on a' business and pleasure trip through the south. One day he saw a slave trader go on board a boat followed by a young negro and his wife, who were to be separated, the man to go south to the plantations from which few ever returned, and the wife to remain with their old master. At length, when the bell rang and the plank was to be removed, the poor man strained his wife to his breast, from whom, in spite of her shrieks, a moment later he was torn away and hurried aboard. As long as he could be seen, the slave stood on deck and waived his old hat to the sobbing wife. The scene was witnessed by several northern men, whose eyes filled with tears, ol
the Jefferson school, though
cause of his
and 'then and there Mr. institution of slavery.
Pogue determined
republicanism.
In matters of religious
Presbyterians.
In
business,
all
to help vote
down the
Since that time he has been a firm believer in
have been greatly blessed.
faith the family are
home life, in their As firm believers in
the relations of
United
children
and
the doctrines
—
!
1176
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
:
!
;
AND HENDBE80N
COUNTIES.
of the United Presbyterian ehurch their influence has ever been to
help on every
movement
that
aimed
to reform.
They have ever been
advocates of temperance and opponents of secret societies, believing their principles wrong. " Oh,,
happy, true and honored pair Oh, ever leal and loyal We pay you willing court to-day, For love has made you royal All gentle thoughts and hopes are yours. All wishes sweet and tender, What richer tnbutes can we bring. What wormier homage render ? God's cherubs still your steps attend. His peace your true hearts strengthen, As o'er the sky above your heads. The evening shadows lengthen And when the night comes on at last And brings its welcome slumber, Sweet angels from the welcome host.
Which none may name Shall lead your
or
number,
united souls Through shining arch and portal, To gardens fair and pastures green, Where love shall be immortal !" still
William G. Poguej second son of John Pogue, was born on 3, 1848, on the old homestead where his parents originally
November
settled. His intellectual training he received in the common schools near his home, to which was added two years at Monmouth College, where he pursued a select course. Such was his zeal that when a
company
to enter the army was beuig formed in 1864, at the college, he enlisted, and, being unusually robust and strong, was accepted, though but sixteen years of age. But on account of objections to his extreme youth, his name was given up by the recruiting officer. On January 1, 1877, Mr. Pogue was married to Miss Lurena E. Rankin, daughter of S. S. Rankin. To them have been born two children, Chester E. and Olive Gertrude, the former of whom died in February, 1879. Mr. Pogue now resides upon the old homestead of Uncle Aleck Rankin, where he gives his attention to farming and stockraising.
Among
the prominent gentlemen of Henderson county
who have
development we mention the name oi Joseph Dixson, who was born in Greene county, Indiana, on August 5, 1841. An old scrap of paper found among his father's papers after his death points the ancestry back to a period previous to the revolur tion, the family being one of great worth. Allured by the accounts taken an active part in
its
WALNUT GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
1177
of the amaadng fertility of the soil of Illinois, Mr. Stephen Dixson removed with his family from Indiana to Henderson county and setHere Mr. Dixson passed his early youth, tled on the old Steele farm.
home. He early manian unusual love of business and trading, and while a youth gave signs of possessing unusual business qualifications. On June 3, 186&, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Dean, daughter of Michael and Susan Dean. Mrs. Dixson's, parents were citizens of "Warren Of this marriage have been born four children, their names county. being: "Willis E., born January 31, 1871; Cora, born February 17, 1873; Lulu, bom July 5, 1875; George, born June 7, 1880. The latter, George, is the only one of the Dixson family to perpetuate the name, and is named for his uncle, George H. Beginning with some property, Mr. Dixson has steadily added to this until he now has 840 acres of land. For many years he has given his attention to stock raising, feeding and shipping. In the township Mr. Dixson is known for his energy, his kindness of heart, his generosity and personal integrity. Though he has his own ideas on political subjects, he has never gone into politics in the active sense of the term. The real wealth of any country is made up of such men as Mr. Dixson, and he is a good example of what earnest industry and pei'severing application receiving his educatipn in the schools near his
fested
will do.
*
•
Geoege H. Dixson, second son of Stephen Dixson, was born Septem"When he was but a child, 2, 1844, in (jreene county, Indiana. three and a half years of age, his mother died, and two years from that titae he moved with his father to what is now Henderson county, Illinois. The journey was made with the old reliable ox-team which scarcely rivaled in speed and convenience the Pullman cars of later days. The trip was accomplished in two weeks, and then began in earnest the life of a western frontiersman. At that early day the schools had not attained a very high degree of perfection, but young Dixson enjoyed the educational privileges of the day, and he by no means wasted his opportunities. May 15, 1864, he was united in Bianiage with Miss Mary E. Andrews, daughter of John M. and Mary Andrews. From this marriage there have been born five children, the ber
second of whom, Charles, is dead. The eldest. Flora I., is now at home, having returned from attendance at school at Roseville. The second now living, Lilian M., is also at home. The names of the other
and Mabel Blanche. Mrs. Dixson's father and three brothers were in the war of the rebellion two were wounded. Mr. Dixson had but little when he began in life. He now has a well improved farm of 480 acres on Sec. 18, T. 9, E. 4, on which he now children are
Amanda
J.
;
1178
fflSTOEY OF
He
resides.
is
MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
devoting his attention largely to stock raising, breedDurham cattle. He' has among his stock
ing and shipping short-horn
two valuable Clydesdale mares which were imported some time ago. Mr. Dixson is one of the reliable men of Walnut Grove township, and it is in appreciation of this that his portrait appears in this work as one of It has been found the representative men of Henderson county. necessary to mention his name frequently in other portions of this book, he being one of the early settlers and active workers in the township.
Among
the remarkably
successful
men
of Illinois,
none have
achieved more signal success than the Hon. David Rankin, of Hen-
He was born in 1826, in Sulliyan county, Indiana, and when he was ten years of age, his parents removed to what is now Henderson county, then Warren. Here Mr. Rankin passed his early youth and manhood. At that time the educational advantages afforded by the schools were of a very primitive nature. Yet from the school of poverty with its. teacher experience, young Rankin seems to have gained the practical wisdom that surpasses all mere book learning. Mr. Rankin began life for himself breaking prairie, buying his ox-teams on credit. Starting in this humble way, he planned to have eighty acres of land. Soon he earned this. Then an opportunity Soon offered for him to buy two quarter-sections at $200 each. From after buying them the two farms increased rapidly in value. that time Mr. Rankin began to buy land, and since that time has added derson county.
to his lands, until
Missouri and
he
Illinois.
20,000 acres of corn.
head of
now has
over 25,000 acres of land in Iowa, In Missouri alone he has this year (1882) over Annually on his farm he feeds from 500 to 600
this, Mr. Rankin has the controlling on the North Platte range in Ifebraska. He has done much in the way of improving horses and catjle, importing both from England and Scotland. Annually he breeds about 100 fine grades of Herefords. Both in acreage and value of produce Mr. Rankin's fanns surpass the celebrated Dalrymple farxn in the Red River wheat country. In 1881 he employed 180 men who worked teams, and in the spring he used sixty corn planters. Beginning with nothing, by the most untiring industry Mr. Rankin has accumulated property valued at $1,000,000. All this, too, has been made, not from speculation, but dug from the soil, and added to the country's wealth. Nor has he bought up farms from poorer men, but the most of his land has been purchased when waste and wild, and then made valuable by cultivation and improvement. Mr. Rankin is one of the few men who have made money but not enemies. Some of his men who have gained cattle.
In addition to
interest of 7,000 cattle
WALNUT GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
1179
from him their start in life have paid him the compliment of saying he "never did a hired man a wrong." In the fall of 1873 Mr. Rankin
was elected to the state legislature, where he made so good a record as to lead to his being returned to the twenty-ninth general assembly, where he served as a useful member and conscientious legislator. On the 21st of March, 1850, Mr. Eankin was married to Miss Sarah Thompson, daughter of Adam and Jane Thompson. Mrs. Rankin
December 28, 1878. Three of the six children born of this marriage are dead, namely, the two eldest, Elizabeth and Melinda, died on
and the youngest, Joseph R.
Of
the three living, Yiola
l!f.
is
now
Hanna.
Mr. Rankin's two sons, John A. and "William F. are also married, the former to Miss Hattie Arms and the latter to Miss Elizabeth Marshall. On January 4, 1880, Mr. Rankin was married a second time, his wife's name having been Mrs. Elizabeth Gowdy. He now resides on his old farm in Walnut Grove township, where he has a most elegant home, which is richly furnished. Here Mr. Rankin spends his time when not away looking after his business interests, which are augmented by his duties both in the First National Bank of Monmouth, of which he is president, as well as in two private banks, in which he has the controlling interest. In spite of all his vast and varied duties, Mr. Rankin has kept his name unsullied and his reputation for strict honesty untarnished. There is no one who is a better example as to business life and principles for young men to follow than Mr. Rankin. System, method, order and industry, have been the secret of his success, and these will always win respect and confidence .everywhere and will always retain them. Mr. Rankin may well be proud of his success and reputation, and Hendeison cotmty may well be proud to number Mr. Rankin as one of its citizens. The subject of this sketch, Mr. James F. Rankin, was born August His parents were William and 4, 1834, in Sullivan county, Indiana. Elizabeth Kankin, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Rankin His father emibeing (as indicated by the name) of Scotch descent. the wife
of
J.
F.
,
Henderson county in the early part of the year 1837. Immehe entered a half-section of land, and during following year erected a saw-mill, where he cut the lumber for the
grated to
diately after his arrival
the
first
church building in the township.
Full thirty years before his
which occurred in 1870, at Monmouth, he was made an elder of the Associate Reformed church. Six years after his father's death Mr. Rankin's mother died, in the year 1876. Mr. Rankin first attended school in the little log-house where the first church services were held, the first teacher being Mr. John Sampy. April 19, 1860, he was death,
married to Miss Jane T. Thompson, daughter of
Adam
Thompson.
HISTOEY OF MEEOEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1180
To them has been born one child, Edgar D., who is now (1882) pursuing his studies at Monmouth College. Although Mr. Rankin has been unfortunate in having to pay an extremely large security debt for another, yet he has also saved a large competence, having a beautiful
farm of 600 acres upon which he resides. Mr. Rankin's early life was spent upon his father's farm, in clearing and improving it. After starting out in life success soon crowned his efforts to make for himself a competence, and he is now surrounded with all the comforts of life. The subject of this sketch, Mr. Samuel Steele Rankin, son of James Rankin, was bom May 3, 1830, in Park county, Indiana. His father,
who
Indiana.
died in
When
May,
1879,
was a native of Jefferson county,
but four years of age his father emigrated to Hender-
son county by means of wagons and settled in what was then Warren, but has since become Henderson county. Though the schools of those days were of a very primitive nature, and Mr. Rankin could obtain little education from books, yet he seems to have gained the
but
better education of practical
wisdom
that has enabled liim to succeed
May 31, 1854, Mr. Rankin was married to Miss Caroline Carothers, whose father sei-ved in the war of 1812. Of this marriage have been bom seven children, all of whom are still living: Lauranca Elizabeth, Harriet Ann, Mary Eleanor, Charles Elmore, Ralph Worthington, John Wesley and Laura Jeanette. better than
The two
many
college graduates.
have married and left their parents' roo^ the William Pogue, the third to Edward Thompson. It is sufficient to say of Mr. Rankin's success, that though he began with nothing, yet by untiring industry and application he has become the possessor of a beautiftil farm of 400 acres. In the days of Mr. Rankin's early pioneeriijg his father sold corn as low as five cents a bushel and wheat for twenty cents a bushel. In those days, too, a letter cost $25 and long journeys had to be made to mill, and oftentimes great privations were gone through to lay the foundations of Mr. Rankin's eldest daughters
eldest one to
;
present competence.
Thomas Rankin, of township 9, range 4, son of Alexander Rankin, was born December 5, 1831, in Sullivan county, Indiana. His grandfather was one of Indiana's earliest settlers, he having built the first cabin in what is now the city of Steubenville. When Mr. Rankin was but five years of age, his father, Alexandei', emigrated by wagon to Illinois, to what is now Walnut Grove township, Henderson county. This was in April of 1836. He at once began the erection of a cabin, into which he moved his family before the roof was on. The night Mr. Rankin moved his family into his cabin, a huge limb, some fifteen inches in diameter, fell from the tree under which they had been
WALNUT GROVE TOWNSHIP.
1181
and had they been there would no doubt have killed them Amid such early surroundings in his father's pioneer home, Mr. aU. Eankin passed his childhood days, receiving his early education in a sleepiBg,
cabin near his father's house. December 5, 1857, he was married Miss L. Mathers, daughter of Samuel Mathers, an old resident of Henderson county. Of the five children bom of this marriage, four May 6, 1881, Annie, the eldest daughter, died at the age are living.
little
to
of seventeen, just in the beginning of her young womanhood. The two sons, Robert and Samuel Alexander, are now at home; Jennie, Jessie and Martha Letitia, the two daughters, are also with theii' parents. Mr. Eankin began life with nothing save his hands and a He now has 250 acres of land upon which he resides, brave heart. and here he is now (1882) erecting a beautiful and spacious residence. Wesley Milliken, the subject of this sketch, farmer. Walnut Grove township, was born on October 21, 1827, in Dearborn county, Indiana, where he passed his youth and early manhood, receiving his
education in the
Mr.
common
schools of this county.
On May
29, 1849,
Milliken was married to Miss Catharine Powell, daughter of
Nathan and Mary Powell. four of whom, Orvill A. (daughter, are dead.
near his father ren county
;
;
Of
To them have been bom eleven children, Wade C, Ellsworth E., and an infant
•£.,
the livjng, Jefferson B.
Caroline A.
is
is
the wife of George
married and resides
W. Henry,
Jeanette J. is the wife of William Groom, also of
of WarWarren
G., Greeley L., and Clara A. are at home Mr. Milliken's father's name was James P. and his mother's Priscilla Milliken. James P. Milliken was born October 16, 1803, and emigrated to Indiana in 1817. In 1841 he was elected to the lower house of the legisMure of Indiana for a term of two years, and at the expiration of the term was elected to the state senate county,
James
P.,
Mary
with their parents.
and again re-elected, serving six years in the senate.
While in the
law was passed, he taking an active part in favor of it. Upon his return home the temperance people of Deairbom county presented him with a silver cup in appreciation of his services in the senate. In 1852 he was the Free Soil candidate for In 1858 lieutenant-governor, with George W. Julian for governor. he moved to Adair county, Missouri. At this time John B. Clark was representative in congress from this district, and he had gained some senate a prohibitory liquor
About this John Sherman as speaker. " " It was published. was Crisis work called The Impending principally made up of statistics which compared the free and slave Bestates together, and showed what a terrible blight slavery was. lieving firmly that slavery was a great hindrance to the material notoriety for his opposition to
time a
HISTOEY OF MERCER
1182
AND HENDERSON
advancement of Missouri, Mr. Millikin sent $5 stated his belief that
when
COmfTIES. for this little
work and
the people of the district got their eyes
opened on the subject they would not allow themselves to be misrepresented by such a demagogue as Clark. The New York "Tribune'' got hold of this letter, and commended it to Clark's careful perusal. Mr. Clark sent the letter to Adair county, Missouri, for publication. This letter so infuriated the hot-blooded slav.ery men that terrible Mr. MilHken threats were made against the author of that letter. called a political meeting and in an address stated that he wrote the letter,
believing
difficulty
it
that the
was
for the best interests of Missouri.
mob
frequently interrupting
It
was with
could be restrained while he was speaking,
him with
threats.
At
length some of the
In 1861 he Davis county, Iowa, and in August of the next year enKsted He was elected second lieutenant and the in the 30th Iowa Vol. Inf. next spring was promoted to major of his regiment. In the charge made on the rebel works at Vicksburg, May 22, 1863, he was mortally wounded and died the next day. His son Ethan, brother of Wesley Milliken, was also in this battle, and after it was over was made captain, which office he held until the close of the war. Mr. Milliken, since his coming to Henderson county, has resided in Walnut Gi-ove Township, and there on Sec. 33 he now lives, his farm being one of the neatest and most beautiful in the county. Eev. John H. Montgomery, pastor of the United Presbyterian church of Walnut Grove township, was born in Elmira, Pennsylvania, in 1836. Having chosen the ministry as his profession he went to Monmouth College to pursue his studies, where he graduated in the class of 1866. When in his senior year he went into the war, having joined Co. C, 83d reg. Vol. Inf He afterward became chaplain of a colored regiment. After his licenciate he was called to the pastorate of the church at Elmira, where he remained seven years. After a rest of two years on account of ill health, he took his present charge. On August 14, 1862, he was married to Miss M. E. Hemphill, then a student of Monmouth College residing at Bloomington, Indiana. Of this marriage five children were born. Their names in oi'der of age are as follows: David W., Charles A., Alfred C, Mary Paulina and cooler heads succeeded in restoring quiet, for the time.
moved
Maggie
to
J., all
home with their parents. Since entering the Montgomery has been a delegate to the general
being at
active ministry. Mr.
assembly of the United Presbyterian church four times. The subject of this sketch, Mr. George M. Foote, son of David and Annie (Mott) Foote, was born January 17, 1817, in Vermont. Both of his grandparents served in the revolutionaiy war. In 1821
WALNUT GROVE TOWNSHIP.
1185
New York, where he was educated In 1829 his parents removed to Oneida county, where they afterward died. In 1844, accompanied by his brother Frank, Mr. Foote came to Illinois and settled in Henderson county. In those days good hands received only four dollars a month, an Mrd. Foote once worked seven months for five dollars a month, and then his employer ran away without paying him. Mr. Foote began by buying eighty acres of land with his brother Frank. To this land he has been steadily adding until he now has 1,200 acres in one body and he emigrated to in
Chenango county,
common
the
schools.
about 300 scattered about.
The great
storm,
known
as the Ellison
Mr. Foote's farm the first after its formation. His house, barn and fences were entirely destroyed and had to be rebuilt. Of Mr. Foote's three children, but one (his son Jay, who recently graduated at Heding College) is now at home. One of his daughters, Laura M,, is now the wife of John Johnson, of Kearney county, Nebraska. Adella A. is married to John O'Connor, of Henderson county, who resides in township 9, range 5. In 1846 Mr. Foote was married to Miss A. Tinkham, daughter of Joseph Tinkham, of Henderson county. In 1852 Mr. Foote was married again, to Miss Mary Jane Carpenter. Mr. Foote now resi.des on Sec: 31, T. 9, R. 4. T. G. EicHET, son of R. "W. and Helen (Green) Eichey, was born in Washington county, New York, on April 25, 1825. Both his grandfather and father were natives of New York state, the latter having been a recruiting officer for the war of 1812. Mr. Eichey received his early education in New York and in Henderson county, Illinois, to which state his parents emigrated when he was but fifteen years of age, driving teams all the way across the country. Imbued with the gold fever in 1849, Mr. Eichey determined to seek the " Golden Gate " and his fortune in the rich mines of California. Joining a company of about sixty men, under command of Capt. Finley, Mr. Eichey drove his team through to the Pacific coast, thus completing the journey across the continent. Taking the overland route, they reached the Xuby mines in safety, having been surrounded by Indians on their way and compelled to buy their way out. Here Mr. Eichey remained a little over one year, returning by way of the Isthmus and Mississippi river to Burlington. In 1851, after his return home, Mr. Eichey was married to Miss Lavina Eandall, daughter of Eoswell Eandall, of Warren county. Of this marriage six children have been born, all of whom are living: Charles E. is now married and in business in Chicago; Helen C, the second child, is now the wife of E. D. Faris, cyclone, struck
principal of the Lilian
M.,
67
is
the third child, graded schools of Cable, Illinois wife of Dr. Cowden, of Olena Clarence G. is mar-
now
;
;
1186
HISTORY OF MEECEK AND HENDEESON COHNTIEB.
and works the homestead, while the two youngest, Frank P. and In his children and reside at home with their parents. domestic relations Mr. Kichey has been exceedingly blessed. Not less prosperous has he been in his business, of farming originally, but of shipping stock of late. He has by labor and industry made for himself a most beautiful home, from which one can look out upon his 380 More than all, he has gained a reputation for integrity acre farm. which is "better than grandeur; better than gold, than rank or titles, After the Brook tragedy, when the need of an a thousand fold." organization to protect the people of the county from crime was felt, and after the vigilance committee was organized, all turned to Mr. Richey as the man fitted, by his decision and energy, to head that committee. He has since been at the head of the Olena organization, and it was due to his skill, to a large degree, that every horse thief in the county since the formation of the committee has been brought to justice. Mr. Richey may be called a self-made man in every sense of the term, and as such deserves the highest praise for his successful efforts to make tor himself an honored name among the citizens of Henderson county. J. L. FoED, farmer, T. 9, R., 4, son of James and Rachel (Field) Ford, was born near Cadiz, Harrison county, Ohio, on May 6, 1844. His mother's father, Mr. Field, was one of the early pioneers of Pennsylvania, and fought in the war of 1812 his father's grandfather, who was shot by the Indians, was one of the early settlers of what is now Harrisburg. When Mr. Ford was but one year old, his father died, in 1845. When nine years old he made the journey from Steubenville, Ohio, to Burlington, coming down the Ohio on the Minnesota Belle, one of the early river steamers his folks ha-ving settled in Henderson county, in T. 9, R. 4. Mr. Ford obtained his early ried
Dora A.,
;
;
education in the
common
schools of that township, receiving his
first
from an old teacher named Bailey, who is still remembered by many. Mr. Ford's name is to be recorded among those who went He forth to battle for their country's freedom during the late war. enlisted in Co. C, 83d 111. Vols. For over two years he was mounted as a scout, most of the time for Gen. Thomas. He was also one of the body guard of Gen. Rosseau, on his march from Nashville, Tennessee, to Florence, Alabama. Although he was engaged in just fifteen battles and skirmishes, he was wounded only once, a ball having struck him in the knee at Yellow Creek, Tennessee, when they were skirinstruction
mishing with Gen. Hood's body guard. On February 18, 1877, he was married to Miss Maggie J. Pogue, daughter of John and Elizabeth Pogue, old residents of Henderson county. Of this marriage two
rr" WALNUT GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
1187
children liave been born, tbe eldest, Mary Jane, having been born on June 14, 1878, and the youngest, Evalina Maud, on May 12, 1880. Mr. Ford now lives in "Walnut Grov^ township, on Sec. 6, and gives his attention to
farming.
Dykman
James Shook, son of
Shook, was born on December 11, and hence is among the very oldest bom in this state. In 1830 his father settled in Hancock county, and just before the Black Hawk war, with his family of five children, he removed to Henderson county, where he put in a crop, and during the war, having removed his family to a place of safety in another county, he tended his crop with his gim at his side. Mr. Shook, who was among the very earliest settlers of the county, was a member of the Campbellite or Christian church, and it was at his house that the first services of this denomination ever conducted in the county were held, Kev. Levi Hatchet having preached the sermon. Mr. Shook's wife died January 19, 1876, and on October 12 following he also died. The subject of this sketch, James, the fourth son of Dykman Shook, passed his early youth in the midst of many privations, and gained his 1830, in
Hancock county,
Illinois,
education in the primitive schools of the county.
Some
idea of the
meagre school advantages of those days may be gained by saying that Mr. Shook' learned his from letters cut out of a book and
ABC
on a board, which was set up before him. The only text-books used were Cobb's old spelling-book and the New Testament. On May 19, 1860, Mr. Shook was married to Mary Ann Beebe, daughter of Levi Beebe. Of this marriage nine children have been born four boys and five girls. One of his sons, Albert, now resides in Fremont county, Iowa David, Wilbert and Levi are still at home. One of his pasted
:
;
Edward Elixon the other four Mary Melinda, Amanda, and Hannah, are at home
daughters, Sarah Jane, is the wife of daughters, Effie,
;
Mr. Shook began life with nothing save a good and having raised a large family, with them resides on his farm of 160 acres in "Walnut Grove township, giving his attention to farming and stock-raising. Mr. "William J. Chakd, son of "William and Maiy Chard, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, emigrated from Scioto county, that state, to Warren county, Illinois, in 1845 but after a residence of one year there came to Walnut Grove township, Henderson county, and settled near where Mr. Chard now resides. Cast upon his own resources and compelled to make choice of an occupation, the independent life of a farmer was chosen by Mr. Chard. Beginning life with nothing, he has now about him aU the comforts of life, having for many years given his attention to stock raising and farming. On November 30, 1864, he was married with their parents. constitution,
;
HISTOEY OF MEECEE
1188
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
Miss Louisa Jane Duncan, daughter of Charles Duncan, of McDonough county, Illinois. Of this marriage there are seven children, the eldest of whom, Calvin D., died when but two years of age. All the rest, Alfred M., Luella J., Ola E., Charlie D., Dennis A. and Harry to
L., are at
home with
In 1878,
their parents.
after a tour through the
west to Walla Walla, Washington Territory, where he is planning to remove soon, Mr. Chard returned to his home, where he has exceed-
ing happiness in his
home
relations of his six interesting children.
The subject of this sketch, Eichaed H. Coeeell, farmer, of Wahiut Grove township, was born December 18, 1847, near Lancaster, Hancock county, Illinois. His father was a native of the State of Tennessee, where he was born in 1823, and when yet a child his parents removed to Hancock county, IlHnois, where their eldest son, Richard H., was born. Here, too, he passed his childhood and early youth, receiving his education in the
of his home. Correll
met Miss Elizabeth Weaver,
riage on June 18, 1878.
Ann
common
schools of the immediate vicinity
After his parents removed to Henderson county Mr. to
Mrs. Correll
whom is
he was united in mar-
the daughter of Jacob and
Eliza (Dobbin) Weaver, both of whom are natives of Washington
county.
New
York, and residents of Walnut Grove township.
Of this
marriage two children have been bom the elder, Clinnie Lorena, and the younger, William. Mr. Correll's father's name was Jacob Addison :
and his children are: Richard H., Mary Elizabeth (wife of William Duncan), dncinnattus, and Alice (wife of Daniel Galbraith). Our subject now resides on the old homestead of 180 acres, on section 11, where he gives his attention to farming and stock raising. William G. Pbndaevis, farmer, Walnut Grove township, was bom May 21, 1838, in Schuyler county, Illinois. His father, Samuel F. Pendarvis, who was an honored resident of Henderson county, died on March 1, 1875, leaving seven children, four sons and three daughters, to mourn their loss. All of them save one, who resides in Alma, Harlan county, Nebraska, are residents of this state. The subject of this sketch, Mr. William G. Pendarvis, passed his early days in Schuyler When he county, where he grew up and received his early education. sixteen years Henderson was of age, in 1854, his parents came to Ten years after, in 1864, he was married to Miss Sarah county. Salisbury, daughter of Seneca Salisbury, of Warren county. Of this marriage five children were born, four of whom are still living Mary Ettie, Emma J., Alice I. and Lewis M. On August 27, 1876, Mrs. Pendarvis passed away, leaving behind four interesting and promising children to mourn their loss. On October 3, 1878, Mr. Pendarvis was married to Miss Mary E. Noakes. Their ofiBpring are Ollie May and Correll,
:
WALNUT GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
1189
Save a good constitution, Mr. Pendarvis began life with has 160 acres of land in sections 26 and 35, on the Here he gives his attention to farming and of which he resides.
Sydney A. but
little.
latter
He now
stock raising.
Lemuel A. Pendajbvis, farmer, "Walnut Grove, a son of Samuel F. was bom in Schuyler county, Illinois, in 1843. So far as the name is concerned he would seem to be of French extraction, though the place from which his forefathers emigrated would point to After the emigration of his parents to Henderson Scotch descent.
Pendarvis,
Mr. Pendarvis received his education in the common schools. 1, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Richardson, daughter of Emanuel Richardson. To these parents have been born three childreii the eldest is named Perry P. the second the youngest is called Earle A. child, also a son, Albert E. Up to the time of his father's death, which occurred in 1875, Mr. Pendarvis remained with him on the old homestead. After his father's death he added to his farm eighty acres, so that he now has 160, upon which he resides, paying attention chiefly to farming and stock raising. John A. Brook, farmer. Walnut Grove township, son of Isaiah and Jane Brook, of Gladstone township, was born December 14, 1839. He received his early education in the common school near his father's home, and aftei-ward spent some time in the United Presbyterian While still young he College at Monmouth, completing his studies. was attacked with rheumatism, which rendered him almost helpless for On August a time, from the effects of which he has never recovered. 27, 1867, Mr. Brook was married to Miss Sarah A. Garothers, daughter
county,
On
April
:
;
;
an old resident of Henderson County. Of this bom, the second of whom died in infancy: Anna Jane, bom September 16, 1868; John Cecil, born April 18, 1872; Lydia, bom June 16, 1874; Nellie Myrtle, born JSTovember 18, 1877. Mr. Brook is the owner of about 440 acres of land, He lying in three farms, his residence being on Sec. 6, T. 9, R. 4. of Andrew Garothers,
.
marriage five children have been
has served one term as assessor
and treasurer of Henderson county,
and in 1878 he was appointed school treasurer of the township in which he resides, and still holds that office. Mr. Brook is an elder in the United Presbyterian church at Olena, of which church he has been a
member
for several years.
The subject of this sketch, Feancis Maeion Davidson, was born on December 15, 1830, in Gibson county, Indiana. His parents were Mrs. Frederic and Elizabeth Davidson, who were of Scotch descent. war, revolutionary Davidson's father served during the whole of the removed and was with Gen. Morgan. parents In 1835 Mr. Davidson's
1190 to
fflSTOKY OF
MEBCER AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
what was then Warren county,
since
become Henderson.
passed his youth obtaining his education in the
common
Here he
schools, and
has since carried on his studies in private. On January 29, 1852, he was married to Miss Mary Ann Rankin, daughter of Aleck Kankin, of Walnut Grove township. Mr. Davidson was a mechanic by nature,
and in 1850 he began to buy books on mechanics. When the old chaff pilers, which were so hard on horses, came around, Mr. Davidson began to figure and plan to invent an engine that would take the place of horse power. After working on the subject about a year, in 1856 he sent to Chillicothe, Ohio, and had a new engine made for him according to his patterns. On this engine he added two improvements, one as to the copper tubes, another as to the stroke. In 1858 he drafted a new engine, changing the cylinder so as to increase the power. This engine, which was not completed until 1861, Mr. Davidson named the John C. Henan. After three or four years' study and examination of the best engines in the country, Mr. Davidson drafted the Monarch engine, which he completed in May, 1883. This engine has a complete steering apparatus and headlight, and runs on the road from six to ten miles an hour. In addition to other improvements the Monarch has a tender which carries wood and water. This engine is a complete success, and is a model in its way, being able to do the work of a half dozen teams in the field per day. The eldest of Mr. Davidson's family of six children died in infancy; five are still living: Darius John, Dion, Francis Marion, Annis and Sarah Elizabeth, and are all at home. Mr, Davidson is a democrat in his politics, and was at one time up for a state oflice, but was on the vnrong side and was not elected. In addition to his milling and stock interests, Mr. Davidson has over 2,000 acres of land. He now resides in Kirkwood. Joseph Mathers, eldest son of Samuel and Jane (Greer) Mathers, may be ranked as one of the influential men of Walnut Grove township. His father, Samuel Mathers, of Ireland, ran away from home in youth and took ship for America. The ship having gone down in a storm off the coast of the "New Land," he was carried ashore by a sailor and afterward went to Quebec, where he was married to Jane Greer. After residing in Pennsylvania for some years he removed with his family to Henderson county, Illinois, where several of his sons still reside. Here he died on August 19, 1859. His estimable wife is still living and resides on the old homestead. Sec. 28, T. 9, E. 4. Joseph Mathers, his eldest son, began life with nothing, working for five dollars a month once, but now has a large and exceedingly beautiful farm of 500 acres. On May 16, 1850, he was married to Mary
WALNUT GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
1191
Eamsay, daughter of David Eamsay. Nearly three years later, accompanied by his wife and brother, Mr. Mathers set out, in a wagon drawn by five yoke of oxen and one yoke of cows, for the gold regions of CaliHere he remained two years, returning by way of the Isthmus fornia. of Panama. Although Mr. and Mrs. Mathers have no children of their own, yet they have raised one, George Gilmore by name, now married One day, while in Gibsonville, California, a and living in Kansas. •mining town, Mrs. Mathers, having heard of a child born over the mountains whose mother had died, rode a mule to Kabbit creek and brought the child home, but raised it with difficulty, for milk was fifty Since returning to his cents a quart, and it was hard to get at that. home Mr. Mathers has given his attention to stock raising and farming, and by persevering industry and careful economy he has made for himself a large competence. KoBEET Mathees, son of Samuel and Jane (Greer) Mathers, was bom August 18, 1827, in "Washington -county, Pennsylvania. In his early youth he emigrated with his parents to Henderson county, where, in 1860, he was married to Alzora Z. Powell, daughter of Nathan Of this marriage seven children have been Powell, since deceased. bom, the fourth of whom, Eobert E., is dead. All the rest, Eugene "Wesley, Dora Mary, Lois Effie, Joseph James, Samuel Nathan and Ethel Sarah, are at home with their parents. It is a truism that indusTo this rule Mr. M. is no try and perseverance bring sure success. exception. Beginning life with nothing but his hands, and laboring for eight dollars a month, Mr. Mathers has steadily accumulated prop-
he has a farm of 320 acres and become the possessor of a is above rubies. David "W. McCaetney, next to the youngest son of John McCartney, was bom July 2, 1826, in McMinn county, Tennessee, and emigrated with his parents when fourteen years old to what is now Henderson county, Hlinois, and settled in T. 9, K. 4. His father was erty until
good name, whose price
bom August 24,
1787, and his mother, Margaret, in 1789. After their marriage they removed from Tennessee in 1840, and after a short
and McDonough counties, Illinois, they finally Henderson county in 1847. As a volunteer under the com-
residence in "VTarren settled in
mand of Gen. Jackson, his father served in the war against the Creeks Four years in 1812-13, and was at the capture of Pensacola, Florida. after his father's death, Mr. McCartney was married on September 10, Miss Rachel Moore, daughter of Andrew and Margaret Moore. Of this marriage five children have been bom. In 1870 the eldest son, John A., died at the age of nineteen, just in the beginning of his young manhood. The second son, William M., after marrying Miss Celia 1851, to
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1192
moved
Albert E. and David Ellsand now live in Pottawatamie The youngest, Nettie, is at home. Of Mr. McCartney's county. character and worth it is enough to say that he has been three times appointed deputy assessor, besides holding several terms of office in connection with the school. At the organization of this distiict Mr. McCartney's father was the secretary, the minutes of that meeting still remaining, and the first school-house also was erected by Mr. McCartney. Though he began with nothing, Mr. M. has now a beautiful home and farm, and has gained the confidence and esteem of his Burchell,
to Mills county, Iowa.
worth have also removed
to Iowa,
fellows.
Among the early prominent settlers of Henderson county is to be found the name of William P. Thompson, son of Joshua Thompson, who served in the war of 1812. Mr. Thompson was bom October 16, 1811, in Washington county, Indiana, in which state he was raised, and in whose common schools he was educated until about twenty years of age, when he attended a Quaker seminary near Salem. In 1838 he was married to Miss Sarah Moore, daughter of Abram Moore, of which marriage five children were born. The eldest, Greenbuiy Calvin, volunteered in Co. B, 91st regiment. He afterward went to Colorado, where he served one hundred days in the Indian campaign on the Big Sandy. When on his way from Atchison to Colorado he was taken sick and died. His body was brought to South Prairie cemetery by his father and there interred. Mary J., who married Mr. H. Garrett, is also dead. Robert M. is now engaged in farming for himself, near his parents. Emma A. is now married to Thomas Garrett. The youngest, Walter J., is now (1882) in Iowa, feeding stock and shipping. In the days of Mr. Thompson's early pioneering there were many privations to undergo. Deer covered the prairies, turkeys, wolves, bears, and a few panthers, were in^the woods. It was miles to mill, to the postoffice, and the nearest doctor was out near Monmouth. Yet though he began with little, Mr. Thompson has now 850 acres of land and a competent fortime, and has also gained the better inheritance of his neighbors' respect and esteem. Prominent among the early pioneers of Henderson county is Mr. John Baenett. He was born in Northumberland county, Virginia, on December
Hayden
14, 1812.
Plis father,
John B.
Barnett,
and mother, Mary
Barnett, were both natives of Virginia, the former having
been born in Matthews county and the latter in Lancaster county. On 2, 1834, Mr. Barnett was married to Alice Moore, daughter of Charles and Mary Moore, whose grandfather fought in the revolutionary war, and whose father served during the war of 1812. In the spring April
WALNUT GEOVE TOWNSHIP. of 1837, April 20,
having placed west.
Mr. Barnett and his wife
all their
worldly
effects in
1193
left their
early
home, and
a wagortf started for the far is now HenWalnut Grove town-
After a journey of two months they came to what
derson county, Illinois,
and
settled
on section
12,
on June 22. As the woods at this time were filled with game aU kinds, they obtained plenty of food and soon had a start in life. By persevering labor and careful economy Mr. B. has amassed quite a fortune, now owning three farms, one in Iowa, a second near KirkSome idea of the wood, besides the homestead, in all over 880 acres. early privations of those pioneer days may be gained by saying that their cooking utensils consisted of a skillet, six tin plates and a kettle in which they boiled water for coffee, made corn bread, fried their meat and boiled their clothes. In addition to these earthly treasures. Lucy Ann, Ml". B. has been blessed with a large family often children ship,
of
:
Peter,
Mary C, Charles
Wesley, Catharine,
Among
those lofty
child, Peter,
R., Elizabeth F. (long since dead), Eliza,
Anne Maria and souls who fought
who served during
all
John
Ellen Josephine, the youngest. for their country
the rebellion.
was the second
He was
shot twice,
through the hip, a wound that in his last days troubled him much, and probably helped to shorten his life. He never asked for a pension, but had nearly completed arrangements to do so, when Mr. he died at his home in Kansas at a time when least anticipated. Barnett was originally a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his family are members. He resides, together with his excellent wife and youngest daughter, on the old homestead where he the second time
some forty-five years ago, and retains the respect of all who know him. R. Maktin, farmer, Walnut Grove township, son of James H. Martin, of Warren county, was bom June 20, 1851, near Sugar Tree Grove, in Warren county, Illinois. In this county Mr. Martin passed the days of early youth and manhood, receiving his education in the common schools of Monmouth, and in the Business College of Galesburgh, Illinois, of which his brother is at the head. In 1876 he was Of this married to Miss Aggie Eankin, daughter of James Eankin. marriage one daughter was born, Maudie Agnes, on March li, 1878. When she was but three and a half months old, on July 1, her mother settled
K
passed away, near Eockfort, Missouri.
Shortly after the death of his
Mr. Martin removed to Henderson county, Illinois, where he at present resides. During the late war Mr. Martin's father was elected wife
to the Illinois
legislature,
where he did the
state
good service and
gained the reputation of a loyal patriot and able legislator. Nor did he permit his politics to interfere with his duties as a christian gentle-
HISTORY OF MERCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1194
man,
for
he was an elder in the United Presbyterian church, and
the clerk of the sesfton for more than fifteen years. quite a reputation as a
the 30th of
March he
Sunday school worker
in
He
Warren
also
also acquired
county.
On
deceased, leaving his family the rich legacy of
a good name. His son, R. Martin, was married on December 30, He now resides in Walnut Grove 1880, to Mrs. Mudd, of Earitan. township, and though young,
is
already
known
as a
man
of real worth
and character.
Adonieam Edwards, son of David and Eliza J. (Bell) Edwards, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, April 29, 1843, and emigrated with He was his parents to Henderson county, Hlinois, in October, 1853. reared on a farm, with only the common schools of this county to attend. He served as a soldier in Co. H, 11th lU. Cav., in the war of 1861-5. August 1, 1872, he man-ied Miss Nancy E. Robinson, a daughter of Daniel and Lucy (Hobough) Robinson, of Warren county, Illinois. She was bom February 15, 1844. They have but one child, Arthur E., bom August 24, 1873. Mr. Edwards now resides and is farming On the N. E. J of Sec. 1, T. 9, R. 4, where his parents first settled when they came to this county in 1853. They were both bom and married in Belmont county, Ohio, where their eight children were bom and four of them buried. He died here in March, 1868, and was buried in the cemetery in Salter's Grove. She is still living. Her
home
is
with her children.
Van Doren, Van Doren,
is a son of Stephen and and was bom in Somerset county, New Jersey, in 1830. His father was the proprietor of a hotel, and consequently the early life of our subject was spent in town, where he In December, received what might be termed a liberal education. 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Munson, the daughter of Mr. James Munson. She was bom in the city of New York in 1832. Early in 1851 Mr. Van Doren emigrated to Blinois, first settling in Fulton county, where he remained till 1856, when he removed to Henderson county and permanently located on Sec. 33, T. 9N.,R. 4W., where he has since resided, successfully engaged in fanning. In 1865 and in 1882 he realized what is to every human heart a great pleasure,
William
J.'
Susan (Nevius)
that of visiting (after
many
farmer, Raritan,
years' absence) the scenes of his childhood.
He
was accompanied on the last trip by his excellent wife and little daughter. They are the parents of six children, whose names in the order of their birth are Caroline (wife of L. Whitier), Susan (now :
Mrs. Isaac V. D. Perren), Charles B., Sarah (wife of J. Milliken), George and Annie. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
;
WALNUT GROVE TOWNSHIP.
1195
The subject of this sketch, Samuel 0. Gibson, of T. 9, E. 4, son of John and Martha Gibson, was bom near Xenia, Ohio, January 31, His father, though not quite of age at the time, enlisted in the 1819. war of 1812, going to take his father's place, who was unalile to go. When Mr. Gibson was yet but a child, his parents emigrated from Ohio to Sangamon county, and, in 1831, to what is now Henderson county, being among the earliest of the pioneer settlers, and settled near Olena.
Hawk war, Mr. Gibson's father served as a April 14, 1844, Mr. Gibson was married to Laut, daughter of Michael Laut. Of this marriage
In the Black
ranger six months.
Miss Margaret
Ann
On
but one child, David, is
now
who
is married and runs the homeJohn and Alexander are dead. Although Mr. Gibson began with but little, he now owns 240 acres of land, upon which he resides, in Sec. 21, T. 9, K. 4. When Mr. G. came to Henderson county he had to go forty miles to mill, on Spoon river, and at one time, when the water was low, went three weeks without flour, and pounded his corn in a mortar. At one time his father's fire went out, and he was compelled to go six miles to get more. Such were the privations of the early settlers of this county. William Delant, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Delany, was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky. His father was bom in Charleston, South Carolina, and his mother in Kentucky. Mr. Delany studied in the primitive schools of those days, and acquired a knowledge of the three rudiments of reading, writing and ciphering. On January 4, 1832, he was united in marriage to Rebecca Knokes, daughter of George and Nancy Knokes. Of this marriage six children were born, of whom three, Nancy Jane, Mary Jane and George Washington are now dead. Of the living, Eliza Ann is now wife of Richard Enfield Martha Ann is married to Daniel Meredith William Thomas, the only living son, was in the late war. Being a large, strong boy, he at last
stead.
living,
Catharine, Elizabeth, Henry,
;
succeeded in getting the recruiting ofiicer to take him, though but
years of age. After marrying Katharine Ross, William renioved Cherokee county, Kansas, where he at present resides. He is at present engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Delany began life fifteen
to
a poor boy, but has
made
for himself
and family a beautiful home on
Sec. 26, T. 9,
R. 4. Mr. George D. Laut, deceased, was born February 13, 1825, in the town of Greenwich, Washington county. New York. When he was about sixteen years of age he emigrated to Henderson county, where he was destined to pass through the most important stage of his and die. On October 14, 1847, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah 0. Gibson, daughter of John Gibson, who emigrated to
life
HISTOET OF MBRCEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1196
Henderson county in 1833, and settled near Olena. She was bom on September 9, 1822, in Greene county, Ohio. Of this marriage have been born seven sons, six of whom are living, one having died in infancy. Two sons, Charles A. and John B., are now married, the former residing in Henderson county, the latter in Pottawatamie county, Iowa. Two, William' M. and George E., are living in Lake James Henry and Samuel C. are unmarried, and the City, Colorado. former has charge of the old homestead, residing with his mother. His father, who was a most worthy member of the United Presbyterian church, died on August 15, 1871, at his home, aged forty-six years, six
months and two days.
EDUCATION^ IN HENDEKSON COUNTY. The educational system support upon the
common
colleges in the county. all
that obtains in this county rests for
its
There are no
school law of the state.
Prior to the year 1849 Henderson county, like
other counties in the state, depended mainly upon private bounty
in sustaining her schools.
A
small
sum was annually
received from
the state, but was wholly inadequate to meet the expenditure in keep-
ing up district schools for the proper education of
all
the scholars in
and those results which flow from a perfected system of education were almost entirely wanting. Our state seemed to slumber, and little general interest could be aroused in the minds of our grave law-makers on the subject of common schools. Canals could be dug, railroads buUt, and party interests cared for, but a strange indifference was manifested in this important question. Engrossed in the accumulation of the dross of wealth, they seemed to forget that more important subject, the education of our youth. I have characterized it as the pursuit of dross for what are all our lands, and flocks, and herds, and gold, but dross, without that cultivation of the mind which shall elevate the soul of man and point out to him the true end of his being. The law, as it stood before 1849, authorized the levy of a school tax by district directors for all school purposes, not to exceed fifteen cents on the one hundred the county
;
as a consequence education languished,
;
dollars of valuation of property, provided that two-thirds of the legal
voters of the district voted for the tax.
the one hundred could be levied
was
so
amended
by a
that a majority could
In 1849 twenty-five cents on In 1851 the law
similar vote.
by vote
authorize the levy of one
per cent on the property of the district for school purposes.
;
EDUCATION IN HENDEESON COUNTY.
119Y
The county in 1881, by school census, contained pupils to the number of 3,382 between the ages of six and twenty-one years. During the same year there was paid to teachers the sum of $20,278.38 and the total expenditure for the same year for school purposes was I have refrained from going into minute statistics of the $26,352.94. several townships, as the township compiler, with a view of each ;
locality, in
a more complete form.
In 1850, being the
first United States census taken after its organHenderson county contained a population of 4,612; its annual income for school purposes was $2,431 its number of scholars at
ization,
;
school, Y28.
COMPARATIVE PEOGRESS. In 1853
we
find of record the first statement of
property in the county, to wit
:
amount of taxable
Total value of personal property,
$380,659; total value of lands, $784,152; total value of town $159,593; total value of tion a state tax
all
property, $1,324,404.
was levied of 49^
cents, yielding the
a county tax of 40 cents, yielding the
sum
lots,
Upon this valuasum of $6,533.73
of $5,297.60; a special
was levied, yielding the sum of $1,986.60. At the September term, 1861, of the county commissioners' court, a tax of three-fourths of a mill on each dollar's valuation of property
road tax of 15 cents
was levied for the purpose of supporting the families of soldiers who had volunteered in the service of the United States, to be disbursed under the authority of the commissioners.
On August 2, 1862, the court met pursuant to adjournment at the town of Olena, in conjunction with a public meeting of the citizens of the county, who had met for the purpose of encouraging the enlistment of volunteers in the army, at which meeting the court passed unanimously the following resolutions '•^Besolved, That we will, at the next regular September meeting of :
this
county court, levy a tax of two mills on the dollar of taxable
property of the county, for the support of the families of volunteers
who have
enlisted 'and
who may
enlist hereafter in
Henderson county
companies. ''
Resolved, fv/rt7ier, That
we
will, at
the next September term of
levy a tax of three mills on each dollar valuation of taxable property fn the county, as a bounty fund to be paid to volunteers who this court,
have or late call
may hereafter
Henderson county companies under the 300,000 men."
enlist in
of the President for In accordance with the foregoing resolutions the county court did at the September term of the court levy the tax pledged thereby, which
HISTORY OF MEEOEE AlTD HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1198
encouraged enlistments and materially aided in promptly filling the ranks of military companies then organizing in the county. At the regular term of the county court held in September, 1863, the death of Willison Hopkins, county clerk, was announced, and the appointment of Robert McAllister to fill the vacancy was placed on file, and Mr. McAllister was duly qualified and entered upon the discharge of As showing the material prosperity of the county his ofl&cial duties.
by the increased value of property
in the county, I append after ten
years another showing of such valuation
:
total valuation of all prop-
erty in 1863, $1,847,536; total tax, $31,096.66; thus showing that
our valuation had increased in ten years from $1,324,404 to $1,847,536, and our total tax had increased in the same time from $13,817.95 to In 1872 there was returned for taxable purposes by the $31,096.66. assessor: personal property, $638,833; lands, $1,653,431; town
lots,
$136,776; railroad property, $465,547; with miscellaneous property making a total of assessed value of property in the county of Upon this valuation taxes were levied to the amount of $3,014,054. $96,749.34 for all purposes. In 1882 the total assessed value of
all
property in the county was
$3,056,065.30, upon which a tax was collected of $68,106.32 for purposes, showing a large decrease in taxation.
edness being
now reduced
to about $14,000,
guished, leaves a hope that with
economy
which
The coimty
all
indebt-
will soon be extin-
in county aifairs the time
is
near at hand when the burdens of taxation will be more easily borne. The population of the county by the census of 1880 was 10,950,
which shows a decrease from 1870, to be accounted gration to the western states and territories. LIST
Many
for
by heavy emi-
OF DECEASED COUNTY OFFICERS.
of these county
since their retirement.
officials
The
list
died during their term of of the dead
is
large,
office,
and
is
or
here
appended WiUiam Cowden, Joseph B. Jamison, Fi-ancis J. C. Peasley, Benjamin C. CoghiU, Michael Crane, John F. Morgan, Wilson M. Graham, Alexander Marshall, William Cousland, S. S. Leet, Matthew Findley, Julius Giffi^rd, Ebenezer Chapin, Harvey Russell, John S. Peasley, William McMillan, Booth Nettleton, James A. Maury, John S. Pollock, Peter Downey, Lambert Hopper, William L. ^Stockton, George W. Cowden, William B. Jamison, Willison Hopkins, William Lomax, Marion F. Button, John A. Summers. :
HONEY CEEEK TOWNSHIP.
HOJSTEY
1199
CREEK TOWNSHIP.
The first permanent settler in Honey Creek precinct was Captain Eedman. He was an officer in the second war with England, and became imbued with that daring spirit, dauntless resolution and matchless strategy which are such necessary characteristics in the frontiersman and pioneer. His attachment for the wild and undeveloped led him to leave his eastern home where plenty seemingly held forth its About 1825 or 1826 he landed here with his family, before a hand. foot of the county's virgin soil had been polluted by the touch of man. He immediately built a small log house, which for many years was the
home
of the family.
We have
nothing positive of the
settlers until the coming of the John Pence was a native of Pennsylvania, having been bom in Lycoming county January 12, 1803. He was married to Hannah Pence in 1829, and with his family came here in 1838, landing at Shokokon on June 2, having traveled down the Ohio and up the Mississippi. They moved into an unchinked log house, one end of which was occupied by a family by the name of TuU, who had preceded them a short time. This was on section 11. During the first years they endured terrible hardships. The family were aU taken with the fever and chills and were unable to help one another, and had it not been for the trusty rifle and unerring marksmanship of the husband and father, starvation would have pointed at them her shrunken and withered hands. The long, dreary winter wore away, and with the sunshine of spring came the hope of better days. The
Pence family in 1838.
spring following they built a log house for themselves
When
the Pences came, Jonathan
Mchols
lived
on section 15. on section 22,
New Yorker, lived on section 14, Andrew Stice on Honey creek. During the autumn of the year in which the Pences came, Samuel Logan came from Fayette county, Indiana, and settled on the south side of the precinct. Mr. Logan was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born there October 24, 1784. June 3, 1813, he was married to He enlisted Susan Dufiy, in what was then the Territory of Indiana. in the war of 1812 for one year, and was honorably discharged from the service at the expiration of his time. As soon as he was discharged he bought a farm in Fayette county, Indiana, then an unbroken forest, which he cleared. But soon the people poured in, and the place lost
Kobert Crownover, a lived below,
the wildness of its frontier cast, teristic
of men
who have become
and with that inured to
its
restless spirit so charac-
hardships and fascinated
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AJfD HENDEE80N COUNTIEiJ.
1200
its exciting incidents, he could no longer enjoy his home. In 1838 he sold his farm and with his family moved to this county. There then was plenty of game, such as deer, turkey and grouse, and This latter sport he followed up to the time of his fishing was fine.
with
death,
December
Among
28, 1859.
other early settlers was Noble
McKim, who came
into the
southeast part of the precinct in 1838.
Captain Samuel
Summers came from
Marysville, Kentucky, to
Nauvoo in 1833, where he remained for a short time, and from there he came to this county. He was here before there were any schools The first school was in what is now known as Snake or churches. Hollow. This was somewhere in the forties. The school was taught by a man by the name of John E. Coleman. The first preacher was The services were held at Major Rose's a man by the name of Booth. residence.
The Eose
first
school in the precinct was taught
in an old log building standing
by a daughter of Major 15, and now used by
on section
Eobert Pence as a granary. George "W. Logan was an early settler, coming here from Indiana He came a in 1841, and staid a short time, returning to Indiana. second time in 1853, and has since had his home here.
George W. Cartright, of
whom
a sketch will be found elsewhere,
came in 1848 and settled near where he now Ktcs. John Paul, an old and respected citizen, came in section 34,
where he
Michael Crane, who was a prominent 1835.
He
1844, settling on
still lives.
was' a native of
man
here years ago, came in
Lycoming county, Pennsylvania,
emigrat-
He was one time an associate justice of the county. Joseph Kirby, one of the most successful men of the precinct, was born in Maryland in 1822. From there he went to Ohio, and from there to this vicinity in 1837, coming to Henderson county a few ing from there by way of the Ohio and Mississippi
rivers.
at
years
later.
He
died in 1878.
Jacob Millman, who
is
now perhaps
the oldest
man
in the vicinity,
came here in 1837. He is a native of Virginia, and was born 1797. His father was a Hessian soldier in the employ of the British, and was taken prisoner at Trenton. Subsequently he allied himself to the patriot band who were struggling for liberty. After the war he settled in Greenbrier county, where Jacob was born. W. H. Gittings, a native of Kentucky, came to Hancock county in 1834, and to this county in 1838. He was one of the most successful men who have lived in the precinct. He died some years since, leavinff
a
lare-e
familv in
eroctA
circumstances.
fj^t:^'^-.
HONEY CEEEK TOWNSHIP.
1203
There are in the precinct three school-houses, known as Snake Honey Creek, and Union. They are all in a flourishing conthe two former have good and substantial frame buildings. dition Hollow, ;
The town of Lomax was surveyed and platted at the instance of the Lomaxes in the spring of 1869, by Isaac Hartford. The plat was never
made a matter of
record.
In consequence of
Williams resurveyed and replatted the town for
this, J.
"Wilson
R A. Lomax during
and it has been properly and duly business here was the opening of the station by the Chicago, Burlington Quincy railroad on January 1, 1870, the
the spring of the present year, recorded.
The
first
&
road having been built the year previous.
Foggy
& Lomax opened a general
During the same year Mr. Foggy
stock of merchandise.
and the firm became R. A. Lomax & Co., the company Lomax, the father of K. A. The firm changed in A. Lomax, who yet contraues the business in a prosperous
retired in 1874,
being Mr. William
1878 to
R
and creditable manner. In 1871 a blacksmithing business was begun
which he sold to WilUam Cox in 1876,
by Eobert Forquar,
who now does
a paying business
at the trade.
Early in the history of the place general stock of merchandise. fi-om business in
They
&
Co. opened a
1875.
In the spring of 1881 Dr.
He was succeeded by Mr.
C.
W. H. Ball opened a stock of drugs here. W. Cluff a year later. The only physician
O. H. Russell, M.D.,
in the place is
James Khodes
closed out their stock and retired
who
is
a graduate of a
first-class
and a man of no mean talent in his profession. The town was named for Mr. William Lomax, who was one of the most successful, enterprising and highly-esteemed men who ever came medical school,
to this section,
of
whom
a biography
is
given in our personal sketches.
town, started a few years ago, now does no mean business, Lomax being ever ready to buy anything the farmers may have to put on the market. The aggregate of grain, live stock, and other things which find a market through him, annually amounts to many This
little
Mr.
thousands of dollars.
LOMAX METHODIST El^SCOPAL CHURCH.
A public meeting was held at Union school, Lomax, June to take
the necessary steps toward building a church.
28, 1871,
Messrs.
WilKam
Lomax, Eobert Crownover and William Curry were chosen as building committee. At a meeting held August 9, the same year, seven trustees were elected, as follows Wm. Curry, J. Beardsly, Eobert Crownover, Eobert A. Lomax, Abram Ashur, Samuel Vaughn, and Jacob Millman. :
AND HENDEE80N
1204
HISTOET OF MEECEE
It was finally
concluded to build a substantial frame structure, at a cost all denominations, the plan being The money was readily without any ornamentation.
COTINTIES.
of about $2,000, to be open to
32x48 raised
The
feet,
by
and during the year the building was finished. upon which other denominations were to use the build-
subscription,
conditions
ing were, that they should bear a proportionate share of the expenses. This the Baptist organization agreed to do, but failed in it, and at
a public meeting held November 20, 1878, the trustees resolved to exclude them until they fulfilled the conditions of the contract. The Methodists have
now
full control
of the building, and the church
is.
in
a prosperous condition, at least financially.
DALLAS CITY Lies within the bounds of both Henderson and Hancock counties, on
bank of the
the east
Mississippi.
tion to this place, originated with
At
The name "Dallas," in its applicar John M. Finch, who came here in
was but one house within the present conW. H. EoUosson opened a store and commenced the erection of a warehouse. While talking with some persons .one day, some one asked Mr. Finch what name they were going to give the town ? He always being ready with an answer, " The island in front of the town is called Polk,' and I think replied it nothing more than meet and proper that the honors should be 1844.
that time there
fines of the town.
Mr. Finch and
'
:
we
honor of our candidate it was found that there was another Dallas in the state, and "City" was added, that the two might not confiict. The first postofiice here was called East Bend, from the bend in the river, and was kept by Mr. Finch. That portion of the town which lies within Henderson county was surveyed and platted by J. Wilson Williams, deputy surveyor of Henderson county, for W. H. EoUosson, in October, 1848, and is on the southwest fractional quarter of Sec. 35, T. 8, E. 7. The lines of the plat run diagonally with the points of the compass and parallel with the river. number of the buildings stand in both counties. By an act of the people represented in general assembly, approved February 18, 1859, the town was incorporated as a body politic and corporate. The same act named the following as a board of incorporation Wm. H. RoUosson, R. W. Brewer, Theodore Eea, John Gibbs, James Gassaway, John M. Finch,. Daniel G. Baldwin and B. F. Newlon, who were to meet on the first Monday of May ensuing, divide the city into wards and call an election. This was done, and Dallas City became an incorporated town. divided, so
will call the place 'Dallas,' in
for the vice-presidency."
Subsequently, at the incorporation,
A
:
HONEY CEEEK TOWNSHIP. The
first
postoffice here
was established
1205
in 1844, with
John M.
Finch as postmaster.
BIOGRAPHICAL. The Lomax family are among the most prominent of Henderson The grandfather of the subject of the present sketch, Eobert county. Lomax, was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, June 25, 1775. He grew to manhood in his native place was educated in private schools, learned the trade of a carpenter, and married Miss Anna Bwiggins, a native of Carolina, who was born November 5, 1779. She was the daughter of Robert and Sarah Dwiggins. In 1811 he emigrated to Clinton county, Ohio, where he commenced farming came to Henderson county in 1830 and settled on Sec. 22, T. 8, R. 6. He and his wife were members of the Christian church. Mr. Lomax was a whig and republican in politics. The father of our subject was bom in Guilford county, North Carolina, December 12, 1801, and at his father's removal to Clinton county, Ohio, he came with him. He was raised on a farm and received a common school education. He was married to Mary Eankin, daughter of William and Elizabeth Rankin. Mr. Eankin was a native of Ireland, and came to this country at the age of eleven years. Mrs. Rankin's maiden name was Cray. Mr. Lomax removed to Henderson county in 1853 and settled on Sec. 22, T. 8, R. 6, and engaged in farming and stock raising. A few years after coming here he was elected and served a term as associate judge. He was the father of two children Elizabeth Lomax, born January 28, 1886, married to Adam Foggy January 28, 1859 (who now live at West Point, Iowa), and Robert A. Lomax, the subject of this writing, bom January 31, 1842. Mr. Lomax died September 7, 1878, and has buried at Terre Haute cemetery. Robert A. was bom in Clinton county, Ohio, and with his father removed to Henderson county in 1853. His youth was spent on the farm and in the common schools. He attended Denmark Academy, Denmark, Iowa. He followed farming .until 1871, when he engaged in the dry goods and farming implement business at Lomax, a place named for his father. In 1874 he closed out the business in farming implements and commenced to buy grain, in which he is yet engaged. He is township treasurer, and ;
;
:
November 8, 1881, was elected county commissioner. He is a member of Carman Lodge of Masons, No. 732, and in politics is a straight repubhcan. March 22, 1871, he married Miss Arminia D. Paul, who was born June 6, 1842. She is the daughter of M. C. and Mary Paul. The Pauls are originally New Yorkers. Mr. Lomax owns a splendid farm of more than a thousand acres.
raSTOEY OF MEECEE
1206
The
AUD HENDEESON
COITNTIES.
William K. Gittings, one of the pioneers, were Before the revolutionary war they came to the United
forefathers of
from England.
States, finding a
home
in Baltimore county, Maryland.
of our subject, Kinsey Gittings,
The
father
who had married Miss Mary Clem-
mons, removed from Maryland to "Washington county, Kentucky, while yet the country was almost in
its
primitive state.
With
resolution
born of the surrounding circumstances'", he went to work as a farmer, which he ever followed until his death, in 1830, at the age of sixty-five The wife died in 1840. The years^ He left a wife and six children. eldest son, William H. Gittings, who was born in Maryland March 12, 1792, was brought up on his father's farm in Kentucky, receiving a very meager education. Here he lived and worked at farming or flatboating to New Orleans, In October, 1818, he wedded Miss Eleanor, a daughter of Eichard and Mary Mudd, of Maryland. Richard Mudd served in the revolutionary war as an officer under Washington. Soon after the war he with his family removed to Kentucky. After his marriage he lived in Union county, Kentucky, where nine children were born to him. In 1834 he moved to Illinois, stopping for a year in Morgan county. In 1835 he moved to Hancock county and settled on section 7 in Fountain Green township, where he afterward bought 180 acres of partly improved land. In 1839 he removed to section 25, Honey Creek township, T. 8, R. 6, in Henderson county, where he resided until his death, November 7, 1869. When he came to this vicinity he had nothing with which to start, but afterward, by prudence and economy, became one of the wealthiest as well as one of the most highly respected men of the county. He was a whig in politics, and was once his party's choice for the state senate. His wife was bom October 20, 1794, and died June 12, 1855. This pair of worthy ones lie resting side by side on the apex of the mound which bears theii' name, and is known far and wide for the splendid view which can be had from it. Of a family of fifteen children, ten are married and living. Wm. K. lives near, in Hancock county, and is one of its most staunch and reliable citizens.
B. B. yet remains on a part of the old might truly have been said of Mr. Gettings "Life every man holds dear, but the dear man holds honor far more
homestead.
It
:
precious, dearer than life."
Benjamin Beeby Gittings was born in Union county, Kentucky, He is the son of Wm. H. and Eleanor Gittings. 6, 1828. He removed with his father from Kentucky to Illinois in 1834, and settled with him in 1839 in Henderson county. Here he grew to manhood, inured to hard toil. While riding over the old homestead with the writer, he pointed out fields which he broke when a boy. October
HONEY CEEEK TOWNSHIP.
1207
The old homestead consisted of more than 1,000 acres. September 28, 1854, he married Miss Sarah Ann Howard, daughter of Thomas and Martha Howard, of Monticello, Missouri. She was born' in KenThey have no children are members of the tucky, June 16, 1834. Mr. Gittings is a democrat in politics. A few years Catholic church. ago he was so unfortunate as to be stricken by paralysis, from which ;
he has only partially recovered.
CoKNELius Clovee, One of the early and more prominent settlers, was born in Greene county, New York, March 21, 1794. Here he
when the war of 1812 broke out he was found amoDg those who were battling against the "right of impressment." He was with the army of the North, and for a long time was stationed Returning and laying aside the habiliments of at Sackett's Harbor. war, on July 29, 1818, he was wedded to Miss Rebecca Parsons. Having caught the spirit of the times, he turned his face westward and found a home within the forests of Jennings county, Indiana, where death stole quietly among them, and Rebecca, the noble wife and tender mother, was laid away to rest. On November 27, 1833, he grew to manhood, and
was a second time married, the
woman
of his choice being Narcissa
and two years later he removed to Warren county, Illinois. From there, in 1852, he came to this county, settling on Sec. 3, T. 8, E. 6, where, on April 5, 1863, he died, respected by all who knew him, and leaving behind him a competence. Two of the sons, Josephus and John, now live on the Old homestead. Rev. Jacob R. King, of Lomax, was bom in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1845. His parents were bom in the same county, and were of Hollandish extraction. His youth was spent attending school and in the pursuit of agriculture. He came to Illinois in 1856, with his people, and was sent to Denmark Academy, where he received an academical education. In 1864 he connected himself with the Congregational church, and the following year became a member of the United Brethren in Christ. In 1869 he was admitted to the annual conference of Illinois, since which time he has been engaged in the work of winning souls to Christ. For the past eleven years he has been very actively engaged with his duties as a minister. He was married to a Miss George in 1877. He is a republican in Billingsly,
politics.
William B. Dean was bom in Roscommon county, Ireland, FebHe was the son of William and Elizabeth (Hygins) Dean. At the age of seventeen, to better his fortunes, Mr. Dean left his native heath for America, first settling in New York, where he ruary 16, 1809.
remained some years, but finally found himself
at"
Port William, Ohio.
;
HISTORY OF MEEOEE A2HD HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1208
he was married to Miss Margaret Ann Kankin, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Kankin, of Clinton, Ohio. In 1853 they came to Illinois and settled in township 8, range 6, Henderson county. Mr. Dean was a farmer, and was successful in money making. He died June 14, 1872, leaving his heirs well provided for. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin were the parents of seven children Bartley Rankin, born January 28, 1872 William Lomax, born March 2, 1843 Albert and Alfred, twins, bom March 14, 1845 Mary Elizabeth, bom October Arthur, born October 12, 1850 Charles Edward FrankUn, 3, 1848 born April 1, 1861, died June 10, 1869. Judge John Logan was born in Fayette county, Indiana, March 20, 1822. His parents were very respectable farmers, who settled in Henderson county in the autumn of 1839. Their names were Samuel and Susan (Guify) Logan. With the help of their sons, John foremost among them, they went to work with a will on a farm, and experienced all the hardships incident to pioneer life. The youthful and stalwart John became smitten with the charms of Miss Delilah Ann, daughter of Edward Davis, an early settler in Hancock county. The young lady looked favorably upon his wooings and they were married. In 1853 Mr. Logan was elected to an associate judgeship of the county, serving with Judges Downey, Ricliey and Hopper. Mr. Logan, although his chances for an education were meager, has succeeded in collecting a good store of information. He has always followed the business of a farmer, only when interrupted by his public duties. He is the father of ten children Susan, Alexander Taylor, Mary, Jane, Nancy, Elmira, John, William, Nannie and Lincoln. Thomas Andrew Howard was born in Lewis county, Missouri, July 27, 1841. His father, Thomas Howard, was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, May 16, 1807. His grandfather, Thomas Howard, was a native of Scotland. His mother, Martha Jane Ashbaugh, was born July 29, 1811. She was the daughter of Joseph Ashbaugh, a native of Germany, and a potter by trade, who emigrated to this country and settled in Nelson county, Kentucky. Our subject grew to
March
17, 1841,
:
;
;
;
;
;
:
at Monticello, Missouri, and received a common school eduAfter attaining his majority he drove stage for two years, and
manhood cation.
Henderson county, stopping near Raritan. He She was a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Gilky and Sarah (Slater) Morton. They have eight children, seven of whom are living: Leonidas B., born September 6, 1868 Claudius E., born September 25, 1869 Corrie Leonore, born December 3, 1871 Thomas M., born July 21, 1873 Charles W., born October 14, 1875 Maurice and Marion, twins, born in 1866 he
came
to
married Louisa Morton, of Canton, Missouri.
;
;
;
;
;
HONEY GREEK TOWNSHIP. iSeptember
1,
1878
JSTovember
1,
1879.
;
1209
Joseph Cyrus, bom June 22, 1881. Marion died Mr. Howard is now clerk of the school board of
his district.
John Pence, the father of the subject of our sketch, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, January 12, 1803. He was raised as a farmer and mechanic, and educated in the common schools. March 4, 1829, he married Miss Hannah Pence. In 1838 he removed to Illinois, landing at Shokokon June 2, and moved into a log cabin on Sec. 11, T. 8, K. 6. They were the parents of six children Eobert, Philip, Susan Ann, Harriet, Louisa and Anna Belle. Mr. Pence died April 12, 1860 Mrs. Pence died March 22, 1861. Robert Pence grew to manhood among the pioneers of the county, and was married December 11, 1862, to Miss Anna Lloward, daughter of Thomas and She was bom in England, and while yet a mere child Betty Howard. her parents came to America and settled in New York. They emigrated to Henderson county in 1856, where she was met and won by Kobert Pence. They have ten children James Robert, born January 25, 1864 Thomas Lee, bom March 10, 1865 Estella May, born March Philip Edward, bora December 28, 1869 Charles Henry, 1, 1867 bom December 18, 1871 Harriet Ann, bom November 13, 1873 Martha Jane, born August 16, 1875 Orville Foster, bom August 4, 1877; Olive Blanche, bom June 11, 1879; Harry Franklin, bom January 25, 1882. Mr. Pence now resides on the old homestead. Charles Sparrow was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1828. He is the son of William Sparrow. His mother's maiden name was Porter. His father was a native of Suffolk. In 1842 the young Charles came to America, first stopping at Burlington, Iowa, where, on December 17, 1846, he was married to Mary Foster Darbyshire, by birth an Englishwoman, having been bom to John and Jane Darbyshire, in London. They became the parents of seven children, six of whom are yet living, the other dying quite young Lutetia, now the wife of John F. .King, Shenandoah, Iowa, was born April 28, 1848 Sarah E., now the wife of Samuel Leek, of Grenola, Kansas, born July 10, 1850; William S., who married Miss Ida Sweigert, born October 28, 1852; Martha Ann, born May 27, 1858; Albert C, bom May 6, 1862; and Edward T., born February 28, 1864, yet remain at home with their father. Mrs. Sparrow died July 11, 1877. Mr. Sparrow came to this country with nothing, but he now owns a well improved farm of 420 acres in T. 8, R. 6. John W. Oluff, Dallas City, born in Lexington, Kentucky, April 1, 1813, and with his parents soon after removed to Pike county, Ohio. His parents were Reuben and Catherine Cluff. He was reared on a :
;
:
;
;
;
;
;
;
:
HISTOET OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1210
farm and received very little education. January 23, 1836, he wedded Miss Anna Jarman, daughter of James Jarman, of Pike county, Ohio. In 1843 he removed to Peoria county, Illinois, and from there to Henderson county in 1852, settling in T. 8, R. 6, near where he now lives. He is the father of eight children, three daughters and five sons: Eeuben, Isaac, Catherine, James P., Mary W., John T., Charles W. and Nancy B. James remains at home with his father and eases him
down the declivity Lee W. Shaw,
of closing
life.
bom in Honey Creek township, He is the son of Jackson W. and
of Dallas City, was
May 20, 1846. He grew up among the pioneers on a farm and received common school education. He enlisted April 11, 1865, in the 83d
Henderson county, Abagail Shaw. a
was soon after transferred to Co. G of the 61st Illinois, and commissioned as a corporal, and was honorably discharged daring the same year. Married January 26, 1868, to Euphemia J. Babcock, daughter of Samuel B. and Nancy (Logan) Babcock, who were early settlers in the vicinity where Mr. Shaw now lives, by whom he has five children Elmina S., born October 25, 1869 James Jackson, March 15, 1872 Ada Leora (deceased), October 27, 1874 Lula Etta, June 5, 1877 Iva Odella, May 6, 1880. Mr. Shaw has always engaged in farming. He is a republican in politics. Samuel Simmons, of Dallas Gty, was bom near Marysville, Kentucky, April 10, 1820. His father's name was Samuel and that of his mother Elizabeth, who came to Illinois and settled near Nauvoo in 1836. Mr. Simmonds spent his youth on a farm and received such an education' as the common schools of the day aiforded. He was mai^ ried to Miss Sarah Logan December 15, 1842, by whom he had three children Elizabeth A., born September 22, 1843 Mary T., April 28, 1845, and Margaret V., August 14, 1847. "Was married a second time to Miss Mary Ann Green, daughter of William and Mary A. Green, May 22, 1852, by whom he had eight children Levina J., born ISTovember 10, 1853; Eichard H., February 3, 1856; Alice P., March Martha D., January 30, 1860 Samuel A., December 16, 17, 1858 1861 Florence Jane, June 7, 1866 Capitola D., February 16, 1869 ; Esther Eose, January 20, 1874 Alonzo W., June 22, 1871 MeKnda, July 4, 1872. Mr. Simmonds was a captain in the 78th LI. Vols., and served through the war. He is now engaged in farming. EoBEET W. Ceane, one of the pioneers of the county, and especially of Honey Creek precinct, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1818. He is the son of Michael and Anna Pherits Crane. "With his parents he came from Pennsylvania to Henderson county in 1835, landing here June 2. Eobert was reared on a farm ni. Vols., but
:
;
;
;
;
.
:
;
:
;
;
;
;
;
;
HONEY CEEEK TOWNSHIP. and receiYed a
common
1211
He experienced all the All the improvement on the farm
school education.
hardships incident to pioneer
life.
which his father bought was an unchinked log house. ISTovember 1, 1851, he married Mrs. Sarah Dougherty, daughter of Thomas and Jane Bassett, who lived near Shokokon. They are the parents of
whom are boys and three are girls "William I., 1858; Harry G., born December 12, 1859; Eobert Lee, born February 12, 1862, died July 7, 1863; Frederic C, born October 20, 1863; Anna P., born March 9, 1866; Patience G. and Mercy C, twins, born September 15, 1869. Patience G. died July seven children, four of
bom August
26, 1870, is
a
:
9,
and Mercy C. died August 4 of the same year. Mr. Crane of Dallas City Lodge of Masons, No. 235, of which he
member
first charter member. He is a member of Chapter 111, Dallas He now owns and lives on the old homestead. Chables Yaughn was born in Monmouthshire, Great Britain, November 26, 1833. He commenced life as a farm laborer at the age
was the CSty.
wholly incommensurate with the seremigrated to America with his parents in 1849. His
of nine years, at a consideration vices given.
He
same year, and was buried at Sharonville, Warren In Ohio he worked as a farm laborer. Not liking the he came to Henderson county in 1851, landing August 26,
father died the
county, Ohio. situation
He received some education in private Europe and finished in Elinois. Mr. Vaughn, March 18, 1858, married Miss Novella Bethany Bonham, a daughter of Thomas M. and Sarah Bethany, of Mount Vernon, Ohio. They are the parents of nine children, five of whom are living and four are dead EsteUa Jane, born February 13, 1859; Eczella C, born October 27, 1860, died January 30, 1863; Beverly Charles, born May 4, 1862; James Ulysses, born November 7, 1864, died March 10, 1866; La Fayette B., born August 15, 1866, died September 3, 1867 Thomas Earnest, bom January 7, 1868; Sarah Novella, born December 20, 1869; William Claude, born October 28, 1871; Florella M., born August 7, 1874, died October 2, the same year. Mr. Vaughn is a straight republican. He has been deputy assessor of the county for the last fifteen years. He is a member of Carman Lodge of Masons, No. 732. His mother, during her widowhood, was kindly and tenwhere he has ever since lived. schools in
:
'
;
She died March 8, 1870. is an Englishman by birth, having been born in Northamptonshire about 1826. His father was Samuel and his mother Sarah (Beach) Moore. His grandfather was John Moore. His maternal grandparents were George and Mary Beach. His parents came to America in 1830, stopped at Deerfield Corners, New York, from where derly cared for.
Beet Moore
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AITO HENDEE80N COTINTIES.
1212 they soon
moved
to the Black river country.
From
there they went to
Michigan, where the father and mother lived and died, the father in 1864, the mother
two years
earlier.
Mr. Moore came to Henderson
county in March, 1853, settling in T. 8, K. 6. He was married in 1859 to Mrs. Amelia Crane, a daughter of John and Temperance Gurts. His In 1860 he was in the Kocky Mounwife died December 28, 1876.
engaged in mining and logging, and has since spent a year at Chippewa Falls. His home is on Sec. 2, T. 8, R. ,6. JoHsr Kemp, the father of the subject of this sketch, was bom in North Carolina, April 15, 1793. He emigrated to Kentucky, where soon after he married Miss Nancy Fort. In 1832 he moved to Warren county, Illinois, and from there, in 1834, to what is now Henderson, settling near Sagetown, where Norman, our subject, was born, January He grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving a 8, 1837. common school education. July 16, 1857, he married Miss Mary E. Shanks, daughter of George W. and Amelia (Gittings) Shanks. She was born in Union county, Kentucky, September 25, 1840. They are tains
the parents of eleven children, nine of whom are living: George,
bom
1868 Jessie, bom January 18, 1860 John, born January 6, 1862; MiAnie, born February 6, 1864; Charles F., bom April 18,
May
18,
;
1866, died
;
December
31,
same year; Martha
E.,
bom December
20,
1867; Orrin S., born June 20, 1871; Addie, born May 16, 1873, died July 1, 1874; Mercy E., bom July 15, 1875; L. M., bom December Flora Alda, bom June 2, 1880. Mr. Kemp is a democrat in 2, 1877 politics. His farms are in Sec. 1, T. 8, R. 6, and Sec. 36, T. 9, R. 6. RisDON Henet Kiery was born in Henderson county, Hhnois, April ;
His grandfather, Henry Kirby, was bom on the east shore His father his grandmother's name was Jane Kirby. was born in Maryland and removed with his father, Henry Kirby, to Butler county, Ohio, in 1827, and from there to Henderson county in 1837. He was one of the pioneer farmers of the county. He subsequently married Sarah Quinshaw. Risdon H. grew to manhood on his father's farm and received a common school education. He was married December 31, 1865, to Miss Abertina Parker, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth Parker, of Cuyahoga county, Ohio. Mr. Kirby In politics he is a member of Dallas City lodge of Masons, No. 235. is a democrat, and was the nominee of his party for county commissioner in 1881, and came near being elected over his opponent, who is one of the first men in the county, thus showing his popularity, the 10, 1843.
of Maryland
;
county being strongly republican.
He
has since qualified as a
of the peace at the solicitation of his friends.
farm in Sec. 34, T.
8,
R.
6,
and
is well-to-do.
He owns
justice
a splendid
HONEY CEEEK TOWNSHIP.
1213
Joseph Kieby was born on the eastern sliore of Maryland June 8, He was the son of Henry and Jane Kirby, who moved to Butler county, Ohio, about 182T, and came from there to Henderson 1822.
Mr. Kirby died in 1848, and Mrs. Kirby ten years Joseph was married October 15, 1841, to Miss Jane SwjTnelar, daughter of Andrew and Jane Swymelar. She was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1822. Her parents came to Hancock county, Illinois, in 1840, where she and Joseph met and were The marriage took place at Nauvoo, while yet the Mormons married. county in 1837.
later.
were reveling in the height of their prosperity. of five children
:
Mary
1856
and
;
;
is
8,
are the parents
1845, and died
month William Hinckley, born November 23, Josephus, bom December 23, 1848 Minerva, born August 28, Andrew, born March 8, 1858. Mr. Kirby died June 28, 1878, buried in Terre Haute cemetery. The children all live at or
the 22d of the following
1845
They
Jane, the eldest, Ijorn October ;
;
near home.
Geoege Caetweight was born in Staifordshire county, England, March .6, 1823. His parents, George and Sarah Cartwright, were farmers, but his father subsequently went to coal mining, at which he did a considerable business, working a great number of men. George, Jr., while quite young, was apprenticed to a manufacturer of queensware, but disliking the business he never followed it after his apprenticeship ended. He came to America in 1842, landing at New Orleans. From there he went to Missouri, where for a time he worked on a farm. From here he drifted through Iowa and into Illinois, when in '48 and '49 he drove a stage from Burlington, Iowa, to Spring1847, field, Illinois. In 1848 he settled in McDonough county, where, on April 24 of the subsequent year, he married Miss Mary E. "Woodside, who was born August 3, 1822, in Virginia, and with her parents, John G. and Jane "Woodside, came to McDonough county, Illinois, in 1833. Mr. Mr. Woodside was afterward quite prominent in local politics. five of whiom children, and Mrs. Cartwright are the parents of seven are living and two are dead Sarah Jane, born November 13, 1850 Virginia E., bom January 24, 1852; John, born August 28, 1853, died September 18, 1853 Ann Eliza, bom May 7, 1855 William Edgar, bom July 25, 1857 Frederic H., born December 15, 1858, died October 27, 1859 and Elmer E., bom February 11, 1861. Prior to the war Mr. Cartwright was a democrat, but on the issues of 1860 he voted for Abraham Lincoln. He has been a justice of the peace. RoBEET Ceownovee, bom in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, October 16, 1817. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Knox) Crownover. His grandfather, Eobert Crownover, .who married Nancy Kelsey :
;
;
;
;
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1214
Cutter, with several of his brothers emigrated
Lycoming county, Pennsylvania,
from
New
Jersey to
prior to the revolution, and in the
deadly contests which ensued between the Indians and whites in that
Kobert were slain. The subject of this farm, and received a common school In 1834 he emigrated to Michigan, and spent eight years education. From here, in 1842, he in the counties of Calhoun and St. Joe. removed to Henderson county, and settled near Shokokon, where he remained for two years, when he came to his present place of residence January 23, 1851, he was married to on Sec. 22, T. 8, E. 6. Temperance Curts, daughter of John and Temperance Curts, who came to Henderson county from what is now Clinton county, Pennsylvania, then Lycoming. They are the parents of nine children James H., born September 25, 1851; Elizabeth, January 27, 1853; John, October 21, 1855; Robert and Temperance, March 14, 1858; Alice, January 29, 1860; Mary, January 12, 1863; William, November 7, 1865; Mary Kelsey, January 2, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Crownover are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Crownover was well acquainted with the Mormon prophets Joseph Smith and Brigham Young during the days of their dwelling at Nauvoo, his father, who lived near where Robert now lives, having often entertained them at section, all the brothers except
sketch grew to
manhood on a
:
his residence.
John Paul was ber 15,
l'S15.
He
bom is
in
Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, Decem-
the son of Joseph and Sarah Paul, and
is of
and young John worked at this business during his boyhood. In 1828 the family moved to Mahoning county, Ohio. He was married January 4, 1838, to Hannah, daughter of Basil and Rachel Perry, and immediately settled in Columbiana county, Ohio. From here, in 1844, he came to Henderson county and settled on Sec. 34, T. 8, R. 6. He is the father of five children, all boys James, born July 28, 1840 Eli, born March Joseph L., born March 9, 1846 6, 1843, died September 27, 1846 Basil Henry, born September 5, 1848 Thomas Morgan, born FebruMr. Paul has followed farming since his marriage. ary 4, 1851. Basil Henry was married November 27, 1878, to Miss Nancy J. Logan, daughter of Judge John Logan. They are the parents of two
Holland Dutch descent.
His father was a
:
miller,
;
;
;
;
children 2,
:
Missie Ann,
bom
June
5,
1873
;
Myra M., bora November
1876.
The grandfather of the present sketch suffered the hardships of the His father was also in the latter part of the struggle for independence, and saw service in the war of 1812. His maternal grandfather was in the revolution and fought at Brandywine, where he
revolution.
;
HONEY CEEEK TOWNSHIP.
1215
was severely injured. "William, the son of Joseph and Jane Archibald Curry, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, November 21, 1819. His parents were of Scotch-Irish descent. Pie grew to manhood on a farm, and married Kebecca Close, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Close, of Lorain county, Ohio, April 19, 1844, by whom he had two children: Marion F., bom December 27, 1846, and Eebecca, bom May 1, 1848. Mrs. Curry died May 11 of the same year. He was married a second time, to Nancy L. Wright, daughter of Jonathan, a native of Ohio, and Mary Wright, a native of Virginia. She was buried in Lorain county, Ohio, May 31, 1827. They are the parents of three children: Eugene, born- February 25, 1856, and died April 19, 1856, in Cedar county, Iowa, where he was buried Clayton, ;
bom December
28, 1859, died the 25th of
buried in lot seventeen
Mary K.,
bom
September
Mrs. Curry are both
March
following, and
was Henderson county 1865, in Henderson county. Mr. and
of Logan's cemetery. 23,
members of
the Methodist Episcopal church. Jasper Logan, son of George W. and Melinda Logan, was bom in Fayette county, Indiana, October 8, 1846. Mr. Logan's grandfather was an early settler in this county. His mother, whose maiden name was Martin, is a cousin of the Hon. James N. Tyner, of Indiana.
came to Henderson' county in 1853, was and educated in the common schools. He graduated at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Burlington, Iowa, April He enlisted in the 83d reg. HI. Vols., April 11, 1865, and 10, 1868. was soon afterward transfeiTed to Co. G of the 61st, and was mustered Jasper, with his parents,
reared on a farm
He taught one term of school in 1868. April 8, 1868. he married Elizabeth Angelina, daughter of Hon. "William
out September 14, 1870,
Scott,
of Dallas City, Illinois.
They
are the parents of four children,
aU boys Lemuel Edgar, born February 20, 1872 Clement Eddison, bom August 31, 1874 Eoyal Claude, bora August 24, 1877 Clinton Henry, bom October 21, 1880. Mr. Logan is now a farmer and owns a farm in T. 8, E. 6. John Coopee, Lomax, HHnois, was bom in Monastrevan, county JKildare, Ireland, July 28, 1805. He was educated in his native town, and remained there until fifteen years of age, when he moved from there to Dublin and learned the cabinet-making trade. He was married June 6, 1828, to Eliza Deane, of Dublin, and they had fifteen :
;
;
;
John, "WilKam, Thomas G., Eliza and "Washington L. After working at his trade for seven years altogether, he received an appointment on the Grand Canal as captain of a passenger canal boat plying between Dublin and Balinsloe, sei-ving in that capacity for twenty-five years. He then resigned and children, of
whom
but five are
now
living
:
HISTORY OF MEEOEE AND. HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1216
company at Tullamore, Kings county, and served as collector eight months, and then resigned and came to America, landing at New Orleans December 10, 1848. From there he came to Burlington, Iowa, and engaged in the mercantile business for accepted a collectorship for the
eighteen months, and from there he removed to Henderson county and
engaged in
his present occupation of farming.
Dallas City Lodge, No. 235, of A. F. and A.
M.
He
is
a
member
of
In religion he was
brought up in the belief of the Episcopal church.
SOUTH HENDEESON TOWNSHIP. Township
10, range 5,
was
laid out
by the government
in 1816.
This township, the most centrally located, does not contain the largest It does not have so much has contained and does contain more and
population, though almost a full township. tillable
land as others, but
it
larger industries than any other in the county.
1860 was 489 the last decade of 303. ;
in 1870, 1438
;
The population
in
in 1880, 1135, showing a decrease in
The area
in acres is 22,735.
The township
surface corners on the Father of Waters, the bluifs of which extend through the township from north to south. They cut the north line one and one-fourth miles from the east line on the north, and the south line, three and one-half miles from the same line. These monuments of the " Ice Periods " of the north, in connection with the main Henderson creek and its confluent. South Henderson, flowing westwardly
through the northern part, produce a diversified surface. These bluffs are gradually ascending, nowhere precipitous, extending at times into long, sharp ridges diametrically to th^ir length, again culminating into high mounds or conical peaks, presenting a beautiful scenery, and from which may be seen a large scope of country and several towns and
some of which are on the Iowa side. Sometimes they are bold and even romantic and quite lofty. One of the highest, probably, in the township is north of Mr. F. Galbaith's house, on section 22. There is another very beautiful one just southeast of Gladstone, of conical shape and almost as high. Some of these bluffs afford some excellent building stone and stone for lime. The surface of the land west of east of the bluffs, and bordering on them, is very undulating them is the second bottom, which is .quite flat, but drainable between the first and second bottom is what is called the sand ridge, which is somewhat rolling. The first bottom is very low, flat land, and is overflowed at times by the Mississippi. cities,
;
;
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1217
The timber in this township is not principally confined to the some other townships. The eastern half of T. 10, E. 5, is largely composed of either timber or timber land, with the exception of two whole sections in the northeastern part and five in the south Large oaks, scattered here and there, covand southeastern portion. ered the bluffs when first seen by the settlers. The oaks were so distributed that prairie grass grew all over the bluffs. Most of the young timber of the bluffs and elsewhere has grown up since the This young timber, which is, or second set of settlers settled here. most of which is, large enough to make good wood, is quite thick in Some of the most places where it has not been cut for wood or rails. valuable kinds of wood are black walnut, white oak and hard maple, streams, as in
sometimes called sugar-maple. This township, situated as
it is,
contains about
all
the varieties of
of the county, such as the black loam, the light, the sandy,
•soils
the sand soil.
It
does not have as
much good
tillable
and
land as some
it, though there is some as good land found any other county or state. There is a strip of bottom land in the western part of the township, about two miles wide, mostly in the northern part and the bluffs, that cannot be called waste land, as most of the bottom not tilled or occupied by the several lakes
other townships adjacent to in T. 10,
E.
6,
as in
by pasturing them. These bottom lands, or swamp lands as some may call them, if they could be drained and diked against the overflow of the Mississippi,
are utilized
would make excellent farm lands.
The is
soil at
the foot of the bluffs
is
of a deep black mold, slightiy sandy,
Indian com. duce but
all
is
The
soil
on the
kinds of grains.
the best soil in cultivation.
and
is
prairies is of a black
The soiJof
loam and
the timber-land
often better adapted to wheat, oats
and
It
best adapted to raising
is
will pro-
much
lighter,
fruits.
MILLS.
were quite scarce and steam-mills unknown. "What few The first grist-mill and mills there were were run by water-power. saw-mill in the precinct was built on South Henderson creek, two and a half miles east of Gladstone, by Mr. Shell "Ward, to whom belongs the honor of building the first mill in the precinct and the second one in the county. It was built about 1848, on Sec. 2. It was three stories high besides the perline story, 36X60 feet, with three run of French burrs in complete operation, calculated for one run or more, with all the machinery necessary for doing country and merchant work in the best manner; also, a saw-mill, with good cutting capacity. Both mills, Grist-mills
HISTORY OF MEEOEE
1218
together with the dam, aifords a
torn
fall
AND HENDERSON
have foundation on solid rock.
of eighteen feet for both mills.
down and
rebuilt
COUNTIES.
and changed
The
The dam
original mill
into the present one,
which
was
is still
running.
There were two other mills running about this time in the county, one near Oquawka, called Jack's mill, and one at Warren. The streams which fed these mills would in very dry seasons fail to supply the required quantity of water, and remain motionless until there was water enough to turn the. wheels. It was during these times that the people had to travel long distances over a roadless country and bridgeless streams, with nothing but the sun and stars as their guides. When we now have to go ten to fifteen miles to mill it is a long way, but what would some of the young farmers of to-day think if they had to travel seventy-five or eighty miles to have a grist ground, which the early settlers of those times were compelled to do or go without bread ? In performing the long journey to and from the mill they would sometimes get lost, lay out all night on the prairie, not knowing where they were or what might be their fate ere the dawn of day. They would often be gone a week or ten days before they returned to their log huts, their homes though they were humble they were dear. Such were some of the early times of the history of South Henderson precinct. It is related of John Woods and John Tweed, Sen., in December, when no grinding could be done at their home mUls, they went to Burlington to have their grist ground. They hauled it to the Mississippi river with a team, then put it on hand sleds and dragged it across the river on the ice, and, as the narrator says, "had three grains knocked into one, and it was the best bread I ever ate." The first threshing machine, if they may be called such, said to have been used in the precinct was in 1842. It was what was called in these days a chaff-piler that is, the straw, wheat and chaff came through the machine simultaneously, all in one heap. The straw then had to be separated from the chaff and. wheat. After this was accomplished the wheat and chaff were sent through a fanning mill, which separated the chaff from the wheat. This was considered a great improvement over the ancient process of tramping out the wheat by either horses or oxen, saving time and being much the cleaner mode ;
;
of the two.
They cut their wheat, rye and oats with the sickle and cradle, and were just as well contented to cut their grain in that way as we are to cut our grain with the reaper, harvester or self-binder. day's work with the sickle was one-half an acre. day's work with the cradle was called from two to three acres.
A
A
/
;
SOUTH HENDEE80N TOWNSHIP.
As an
illustration of
introduced into the
1221
what reapers would do when they were
settlement's,
the following
is
one:
Maj.
first
Sam
Hutchinson with his Virginia reaper, which he calls the Western Clipper, cut in four and a half days sixty-five acres of very heavy wheat, on the farms of William Graham and Thomas McDill. The wheat on Mr. McDill's farm was decidedly the heaviest in the county. Some of the oldest settlers were compelled to live on potatoes alone for several weeks at a time, and they thought it preferable to living
on acorns and a small portion of parched corn, as did their pilgi-im fathers on the shores of New England during the first settlements
During the drouths, when the mills could not grind, they many devices of obtaining meal, often making graters of some thin metal on which to grate their corn some using the coffee mill, and others the mortar for crushing it. The following market quotations, from the Oquawka "Spectator," show the prices prevailing February 12, 1848 Wheat (winter), 55® wheat (spring), 40@50 cents corn, 15@18 cents oats, 57 cents
there.
would resort to
;
:
;
15 cents
;
;
barley, 30 cents
;
flax-seed, 60 cents
;
;
white beans, 38 cents
potatoes, 20 cents; dried peaches, $2; apples, $1.12; salt
(Kanhawa),
50 cents; ground alum, per sack, $2.50; dry hides, per
fc,
6 cents;
4 cents tallow, 9 cents. The first road through the township was the Monmouth and Burlington road. This road was traveled before the country was fenced into farms and before any regularly laid out road was surveyed. This old road followed very nearly the old Indian trail, which began in the northeastern part of the township, through the Jameson and Sam Lynn settlements, running southwest to South Henderson ford near Gladstone, and from there southwest along a sand ridge across the bottom green hides, per
to
ft,
3 cents
;
lard,
;
Burlington.
When
a survey for a county road was made, the surveyors followed
the old track
from the
Sam Lynn
place to South Henderson ford
;
from
only followed the old road in the main. James Ryason, Peter Butler and James Jameson were the viewers to South Henderson creek. The first road from the southern part of the township started this place it
from
Honey
creek, leading north through
road was extended on to
Warren
to Gladstone; this
Oquawka, the present county seat. FIRES.
Tall prairie grass everjTvhere covered the township
man roamed
the bluffs for wild
game
to
make
when
his breakfast on,
the red
and
for
some time after settlements were made. In the fall of the year the grass would often catch on fire, by some Indian chief smoking his pipe
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE ASB HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1222
of peace, or from the
of
fire
cook his venison or turkey.
some hungry hunter who had started it to It wourd run like "wild fire," as is the
common
saying, roaring, leaping, scathing, spreading wider and wider, mighty waves of the ocean, over the plain, up the high bluffs, across the hills and vales, out on to the vast prairies, carrying destruction to everything which interrupted its progress. When the settlers would see the smoke of this destroying element, it would be the signal for every man, woman, boy and girl in the whole settlement to turn out to save their own and the homes and property of their neighbors. They would go miles away to assist their neighbors to stay the fires they would often fight fire, to arrest its progress, from twelve to twenty hours at a time without rest. It was in one of those fires in which Tamatown, an Indian town near Gladstone, was burned the fire came up so suddenly that they had no time to save anything. One Monday morning, about one o'clock, Mr. McFarland's distillery On Saturday evening, as at Sagetown was discovered to be on fire. usual, the fires were put out and the house closed for Sunday, the Only fire left in the building being in a stove in the room in which the yeast was kept this had been replenished again on Sunday evening with the same care that was always taken to keep the room warm, but it is supposed that the accident originated from the fire in the stove in some way, as the fiames were fii'st discovered in the roof over the yeast-room. like the
;
;
Some
persons, however,
among
the
workmen
are of the opinion that
was the work of an incendiary. The loss must have been large, as the beer in the tubs would have run out. Over sixty barrels of highwines, with the' large building and all its contents, were totally the
fire
destroyed.
During the Blackhawk war a
fort
and block-house was
the yard where Mr. Samuel Lynn's house
refuge for
all
now
built in
stands, as a place of
the surrounding settlers' families.
A
place was
first
which was built the block-house, consisting of two stories, the upper one projecting out about two feet over the lower one, each having loop holes on enclosed
by twelve
foot slabs set in the ground, inside of
all sides, through which to shoot. Previous to this a temporary fort was built around W. E. Jameson's house, by setting pickets in the ground around the house. This was, so far as known, the second fort in Henderson county built against the invasion of the Indians, the one at Yellow Banks being the first. The only remaining thing to mark the spot where the fort stood is the wall of the well for the use of the .
fort.
In the winter of 1832, the settlements about the
when
there was a great deal of excitement in Blackhawk war, there were several famiUes
SOUTH HENDEESON TOWNSHIP. stayed in the block-house near by.
block-house were as follows
The names
1223 of those living in the
Samuel Jameson and his family, his son James and his family, William E. and his family, among which was Calvin Jameson, Stephen Short and his family, and Abner and Gabriel Short, "William Eussel and his family, Aaron Earnest and his family, James Kyason and his family, Eliza Griffith and her family, making :
forty-five in all.
RELICS.
Tweed has in his possession an old sword which is a relic Blackhawk war, used by his father, John Tweed, Sr. of the It is a narrow-bladed sword with an ordinary brass handle. He has short also a pair of tongs, plowed up in his field, which were used nearly fifty years ago by one of the first blacksmiths of this county. On the summit of the bluffs, on the left-hand side going north ot the Gladstone and Olena road, at t'he mouth of what is known as Tweed's Hollow, are found about 100 mounds, which are thought to Mr. John
be of ancient Aztec origin.
Human
bones have been taken out
at
a
depth of eight feet, the corresponding ones of which are larger than those of the largest
people
man
who made them
in to
Henderson county, thereby proving the be of more than ordinary stature. The
mounds are of rather a mysterious
origin, are prominent, at intervals,
In one of an unbumt red clay pot, having flowers rudely etched on one side, was found in the bluflFs just east of Gladstone, by C. Lilteich, while leveling oif one side of the bluff". Mr. Alexander Lynn, living just in the northern part of Gladstone, on the S.W. J of Sec. 10, has the lower part of a post found while plowing on his land about twenty rods north of his residence, which belonged to the Sac Indians council house. It was taken out by him several years ago and can be seen at any time at his house. On the bluffs near Frank Galbrath's Mr. William McChesney on the tops of the
bluff's
extending through the Precinct.
these
picked up a small
flat
stone nearly three inches in diameter, round,
concave on both sides, bird tracks on one side, a bird on the opposite,
This small stone is called An Indian ThiB totum was taken to Burlington, Iowa, and is supposed to
and having a hole in the center. totiim.
be in the
Iowa State Museum.
Mr. J. Smith has two Indian relics, one of which is a small dark brown round and flat stone, concave on both sides, about an inch in thickness, and about two and one half inches in diameter the other ;
one
is
a yellowish and gourd-shaped stone
long, the largest part
of which
is
;
it is
about three inches
about two inches in diameter.
HISTOEY OF MEECBE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1224
FIRST SETTLEMENTS. Mr. James Eyason, the first settler in the township, was an Ohioan. In 1827, leaving his wife and child with his father-in-law, he started from Edgar county, Illinois, intending to take a flat-boat load of whisky to
New
Orleans,
by way of
the
Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi
rivers.
Before he reached there, on learning the state of the market, pulled Here he disposed of his load, worked in the oars for Galena, Illinois. mines, and not striking a bonanza, he abandoned his prospect, loaded
and hides and sailed down the river for Oquawka. Landing at Oquawka, he began looking out a site for a wood yard. It was located on IS", i of N.W. J Sec. 2, which he afterward improved, and built, in the fall of 1828, the first house in the township, two miles south and one-half mile east of Oquawka, and a quarter from main Henderson creek. The cabin was built near his present house, and made of hewed logs covered with clapboards the floor was of hewed logs the chimney of sticks and clay. It was a single room and one story high. What caused him to select this piece of land was on account of a fine spring of water at the foot of the bluifs on this land not preempting as much as he expected he was getting, he subsequently bought a tract lying east of his would-be choice. This land he preempted and bought of the government when it came into market. At one time he came near losing it. He proved his pre-emption before the magistrate, and sent it to the land oflSce at Quincy to have it recorded, but the land agent neglected to record it. Just as Mr. Ryason was recovering from an illness he heard that one of his neighbors, who knew that his pre-emption had not been recorded, was then on his way to Quincy to pre-empt his land. Notwithstanding his convalescence, he borrowed a horse, and, after riding nearly the whole of the following night, succeeded in reaching Quincy ere his would-be neighbor and land jumper, and preventing him from filing his fraudulent preemption title. During the winter of 1828 everything in the way of eatables, especially pork, which was part of their living, was very scarce in the Yellow Bank settlement from which Mr. Eyason obtained his food. It was during one of the coldest spells of that winter he went over to a settlement on Drown creek to engage some pork from that settlement. On his way back he got lost night coming on, had to tie his horse in the woods and walk around all night to keep from freezing. He went back with team to help Stephenson over with the pork. While going over with Stephenson he became separated from him, and was compelled again to stay in the timber all night, without his canoe with lead
;
;
;
;
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP. anything to eat or but scant wrappings to keep
1225
him comfortable from
the excessive cold.
When he pre-empted his land he said he could carry all the property he had on his back, and did not have twenty-five cents in his pocket. He worked at rail-making at fifty cents a thousand, to obtain money to
keep him and family and n»ake some improvement on his place. fence his place by moonshine. He also winter of 1828-9 for a living. Following
He made all the rails to chopped wood during the the putting in of in
August
and tending of a small crop of corn, he started back and child with an ox team, which he borrowed
for his wife
of his brother in Fulton county.
family to the
and the county.
little
He
returned in
November with
his
log cabin which was to be their future home,
one in the township, and among the very first in the Mr. Eyason claims to be the first agi'icultm'al settler in Hen-
first
derson county.
During the winter of 1829 the only food they had was bread, meat For a bushel of meal he had to work two days. While on his journey after his family, he traded a rifle for four hogs, which were to be fatted and ready for him when he called for them in the fall. When he went after his hogs he found them too fat to drive, so he was compelled to butcher them there and haul the pork home afterward. As he had no cow, and thinking he could do with less meat if he had one, he traded one hundred pounds of this meat to Jerry Smith for a cow. Some time following this bargain he bought a young heifer, and from these succeeded in getting a start in cattle. He bought a couple of hogs from Mr. Richey, and captured some wild ones on shares with him. His excellent prospect for raising hogs was set at naught when the Indians came in and drove off or killed all but four of them. Some of his neighbors, through a mistake, drove off two of these so he could not find them, leaving only two for his and potatoes.
winter's meat.
were the Jameson and Short families, who of the township. In the fall of 1829, James, William E. and John C, sons of Samuel Jameson, came and settled in this county. Calvin (John C.) settied on the N. i of Sec. 1, which was bought of Thomas Eichey and designed for the family, where the father, Samuel Jameson, spent the remainder of his days. William E. settled on section 12, and also James, where the latter He died. William Jameson raised a crop of wheat the next summer. " thirtyraised and sowed a half bushel and a half peck" to the acre, three bushels to the acre, which would be fifty-two bushels to one bushel of seed. He sowed nine acres, and reaped from it 297 bushels
Among
the
first settlers
settled in the northeast part
HISTORY OF MERGER AOT) HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1226
of good wheat.
Calvin and James cropped together, and raised fifteen
acres of corn, twelve of year's crop
was
still
which was
sod, a first-rate yield.
The second
which was about sixty bushels
better, the yield of
per acre.
The remainder of the Jameson and Short families, consisting of Samuel Jameson and his wife, three c^^ildren, Joseph H., Nathan and Elizabeth, his two step-sons, Abner and Gabriel K. Short, in September, 1830, left Perry county, Indiana, for Henderson county, Illinois. They brought one wagon and team, two yoke of oxen and one span of horses. They drove cattle and sheep, and Mrs. Jameson rode all the way on horseback. Mr. Jameson and most of the family, after they had gotten in what is now Henderson county, got lost after night
They hallooed
in trying to find the road to his sons'.
length of time, to their
when
friends, hearing
for considerable
them, came and directed them
The balance of the family remained on the James McDill's place. Stephen Short, a Gabrel and Abner, preceded them and built a pole cabin
destination.
prairie for the night, near
brother of
on the
IST.
E.
J of
Sec. 1, in
which the family were
After the corn was planted they cultivated horse.
The com was not
it
to live temporarily.
with a single shovel and
pulled until after a three-foot snow had fallen,
but they were glad to have corn to pull in the snow. and hauled it home on a sled with an ox team.
Food being
quite scarce
when they
first
They gathered
came, they lived on veni-
which they traded for on During the winter they ground corn in a hand mill, the meal of which they made into bread. The bread was made with salt and water. Goods and groceries were hauled from St. Louis that winter, and they paid $16 per barrel, for all son, wild ducks their
way
and turkeys,
to the settlement,
until the pork,
came.
the salt they used.
Mr. Joseph
De Hague,
a Frenchman by birth and a sailor by occuand died in 18,56, making him sixty years
pation, -was born about 1796
He went to sea at the age of fifteen, and at which he lived until he was twenty-four, when he gave up a sailor's life, went to Terra Haute, Indiana, from there to Edgar county, Illinois, where he married Mary Laswell. Afterward he went to Galena, Illinois, leaving his family with his wife's father, where he was engaged in mining for awhile. From there he, with James Eyason, came Oquawka. After running on the river for a few years he took up to of age at his death.
life
a claim and settled and built on section 33 in 1832. De Hague's cabin was like most of the cabins in those times, a one Story hewed-log cabin,
hewed puncheons for floor, roof made of clapboards, stick chimney laid up with clay, the back wall of which was made by laying up a
;
SOtTTH
HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1327
frame on the outside as higli as needed, and one of the same height on the inside this frame then allowed to dry, when the inside frame was burned out, leaving a solid, hard clay wall. He brought his ;
family, consisting of his wife
and two children, from Edgar county,
with James Ryason, to Fulton county, where he stayed two years.
Came
to this
empting.
county and rented a place one season, previous to prebuilt on section 33, he farmed on section 34.
Though he
He broke and cultivated thirty acres on the De Hague remained at the old place a few
I. J.
Brooks farm.
years he sold out to
After I. J.
Brooks in the year of 183Y, built a double-hewed log house in the Mississippi bottom, in township 9, range 5, where he kept tavern, making money quite fast, and where he lived until his death. His remains were buried in the cemetery on the bluff, in township 9,
where his wife and several children were buried. settlers, settled on the south bank of South Henderson Creek, on the N.W. J of Sec. 10, in the limits of The primithe present town of Gladstone, in about the year 1833. tive log cabin was built in the same lot in which the residence of his son now stands. Mr. Lynn was much better off financially than most of his cotemporaries, he having about $1,300 in money when he came. In the spring of 1833 he, with his brother, went to St. Louis, where he bought two yoke of cattle. To get some trunks home which he had there he jput them on a forked pole, and hitching the oxen to it,- hauled his trunks all the way from St. Louis to his home in Henderson county. His brother, who had accompanied him there, left him and went east. When he began farming he used a mold-board plow after the scouring plow came into use he got one of the first of them. He farmed without horses until 1856, and these came from Connecticut. He tilled but few acres at first. He possessed a wagon which was a decided improvement over the forked stick which he used coming fi-om St. Louis. It was a wagon which he himself made, the wheels of which were made by sawing off the ends of logs, and he range
5,
Mr. Eight Lynn, one of the early
called it his truck
Wniiam
wagon.
Russell, of
iu his family, settled
Sangamon
on
county, Illinois, with nine children
Sec. 24, T. 10,
and there resided until the year 1849,
E.
when
5,
in the spring of 1831,
the father and part of the
family removed to Iowa.
In the spring of 1829, John Campbell with his wife and nine chilfrom Scott county, Indiana, and settled in close where Here they raised a small crop South Henderson church now stands.
dren, emigrated
of corn,
and the next year moved to Shokokon. Their son, Eichey Campbell,
and she in 1851.
He is
died in 1867
now
a worthy
;
HISTOEY OF MERCEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1228
citizen of Biggsville township,
and a consistent member of the United
Presbyterian church.
New Jersey with his family drove his team through to Wheeling, West Virginia, where he put them and family on a boat, and going down the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers, they landed at Warsaw, from which Lucius Cook emigrated from the State of
in 1834.
He
way by land to Henderson went into a small cabin built by Right Lynn on Sec. 10, on the north bank of South Henderson creek. Cook buUt a cabin afterward on the S.W. ^ of Sec. 16, where he lived until he died. He, like many other settlers, came here with limited means. He only had one team and $10 in money. He moved into the cabin ere it was completed, cold weather set in, and while the cabin was yet uncovered a young pioneer made himself known, who was afterward known as John Cook and who still lives on the home place. Mr. J. S. Mitchel, who lives near Gladstone, came from Pennsylvania in 1839. He first stopped at Warsaw, Illinois, and went from there to the vicinity of Terre Haute, this county. He was county recorder in 1848. He served as a teacher for several years in Hancock and Henderson counties. In the year 1849 he settled on the S.W. J of Sec. 16. There was an old log cabin on the place when he bought it, and was one of the best of those days. This quaint old cabin, with its shingle roof and stone and brick chimney, still remains to remind the present generation of what their fathers and mothers had to live in when they were children. place they traveled the balance of the county.
They
first
OLD SETTLERS.
LIST OF
As
it is
respectful, at least, to
mentioned, the following dates of settlement
when
is
a
list
have the names of the old of
all
the
names of the
settlers
settlers,
obtainable, which could be ascertained
:
with
James
settled in 1828 Thomas Richey, 1829 John Campbell, 1829 Johnathan Viles, 1829 Samuel Jameson, 1830; W. E. Jameson, 1829; J. C. Jameson, 1829 Calvin Jameson, 1829 Samuel Lynn, 1830 Stephen Short, 1830 Abner Short, 1830 John Kemp, 1835 Joseph De Hague, 1834; D. McDill, 1836; I. J. Brooks, 1837; James McDill, 1838 James Meckenson, 1838 Mathew Graham, 1838 A. L. Porter, 1840 Cromwell Catlin, 1844 J. IST. Bruen, 1844 John Caruthers, Mi's. Mary A. Bruen, 1840. 1842 The following persons were known to have settled here previous to 1840 William Graham, Daniel Putney, Ezekiel Popham, Abraham Tweed, John Tweed, John McClintoi, Alec. Spenee, Daniel Gorden, Alec. Eussell, Henry Eussell, William D. Henderson, J. F. Maitin, Thomas B. McDill,
Eyason
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
:
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1229
Thomas McDill, Henry McCartney, John McCartney, Eev. John Freetly, Cyrel S. Ward, J. H. Henderson, Thomas Henderson, Washington Fort, Edenezer Russell, Gralbrath, Earnest.
Stoves were said to have been a real curiosity in early times, more so than a phonograph now is to the present settler, the settlers going long distances to see these novel cooking machines. Mr. Elan Catlin introduced the first cooking-stove into the settlement as early as 184:1.
Of course the
stoves of those times, like all other patents, were
not so perfect as our stoves of to-day, but a decided
cooking
by the
fire-place, especially in
the
summer
improvement over Only two of
time.
were to be found in the precinct until later days of Mr. Kussell being in possession of the second cooking-
those queer articles
the settlements, stove.
BIRTHS.
About six months subsequent to the settlement made by Mr. James Ryason there appeared a young wool spinner in his little log cabin, called afterward Mary Ryason, who is said to be the first white girl born in the township, and probably the first in Henderson county, and the second white child in the county. He had to go to Monmouth after a midwife, because no doctor was near her name was Mrs. Gilson, ;
and she charged him $3 as her fee in the case. The first white child bom in the township, and even in the county, was Henderson Richey.
DEATHS. death of which the oldest settlers remember was that of a young child, which was two years old when death occurred, a daughter
The
first
of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph DeHague. Mr. DeHague requested Messrs. James Ryason and Robert Russell to dig the grave on a mound south of his house, on the bluffs of the Mississippi, in what is now called the Kemp cemetery. They had dug about two spades deep when Russell came to what he supposed to be a round rock at one end of the grave; at the same depth, farther on, they found another similar to the first, and a third at the opposite end from the second one, when they took it up upon examination the supposed rocks proved to be human skulls, which no doubt were the craniums of ancient Aztecs, and probably lain there for centuries. The grave was filled up and ;
A
another one dug. man by .the name of Yannatta went horseback to a carpenter, had the cofBn made and took it to DeHague's house from there Vannatta carried the remains to the graveyard before him on the ;
where the last rites were paid to the first death in the township. Old settlers of Henderson county will recollect the "fiush times"
horse,
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AUD HBNDEE80N COUNTIES.
1230
of the State Bank of Illinois, and the great scarcity of money (we mean gold and silver) that succeeded its downfall. About that time a mint was established down in Bogus Hollow, two miles below Sagetown, where a large number of spurious half dollars were coined and circulated through the country, many of them going over to Burlington into the hands of confederates.
A
clue to the discovery of the
place was obtained by officers of the law, and the establishment broken
up by the removal of their tools, which consisted of small crucibles, and metal. A number of half dollars just coined were also found. The suspected parties fled the country and have not since
ladles, dies
In 1862 Mr. Henry Wixforth, just married, moved out to a now belonging to Mr. C. Kodman, a few miles east of the disorganized mint in Bogus Hollow, for the purpose of improving his land, and while engaged in making his garden, his wife, Mrs. Hannah Dorotha Wixforth, dug up a large crucible and a piece of metal (zinc and pewter) that had evidently belonged to the mint the crucible would hold a quart, and the metal was harder than returned.
small house situated on the land
;
common
babbit-metal.
In this county, situate south of McQuown's mill (Ward's), is Sandstone Hollow, worthy of the attention of geologists and others
who
take any interest in the works of nature.
has spent some time in exploring
Dr. David McDill, who
it abounds in interest whole length. It lias been washed out to the depth of more than twenty feet, over a quarter of a mile in length, leaving the walls of sandstone, layer after layer, piled up to the top, which could be easily quarried in any desired length or breadth. The layers are uniformly about six inches thick. Among other curiosities picked up by the doctor is a sandstone representing that part of a bone which enters a socket. —[Oquawka " Spectator " in 1874.
during
'
it,
says that
its
The organization of the vigilance committee of Warren township, Henderson county, dated back thirty-one or thirty-two years ago, and was the outgrowth of what was called "the horse-thief company," which the old settlers of Henderson had formed to protect themselves against all their best horses being abducted from their stables. But the immediate necessity for the formation of the vigilance committee was caused by the Brooks tragedy, which was December, 1864. The persons participating in the saving the lives of the Brooks family suspected that the friends of the robbers would seek revenge on them. Hence the object of the committee was for "mutual protection of its members " against the "encroachments and depredations of outlaws," to assist the officers of the law in arresting offenders, "and to expel and exterminate outlaws or desperadoes of every description from community by all justifiable
:
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIl-.
Mr.
means."
I. J.
1231
Brooks was the president, and Mr. W. McChesney was effected at Brooks school-house,
secretary, after the organization
on
N.W.
i, Sec. 33, in
the neighborhood, but
January, 1865.
some of
At
first
they met in houses of
their proceedings
were known outside
by being published, as they supposed by some of the For awhile when they met in this way it seemed as youthful vigils. if all the community knew what the committee was doing and had So it became necessary for them to change resolved to carry out. the committee,
meeting from their houses to the school-house for future The committee was organized by and from a large number of the best citizens, and held their meetings first at each other's
their place of
proceedings.
houses, but later, for the better security as to proceedings, at schoolhouses.
They had a
and by-laws by which they were
constitution
bound, and have preserved their organization until the present writing.
number of
by their infiuence been brought to the and in a general way the knowledge that such an organization existed has been a terror to evil-doers.
Quite a
cases have
notice of the authorities,
THE OLENA TRAGEDY. According to evidence given, Monday night, December lY, 1864, set by a band of robbers for the burglary of the houses of I. J. Information, however, Brooks, John N. Bruen and John B. Fort. was
had been given, by one who had gained the confidence of the robparty of picked men, conbers, to Mr. Brooks and his friends. sistmg of Theodore Fort, Jesse Kemp, John Kemp,. F. M. Galbraith, John Crane, W. H. McChesney, Isham Pugh, and John Owens, to
A
was and Tuesday night was then selected by the robbers, and accordingly prepared for by Mr. Brooks and his friends, the result of which was the killing of two of them and It seems that a Mr. David, badly wounding and capturing the third. who gave the information resulting as above stated, liad fallen in with the robbers and by them had been impressed into their service for a
repel the attack
time, and,
and
if
The night
organized.
after his
possible to capture or kill the villains,
set the plan failed,
escape,
acted the part of detective in. bringing
them to justice. Mr. I. J. Brooks, the party whom they had proposed to rob, and murder if necessary, gives the following evidence in regard to the
tragedy
Mr.
Brooks' account of the tragedy, beginning with the first It is given to correct some of above state"When the robbers came to the front door they knocked as
I. J.
appearance of the robbers. ments.
though they were neighbors. it.
They asked
to stay all
Mr. Brooks went to the door and opened Brooks told them he was not pre-
night
;
;
1232
HISTORY OF MEECEE A2W HENDEESON COUNTIES.
pared to keep them.
"Without further conversation, as Brooks
pated they would do, they went into the hall past him.
made known
as they entered the leader
antici-
Just as soon
their business, following the
dropping of revolvers from their coat-sleeves, by demanding of Brooks to stand and deliver up his money. Seeing the light from the north room glaring on the hall floor, and fearing they might suspect something wrong, he replied immediately and indirectly to their demand by inviting them to the stove to warm, which was in south They, thinking him quite polite, accepted the invitation. room. When all had entered the room Mr. Brooks immediately answered their question, saying he was about out of money. The robbers then asked him if he had any arms, and if there were any men about the house; both questions in one breath. Mr. Brooks replied that the boys were up-stairs in bed. Then the leader _of the party placed his pistol in close proximity to Mr. Brooks' head, saying: "Take that light and conduct us to the boys' room, and if you give any alarm you are a dead man. " He took the candle and started as if to do their bidding, the robbers following, and just as he stepped into the hall the men in east room fired, as they had heard the signal just before Mr. Brooks had stepped into the hall, killing Darnell instantly, and not the leader, as stated by Davids the leader being killed by a fire from the north door. It was some time afterward ascertained that one of the robbers was A. P. Barnum, a deserter from the army, whose home was Iberia, Morrow county, Ohio. He did not rob because he was in need of money, as he was heir to a large fortune from his father's estate-; that he had $5,000 in bonds deposited at Mount Gilead, county seat of ;
Morrow county, Ohio. The sheriff of Morrow county, Ohio, states after Barnum escaped jail here he went back to Ohio and robbed a train of $160,000, 150 miles east of Mount Gilead.
HISTORY OF GLADSTONE, FORMERLY SAGETOWN, MASONIC LODGE The petitioners for dispensation to form this lodge were Frederic Kemp, Andrew J. Moore, Andrew J. Hedges, A. S. Swartz, William Kemp, W. H. Bridgeford, A. McFarland, Jesse Kemp, J.
B.
Fort and Samuel McElheney.
The three
oflicers
appointed
under this dispensation were A. S. Swartz, first master Andrew J. Moore, first senior warden Frederic Kemp, first junior warden. Under this dispensation the first regular communication was held at Sage:
;
;
town,
Illinois,
Monday
evening,
November
23, 1868,
when
the master
proceeded to fill the remaining oflices, viz A. McFadand, treasurer A. J. Hedges, secretary E. J. Tremble, senior deacon Jesse Kemp, :
;
;
;
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1233
"William Kemp, tyler. Names of the stewards were as H. Bridgeford and J. B. Fort. The above named oiEcers constituted the lodge. The lodge working under this dispensation was very prosperous, which lasted until October 7, 1869. The charter of Lodge No. 638, A. F. and A. M., Fortitude Lodge, was granted October 7, 1869, by Harmon G. Keynolds, grand master of the Grand Lodge of A. F. and A. M. of Illinois. The charter members under this charter were Aram S. Swartz, J. A. Tremble, Samuel McElheney,
junior deacon follows
:
;
"W.
:
Alexander McFarland, "William Kemp, Peter Meyer, Henry "Wenthe, William Zeipe, Erastus Rise, Robert Burris, Stephen M. Gearhart, David L. McMurtry, Samuel Galbreath, Charles A. Martin, "W. H. Cook,
Thomas G. Richey,
"William Lant, John A. Bruin,
Joseph
Nebergall, Daniel McMillin Marshal, Ira Putney, Jr., George Curry, Charles D. Fee.
The
first
Sagetown,
election
Illinois,
were elected
under
this charter
December
1869,
20,
was held
when
E. J. Tremble, worthy master
:
warden
at
Masonic Hall,
the following officers
H. Birdgeford,
"W.
;
A. J. Hedges, junior warden Alexander McFarland, treasurer Robert Burris, secretary. The master appointed the following officers S. M. Gearhart, senior deacon W. H. Cook, junior deacon E. Rise, chaplain Peter Meyer, tyler and Charles D. Fee, marshal Stewards were Charles A. Martin and Joseph Ifebergall. The officers were installed according to ancient form, at the Presbyterian church, by J. Simpson, past master, on the evening of the 25th of December, 1869. On this occasion Thomas H. Benton delivered an excellent oration. This installation was witnessed by a large and interested audience. The number of members under this dispensation was ten; under the regular organization, thirty. The highest number attained at any one time was fifty. The present membership is about thirty-five. Foi-titude Lodge was very prosperous up to about 1875, since which time the lodge has lost a great many by moving away and death. A. M. Graham, worthy master A. McFarland, senior warden George "Wilson, junior warden Samuel Galbreath, treasurer M. S. J. S. McFarland, secretary deacon Hooper, senior deacon junior A. A. J. H. McFarland, stewards, are the Cook, tyler Charles Martin and "William Kemp, senior
;
;
;
;
:
;
;
;
;
:
;
;
;
;
;
;
officers at present.
EARLY SCHOOLS. some empty cabin, was a rude log house, door hung with huge wooden hinges, mud and stick chimney, which was invariably built wrong end up and never turned. For windows chinking was left out along the sides of the house and the interThe
first
school house, if not
.
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES,
1234
stices pasted over with white paper, which being well greased was a used to punch holes through means of letting the dark out. Dave The puncheon floor was veiy open a the paper so he could see out. cut from a small tree split into halves and legs put in by boring with a A shelf was attached to the wall for large auger formed the seats. A dunce block, and the outfit was complete. writing purposes. The requirement for teaching by law was simply to "spell, read, write and cipher," and that very imperfectly, for as late as 1842 applicants for schools were asked, "How far have you been on in the arithmetic ? " If A could show that he (or she) had been as far as page 150, and B could show that he had been as far as page 165, it was B's school sure. In those days the school-masters (as they were invariably called) needed no time-piece, for they taught all day, from one hour at noon, no other recess early morn till late in the evening ;
;
during the day.
A wooden hook hanging upon a nail just inside of
the door showed were in, for when a scholar went out he took the hook with him, and brought it in again upon his return. Discipline was much more rigid then than now, and any command from the master was obeyed at once. There was no classification, but each family gave The their children just such books as they had in their possession. old English Eeader, American Preceptor, lives of George "Washington,. Francis Marrion, Christopher Columbus, and the story of Joseph were The quill pen was the only one in use, so text books in general use. that much of the teacher's time was spent in making and mending pens. The schools were supported by subscription, each patron paying so much per scholar during a term of school. Teachers received from $11 to $13 per month. The first school taught in T. 10, 5, was by "W. R. Jamison in 1829, the second by Ebenezer Russell in the same
that
all
R
township.
Coloma has rather taken the lead of all the schools
in the toWnship,
which place Dr. Wm. McMillan taught the first school, and Wm. D. Henderson the second. Prominent men who were once students of Coloma school were Alexander G. Leslie, M.D. (now deceased); Daniel I. McMillan, M.D. George W. Nelson, M.D. (afterward a member of the territorial legislature); Alexander P. Nelson, M.D. (now a practicing physician of this county); Rev. James P. Magaw, D.D. (now of Toledo, Ohio), Rev. John A. Gordon (afterward professor in Monmouth College, and a pastor in Philadelphia, Pa.); Hon. James G. McClinton (afterward a member of the convention that framed the constitution of the State of Nevada, served the state later in the legislature and senate, also filled the position as judge for some years, and is now a prominent at
:
;
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWnSHIP.
1236
Samuel P. Magaw and John B. Magaw (the former once sheriff of Henderson county, the latter captain of Co. K, attorney in California);
m.
Vol. Inf., during the late war); John T. Martin (who was two terms for sheriff of Montgomery county, Iowa); and David Graham (now of Monmouth). Of the most prominent teachers in this school were Judge McDUl, now in the United States senate, Irom Iowa, Wilson Hopkins, once county clerk of Henderson county, and Prof. John Tweed, who is still Mrs. Merrill and Mrs. Carpenter taught oh section 28 at a teaching. Miss Eliza Cowden taught in the first regularly built very early date. 84th
elected
same district in 1842. what is called Lynn School,
school-house in the
The
first
session of
in district
No.
2,
was taught,by Ebenezer Russell in his own house, on A. McFarland's place, about 1842. The next one was taught by E. RusseU in a little on cabin built Eight Lynn's place, in which he "bached" four years previous to his marriage. the
S.W. J of
for or against
accrued,
met
at
18, 1848, of
The
secretary.
and L. Cook.
E. Russell
The first school-house was built in 1848 on The first meeting of the inhabitants to vote
a tax to pay for building the school-house or other debts
was July
W. Lynn
E.
Sec. 10.
which David Lynn was chairman and board of directors were E. W. Lynn,
first
May
7,
1849, the legal voters of the district
Lucius Cook's to tax themselves fifteen cents per $100 to pay
The first teacher was Wilson Hopkins, at about month, from what the clerk's book shows. The wages varied from $13 to $45. Caroline Talcet taught for $13, and J. Tweed and C. Lynn got $45. The school-house was enlarged and the terms of school extended to six months in 1864. In 1859 there were 102 children in the district. In 1866 the district was nine miles long and fi-om two to three miles wide. The following are the names of the teachers with the time of beginning Wilson Hopkins, 1848 Caroline Talcet, 1857 J. Tweed, 1857 J. G. McCHnter, 1858 A. C. Gilchrist, 1858 Miss Russell, for a school-house.
thirteen dollars per
:
;
;
;
;
;
1859 (one month, J. Tweed finished term) Elizar 1866 C. E. Lynn, 1868 J. Tweed, 1870 Cora Simpson, 1874 Anna Record, 1877 Rusha Carll, 1877 Reece, 1878 Maggie Mitchell, 1878 John Tweed, 1878 Sue Edwards, 1879 E. Parsley, 1879 Miss L. McFarland, 1881 Miss 1859
;
Bissell Parks,
beth Ashton, 1860
—
;
;
Emma Darah,
;
;
;
.
;
;
Miss
;
;
;
;
0. Baker, 1881
;
;
J.
;
;
Pogue, 1882.
The number of pupils in the district at present is about seventy-five. There were forty-seven enrolled at the last term of Miss Jennie Pogue's school. The grade of the school is not up to the average. The government has generally been good.
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1236
CHURCHES. The Presbyterian church at Gladstone was organized January 24, The persons who composed the organization were James McMath and wife Mary A. McMath, Miss Margaret McMath, Mrs. Ehoda Lynn, Samuel Gordon and wife Sarah A. Gordon, Mrs. E. J. Tracy, Albert M. Graham and wife Martha J. Graham, Mrs. Ella Samuel Gordon and James J. Kiry, and Mrs. Mary McFarland. McMath were elected ruling elders. The name of the church as then organized was the First Presbyterian Church of Oquawka Junction, which is the corporate name at the present time. 1867.
:
After the resignation of the
first
pastor, Eev.
W.
Kiry, the Rev.
some time, and for a short time the church was vacant. The Rev. H. Hanson, of the Oquawka church, was invited to supply the church, and began his services as stated supply October 1, 1874, and continues to supply the church at stated intervals at the present time. The first trustees were Jno. N. Brnen, Alexander McFarland, Erastus Rise, Albert M. Graham and Fredrick Kemp. Erastus Rise and Albert M. Graham were ordained and installed ruling elders September 27, 1868. A. M. Graham is now J. P. Bliss
was stated supply
for
:
the only elder the church has, the three others having gone to join the eldership on high, but have
left
unimpeachable evidence of their devo-
tion to the church they loved so well.
The church
edifice
was erected in 1866, under the
direction of a
mling elders. The house cost about $3,000. $1,000 was contributed by James McMath, one of its first ruling elders, the other $2,000 by some of the citizens of the place and adjoining country, and others interested. This church was dedicated, soon after its completion, in January, 1867, by the Rev. R. 0. Mathews, pastor of the first Presbyterian church of Monmouth, Zllinois. Upon this occasion there was a large number received into church membership upon the confession of faith. There was a whole family baptized, and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered. The present Sabbath school was organized July 12, 1857, in the school-house in Lynnville, by Rev. H. Hanson and R. W. Smiley, elder of Oquawka church. This Sabbath school was the nucleus of the Presbyterian and Methodist churches of Gladstone, which was building committee, a ma,]"ority of which were the
first
then known as Oquawka Junction.
The
first
organization of the Methodist Episcopal church* took
place about 1834.
A meeting
of a few of the very early settlers was
* For the history of the Methodist Episcopal and Cumberland Presbyterian churches we are indebted to Prof. Tweed.
'
SOUTH HENDEESON TOWNSHIP.'
1239
called at the house of Stephen Short, in the Jamison settlement, on Jamison Prairie, Warrfen county, to consider the matter of religious devotion, and devise some plan of securing the same. As no regular preaching could yet be had, a class was formed as a vine around which clustered many branches in after days. The names of the members were Stephen Short and wife, James Eyason and wife, Mrs. Wells and daughter, Paul Grriffith and wife. On one occasion it was known that the Baptist brethren were :
coming over to attend the Thursday night prayer meeting, so Frank Smith was invited to come and conduct the meeting. He did so, and bronght the fire with him, and soon the hearts of others were touched, and in their joy they shouted glory to God in the highest. Our Baptist brethren, not being used to beholding it "after this fashion," became greatly alarmed. This was known as the South Henderson class. The first circuit rider was Barton Randall, who resided in Madison. He was followed by Peter Cartwright, the first presiding elder, who held the first quarterly meeting at the house of Samuel Jamison. Eevs. Hobert and Kirkpatrick preached in what is well known as the Kemp and Fort settlement in 1836, Eev. Ginter in 1840. Eev. Jesse Pardun held the first protracted meeting in the same settlement in 1842. As log and other school-houses were erected, religious meetings were held in them. Eev. Newton Berryman held the first camp-meeting on the farm of James Eyason in 1839, after which many other meetings were held on the same ground. the
The Methodist Episcopal church, Gladstone, was Cumberland Presbyterians and the Methodists.
built in 1867
The
by
building,
situated in the eastern part of the village at the foot of the bluifs, is a
good, substantial one, 35 $2,000, the
members
X 46,
the original cost of which was near
donating the hauling of the stone for foundation
The money to pay made up by subscriptions from members
lumber and
and lumber for the building.
for
ing was
of both churches and
build-
and surrounding neighborhood, each church There was an understanding between them that when the Cumberlands wished to build a church of their own, the Methodist Episcopal church was to pay them their share of the building, not thinking that they would ever wish to take the money to help buUd a church in another town. In 1869 they made a demand for their share of the value of the building. The Methodists objected to paying them, as they wanted it to go toward paying for the building of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in Biggsville, and said they had no right to take the money of outsiders to help build up another citizens
of the place
owning an equal share.
The
town. 70
difference
was soon adjusted by the Methodist Episcopal
:
HISTOKY OF MEROEE AiJD HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1240
church paying them the amount agreed to by both parties.
The
progress of the church has been slow and plodding, but there are it has been in this one, and have the cause of their Master uppermost ia their hearts. These are the steady pilots who have steered the old ship aright through breakers and off rock-bound coasts of its enemies and sin of the world, and at last anchored her in the harbor of safety and prosperity. The Methodist Episcopal church was organized previous to the construction of the church building, and services held in Lynn schoolEev. Bealer was the first pastor. Rev. Eanne was the pastor house. when the church was built, and to him much honor is due for urging and carrying on the work. He himself worked on the building. Other pastors were Revs. Coe, Shaffer, Gilmer, Manin, Brink, Hill, Merriam, Smith, Rugh and McLeish. The Cumberland Presbyterian was among the early churches to brave the hardships and privations of a new country and hold up the banner of Christ. Prominent among the first ministers in township 10, range 5, was Rev. Peter Downey, who preached and held a grove meeting on the farm of Harvey Russell in August or September, 1835. Mr. Downey continued to preach at intervals at Harvey Russell's house for some years, living at the same time on Mgger creek. A committee, appointed by the Rushville Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, met at the dwelling-house of Abner Short, Jameson settlement, Warren county, Illinois, on November 17, 1838, and was constituted by prayer. The following members of the committee were present Peter Downey and Cyrus Haynes, ministers, and G. G. Lattimer, elder. Among the first members, most of whom joined by letter, were John McKinney and wife, Abner Short and wife, Joseph B. Jamison, Elizabeth E. Jamison, Margaret Jamison, Mary Jane and Sarah Jamison. On motion. South Henderson was adopted as the name of
always a faithful few in
who
are earnest,
all
the churches, as
zealous, persevering,
:
:
this congi'egation.
Rev. Peter
Downey
baptized five children before
the organization of this church.
March
18, 1848, a
cemetery and church stands was selected.
committee was appointed to select ground for The site where the stone church now Rev. Peter Downey died in great peace on Sab-
edifice.
March 23, 1856. The Catholic church was built in 1880, and located on the south side of Elm street. The building, which is about 25x40, cost $1,500. The pastor is Rev. Wm. Murphy. The building, while in process of erection, was struck by lightning, which damaged it to the amount of bath,
fifty dollars.
Previous to the erection of the church in Gladstone,
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1241
mass was held around at the dwelling-houses of the members of the church. There are at present about twenty-five members of this church
whose nationality is principally of the Emerald Isle. The South Henderson United Presbyterian church is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, organizations in Henderson county. The church, with its parsonage and a greater part of its membership, is located in the South Henderson precinct. In the spring of 1829 David Findley, with his two sons, David and John, and his son-in-law,
here,
William R. Jamison, with their families, emigrated from Clark county, Indiana, and settled on the banks of South Henderson. After the Black Hawk war other emigrants of psalm-singing Presbyterians joined these brethren until a goodly
number were hungering in this HenderAfter some preliminary talk
son county wilderness for preaching.
they held a meeting, its
and
kind in the county,
it is
as the
minute
is
inserted entire
undoubtedly the oldest of
:
"Agreeably to appointment a meeting was held at the house of William R. Jamison, March 25, 1834, by the members of the Associate Eeformed church, and others favorable to the propagation of the gospel, for the purpose of consulting and entering into the most important measure for that purpose. After prayer and consultation it was '•'•Resohoed, That Messrs. Erwin and Jamison be appointed a committee to draft a petition for ministerial services from the Indiana Presbytery of the A. K. church support of a minister
if
any be
;
also a
paper for subscription for the
sent.
"Said committee reported. The former was adopted and the latter by every adult male present. ''Resolved, That the minutes of this meeting be forwarded to the editor of the 'Christian Intelligencer and Evangelical Guardian,' with a request for their publication in that periodical, that emigrants to the subscribed to
and such as might join us in propagating the gospel, may know where we are and what we are doing, or trying to do, in the cause of David Findlet, Chairman." religion. " William E. Jamison, Clerk." west,
In answer to this petition Rev. Jeremiah Morrow came and preached two Sabbaths ia Mr. Jamison's log barn, in August, 1834, and Mr. Thomas Turner preached two more Sabbaths in the same building in tlie
spring of 1835.
of Boston, Massachusetts, and Hugh Clairsville, Ohio, preached and organized the congrega-
Revs. Alexander Blaikie, Parks, of St.
on July 4, 1835. It was organized with fifty-nine members about twenty were received on certificate and the remainder on the confession of their faith. William R. Jamison and John Giles were elected elders. tion
:
1242
I-IISTOEY
OF MEBCEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
members of the congregation dead and the others have moved
JSTone of these original fifty-nine are
most of them are The living ones at this date are Col. W. D. Henderson, at Eed Oak, Iowa James Findley Martin, of Walton, Kansas Mrs. Eachel Gordon, of Biggsville James Campbell, of Monmouth Mrs. Jane C. Dunlap, Mrs. Nancy Barton, Mary J. Courtney; Daniel Eitchie and David Findley, Jr., in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. First among church buildings must rank William E. Jamison's log barn. It was used for preaching on almost all occasions, and also the at the present time
•
;
away.
:
;
;
;
;
sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper were celebrated in it. Doubtless a very pleasant place it was to the early fathers. It is still standing in the field on the Samuel Lynn place, but, like the generation
who worshiped
marring
its
beauty.
now owned by
in
it,
The
old age first
is
dismantling
strength and
its
church building was erected on the
lot
the church, and a few feet to the north of the present
church, in 1837. It was a frame building about forty feet square, was not fully completed for several years, and then was found to be too It was used until 1855, when it was sold and removed to Biggsville, where it is still in use as a grain warehouse on the track of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad.
small for the congregation.
On March
2,
185i, the pent-up feeling of the congregation took
form '•'Resolved^ That we proceed immediately to build a new meeting-house on the site now occupied by the old one." Through the summer the stone walls were put up and the building inclosed. In the next summer the church was finished, and dedicated on July 4, 1855. It is a stone building about 50x80 feet, and cost about $4,000. It is still in use, making a very pleasant country church-home for a this
:
good many people. The names of W. M. Graham, Samuel McDill, Sr., John E. Thompson, A. P. Lessly, William A. Foster, W. Alex. Findley, M. Secrist, Eobert McDill, J. H. McDill, and W. J. Hutchison appear on the records as building and collecting committees. On September 7, 1868, the congregation bought a parsonage as a pastor's residence. It is about three miles away from the church, in the village of Coloma, but near schools and neighbors. It is a twostory frame dwelling, with barn, orchard and pasture, in all about eight acres, where a poetical parson may find a pleasant home. The congregation was furnished with preaching by "supplies," that is, by ministers who, under appointment by presbytery, look aiter the interests of several congregations at one time.
Of
these supplies
Eev. John Wallace labored longer than any other one. Freetly was the
first
pastor,
and began
his
Eev. John L. 1, 1842, and
work April
—
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1243
continued until April 1, 1846. Mr. Freetly was a graduate of the Western University, Pennsylvania, and Alleghany Theological SemiAfterward was supply at Eoss Grove, Illinois, and died at nary. Harmony, Illinois, December 22, 18Y8, aged sixty-six. Rev. Eobert Eoss was second pastor began labor April, 1849, ending April 8, 1857. Mr. Eoss was a graduate of Franklin College, Ohio, and Theological Seminary at Oxford. Afterward labored as agent for Monmouth College until his death, October 30, 18Y3, aged fifty-eight. Eev. J. A. P. McGaw, D.D., was third began April 1, 1858, ended February 20, 1867. A graduate of Miami University, Ohio, and Oxford Theological Seminary. Is at present pastor of a large Presbyterian church at Toledo, Ohio. Eev. Samuel W. Lorimer was the fourth began June 1, 1868, ended March 31, 1875. graduate of Franklin College, Ohio, and Xenia Theological Seminary. Is now pastor of the United Presbyterian church at Mulberry, Missouri. Rev. Andrew Eenwick is fifth and present jjastor began his labors October 24, 1875. graduate of Monmouth College and Xenia Theological Seminary. The Sabbath school is flourishing, with about one hundred members, with John Mekemson, superintendent. There are two weekly prayer meetings, one at Coloma school-house and one at record schoolhouse, both well attended. The present board of trustees consists of I. H. M. -McQuown, E. K. IS". Glenn and John M. Mill. The session consists of the pastor, Andrew Eenwick, with elders Andrew Mekemson, W. A. Findley, W. B. Graham and A. 0. McQuown. [For the above in regard to the United Presbyterian church, we are indebted to Eev. Andrew Eenwick, present pastor. Ed.J ;
;
A
;
;
A
GLADSTONE,
A village of
is located on Quincy railroad, at the junction of the Oquawka, Keithsburg and Galva branch of the same road. It is nine and a half miles from Burlington, Iowa, thirty-two from Galesburg, It is advanfive and a half from Oquawka, and 197 from Chicago. tageously situated on a level tract of sandy soil contiguous to the Mississippi river bluifs, which afford fine building places for the most
600 inhabitants, formerly called Sagetown,
the Chicago, Burlington
&
gorgeous mansions.
Being situated nearer the center of the county than any other town on the railroad in it, and an excellent site for a small city, it is des-
become the most business, prosperous and po^julous town in There is a bountiful supply of water, wood and excellent close at hand, making it a desirable location for manufactories.
tined to
the county.
stone
;
1244
[IISTOEY
OF MEKCEE AKD HBNDEE80N COUNTIES.
due north and south and east and west. wide and the alleys twenty. The lots are fifty-four feet front and 125 feet deep, excepting fractional ones. The names of the streets running north and south, beginning on the west, are as follows Dallis, Olena, Rariton, Main and Warren of those east. and west, beginning on the north, are Sycamore, Walnut and Elm. Though most of the buildings are ordinary wooden ones, there are some good, substantial buildings, both public and private. Among some of the best dwellings may be mentioned Messrs. Wm. Hammack's, Henry Coat's, Alec McFarland's, Geo. Sottle's, Alec Lynn's, Eliza Gunter's, Andrew Williamson's, Chris. Graff's and the Russell heirs'. The public buildings are the two school houses, one on the north and the other on the south side of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, the town hall, Catholic church, Methodist church, Presbyterian church, W. Fort's storehouse, A. McFarland's storehouse, G. Sage's storehouse, C. Lilteich's storehouse, depot, F. Galbrath's old distillery, refinery building, Geo. Sottle's saloon, C. Lilteich's hotel, in which J. Lilteich's saloon is kept, Marsden's hotel, Geo. Sottle's hotel, warehouse. C. Lilteich claims to have kept the first groceries for sale in the village, in connection with whisky and other drinks, in the same building in which he now resides, Tlie streets extend
The
streets are sixty feet
:
"
in 1856.
the north side of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, same room in which J. C. Tolman keeps his drug and grocery store, Gideon Airs, in 1859, sold the first goods in the village and also in the township. He was succeeded by Obin & Son. In a small log building on the north side of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, and west of the Galva branch, in the western part of the town, in 1856 one Patrick Grady carried on blacksmithing, tlie first of the kind in the hamlet of Sagetowa. Lucius Cook was the first mail and station agent, and Julius Gifford carried the mail to Oquawka. Golden, the first postmaster, left with funds not belonging G. Airs was the next postmaster, after which there was no postto him. ofiice for one and one half years. C. Lilteich kept the post-office in a candy jar for some time. The mail was sent by Col. Patterson from Oquawka to him. Pie was afterward postmaster four years. It has
On
in the
since been a success.
on sections 14 and 15 by Judge Rice, of Oquawka, after Mr. Gideon Sage, on whose land it was laid At first it was called under several different names. Wright out. Lynn called it Lynn town, Lucius Cook, Cookville, Alec McFarlaud, It
was
laid out
in 1856, and
named
; ;
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1245
Limestone Cottage, and G. Sage, Sagetown, by which it has ever since been known until 1881, when it was changed from Sagetown to Gladstone.
A
petition to the county judge of Henderson county was presented on March 28, 1881, by the voters of the villages of Sagetown and Lynn, Henderson county, Illinois, "praying for the submission of the
question of incorporating the territory of the S. E. J of the S. E. J of Sec. 9, S. i of the S. W. J of Sec. 10, N. W. i of Sec. 15, E. ^ of the
N. E. i of Sec. 16, T. 10, R. 5, as a village under the general incorporation act of the State of Illinois, under the corporate name of the village of
Gladstone."
The question of incorporation was submitted to the voters of said territory on April 16, 1881. The judges of election were S. M.Gearhart, Thorton Hedges and Benj. French.
Yotes cast were as follows
For incorporation, seventy-six votes There being a majority of sixtyfour votes for the corporation under the name of Gladstone, Sagetown was no more, and the village has since been called Gladstone. On May 17, 1881, AVilliara Hammack, J. S. McFarland, John Butterfield, J. C. Tolman, Andrew "Williamson and lienry Coats were elected village trustees, and J. E.. Glover justice of the peace. At the first regular meeting, May 26, 1881, J. R. Glover was elected clerk of the board, C. E. Crandall, village constable and street supervisor W. H. Graham, treasurer, and J. S. McFarland, jjresident of the board. Gladstone has three stores, and are as follows, with names of owners J. C. Tolman, grocery and drug store Thorton Hedge, grocery store J. W. Pence, dry goods' store two hotels. Star House, M. Cunningham, proprietor, and Commercial House, Mrs. Marsden, proprietress two saloons, one kept by Geo. Sottle and the other by John Lilteich one barber, William Hulet two blacksmiths, J. S. McFarland, Hulet one meat market. Win. Wooden and Misler, owners one doctor, Dr. Bulsford one feed mill, run by D. C. Ward manufactory and refinery of grape sugar, glucose and sorgum syrups and one carpenter shop, John James. The population of Gladstone contains a large foreign element, most The citizens are of of which are Swedes, some Irish and Germans. :
against incorporation, twelve votes.
;
:
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
small means, honest, industrious, law-abiding people. tions are principally railroad laborers,
Their occupa-
quarry hands and stone
cutters.
Though there are five church organizations the church-going people are in the minority, as any thoughtful individual would expect from their occupations
and juxtaposition of nationalities.
—
;
HISTOET OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1246
From "Oquawka
Spectator," January 23, 1857
serious character occurred at
Oquawka Junction
:
last
"An affray of a week, the particu-
which are nearly as follows Two Irishmen got into a quarrel, angry words passed between them, and during the quarrel threats of tIolence were made by both parties. At length one of the men picked up a gun and discharged it at the other, who stood but a few feet off. The gun was loaded, with slugs, which took effect upon his shoulder, neck and face, inflicting several frightful wounds. He is still alive and, it is thought, will probably recover. The other man immediately fled and has not since been heard from. On the 21st of January, 1857, an Irishman, who had delirium tremens, left the house where he had been confined, and afterward tried to enter, but the lady of the house, being alone, became frightened and would not admit him. It was very cold. When found in the morning his limbs were frozen and he himself stiff. He afterward died from its effects." "The crowd at the fourth of July celebration in 1873 was augmented by two trains running from this place. The morning train from Keithsburg brought down about fifty persons, and from this point we understand there were about 250. The Earthquakes made their appearance in grotesque costume and performed their part for the amusement of the crowd. The grounds were arranged with stands and seats on JSTorth Hill, and the performance came off as per programme. Kev. S. W. Lorimer made an eloquent prayer. The Declaration of Independence was impressively read by J. M. Akin, and the oration made by Hon J. J. Glenn. We learn from some who were there that the orator acquitted himself to the satisfaction of the large crowd and with credit to himself as a public speaker." Oquawka Spectator, July 10, lars of
:
'
'
1873.
Mr. E. Kise was the president McDaniel, assistant marshal.
;
Col.
Samuel Hutchison, marshal
J. S.
GLADSTONE'S EEFINERY. This
is
the largest, most extensive and valuable industry in Hen-
derson county,
now
incorporated under the
name
of Gladstone Refin-
ing Company, and having an invested capital in buildings and machinery of $126,000. title
It
was
first
incorporated in 1878, under the
Company, with Geo. R. Crittenden, treasurer, and Jonathan Turner, general
of the Excelsior Refining
president,
Amos
T. Hall,
manager. This firm continued until November 23, 1880, when Hall bought out Turner's interest, and Turner retiring. Mason, of Burlington, became general manager. Crittenden dying September 27, 1881,
;
SOTITH
HENDEESON TOWNSHIP.
124Y
up late in the fall and remained so until they opened up for the manufacture of sorghum syrups in June. The company was reorganized in the spring of 1882, with Geo. S. Willits, president; L. 0. Godard, secretary; H. A. Hall, treasurer, Chicago; E. Chamberlain, vice-president and general manager, BurliQgton, Iowa, under the firm of Gladstone Eefining Company. The new Sagetown distillery was valued at $4,000 when the company took
the refinery closed
up
for repairs, to
possession of
fit
This, with the additional buildings,
it.
improvements
valued at $126,000. The original building was the new distilleiy of Sagetown, Gladstone, about 40x70, three stories high, and built of stone.
and machinery,
is
now To
has been added an L on the north, 65'X 35, and one on the east, 25x40, and additional stories, making part of the main building five
this
stories high.
company manufactures grape, sugar, glucose, and sorghum company is putting in additional machinery. The principal machinery for the manufacture of the artiten steam pumps, costing from $500 cles named above are as follows to $2,000 one vacuum pump that cost $7,000 milling machinery, This
syrups, for which, at this writing, the
:
;
;
cane mill and crusher, $5,000, the weight of which is 54,000 pounds; steam, liquid and water pipes, $5,000; nine bone and coal filters, $5,000 ; two filter presses, $5,000 each, for finishing goods $4,000
;
style), $3,000; three bone mills, was 400 bushels per day when last in operar tion. The company is now fitting it up for a capacity of 1,000 bushels per day. They employ about forty men in the works. When they The begin tiie manufacture of sorghum syrups it will require more. The average pay-roll for three years has been $1,800 per month. company finds market for its goods in all the large cities. With the machinery that is being put in now they will make syrups irom sorghum that will compare favorably with the syrups made from the cane of the south. The company induced a number of the farmers to plant cane to the amount of about 350 acres, including Mr. W. Hammuck's 130 acres, which he hired teams to put in and cultivate
one 125-hor8e power engine (old $1,000 each.
for
Its capacity
him, which they will work up this
fall into
syrups.
STONE QUARRY. One morning
in the early spring, a prominent contractor of build-
Chicago, Illinois, was approached by a prominent ofiicial of the Chicago, Burlington Quincy railroad and requested to go down ings, of
&
hear Burlington to examine some stone indications there. This contractor was Mr. Wallbaum, and a few days later, accompanied to a station
HISTOET OF MEEOEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1248
by the
chief engineer of that railroad, he stepped off the train at
and taking a hand-car they proceeded slowly down the banks on both sides of South Henderson. At a point about one and a half miles above Gladstone they stopped, as the quick eye of the present owner of the stone quarry perceived good indications. A few minutes' investigation sufficed to convince Mr'. Wallbaum of the superior quality of the stone and the calls for it Biggsville,
track, scrutinizing closely the
in the building of bridges across the Mississippi, such as the Hannibal,
Having learned the owner's name once sought him and purchp,sed the land, some five hundred acres in all. He began at the quarry nearest Gladstone and worked it for a besides others in the near vicinity.
he
at
After the quarry was opened out he traveled, taking orders and buildings for several years. He came down from Chicago in 1876 and opened another quarry farther up the creek of South Henderson, where he is at present engaged quarrying and cutting stone. Here he carries on an extensive business which amounts to $60,000 or $80,000 annually. The shipment of stone averages from eight to ten car loads per day. He works from fifty to eighty men, part of whom
long time. for stone
are stone cutters.
BIOGRAPHICAL. Prominent among the names of those who have succeeded well in township is to be found that of John ~N. Beuen. His parents, who were of Scotch ancestry, were natives of New Jersey, and in this state, in the village of Bloomfield, Mr. Bruen himself was born on October Here, also, his grandfather had lived and labored, having 8, 1825. been one of those who favored the temperance movement, then agitated for the first time, and energized his belief by destroying his currant In orchard, from which he annually made large quantities of wine. this village, lying some ten miles west of New York city, Mr. Bruen passed his childhood and early youth, amid the best of surroundings and influences, having received, in addition to the training of the village schools, several years' training in the Bloomfield Academy. In the summer of 1844, while in his nineteenth year, Mr. Bruen Thomas received an offer that was to affect his whole after destiny. Gould, his uncle, who was in the war of 1812, offered him one half the land he had drawn for his services in this war if Mr. Bruen would remain upon it for five years and improve it. This land lay in Henderson county, Illinois. After some reflection the offer was accepted, and a few weeks later, on one of the early summer days, Mr. Bruen, then in his nineteenth year, accompanied by his father, stepped on board the Capital, a new steamboat just beginning service on the Ohio, this
SOTJTH
HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1249
down the river for the far western lands. This was now noted high waters of 1844, and after a journey weeks, made mostly by water, Mr. Bruen landed at Oquawka,
then about to start at the
time of the
of three
Henderson county, having passed JSTauvoo on the day Joseph Smith, of Mormon fame, was shot. After stopping a few days at the old pioneer hotel, kept by Knowles & Perkins, names that will be recognized by all old settlers, 'he went out to look at his uncle's land, which He at once hired out to Mr. I. J. Brooks, lay in Sec. 27, T. 10, K. 5. at first for seven dollars and then for eight dollars a month. During this summer he broke five acres of land, and in the spring of 1845 he traded Mr. Samuel Galbraith a rifle to break ten acres more. In order to make further improvements on his farm he traded stone to Johnny B. Fort for the use of his oxen, old Broad and Berry, noted as being the biggest oxen in the country. In the fall of 1845, having plowed with oxen, his land these he sowed it to winter wheat, and during the winter fenced it, with the aid of Samuel Evans, giving him his silver watch to help him split the rails. The next spring Mr. Bruen rented ground of Mr. Brooks, and during the summer he fell very sick, but through the kindness and skill of Mrs. Brooks, came through his sickness in safety. His wheat Mr. Bruen cradled and Francis K. Gibson bound. After threshing it with- the first cleaner ever brought in the county, he hauled his wheat to Burlington, where he sold it to the old "Walker Stone mills for thirty cents a bushel. In 1848 occurred an A friend asked him to incident of great after value to Mr. Bruen. This note Mr. Bruen had to sign a note with him for forty dollars. pay, and from that time he has never been asked to sign a note without thinking of the old note of forty dollars which he paid for with com he hauled to Oquawka and sold for ten cents a bushel. In the fall of 1849, having raised fifty acres of sod corn, Mr. Bruen went to S. S. Philp and borrowed money to buy twenty head of steers, at $15 a head, offering Mr. Philp one half the profits, after estimating the value of the corn at ten cents a bushel.
After selling these cattle three months
$30 a head, Mr. Bruen went into partnership with Mr. Philp, which continued up to the time of the latter's failure, who paid Mr. Bruen the compliment of saying he had never through him, in any business later at
transaction, lost a dollar
during the ten years of partnership.
From
time Mr. Bruen began to branch out in his financial dealings, from the beginning evincing rare business qualifications. During the first ten years of his stay in Henderson county he never saw a person this
he knew in his eastern home, nor did he hear from them often, as
On September 14, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Sharpless, daughter of JSToah
every letter in those days cost twenty-five cents. 1848,
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1260 Sliarpless,
a resident of Maryland.
were born. infancy
;
Of
these two, Francis
Of this marriage James and Annie
Thomas Gould, died at the age of William S., the eldest, who has charge
a third,
are living.
farm in Henderson county, was born on February attending school three years at
Mount
six children
died in
L.,
thirteen
;
three
of his father's
12, 1853.
After
Pleasant, Iowa, he was married
Miss E. Stevenson, daughter of Espy StevenBy this marriage they have two children, the elder John E. and the younger Mabel Ida. He gives his attention mostly to farming and stock raising, doing something in the way of raising the Belmont horses, some of which have made excellent speed.
on February
25, 1874, to
son, of Fort Madison, Iowa.
Charles E., the second living son, after graduating at Eastman's
National Business College, went to Mills county, Iowa, and though
but nineteen years of age, took charge of his father's farm of 2,250 acres. Ida J., the youngest, is now the wife of Alex. Graham, a merchant of Monmouth, at her
home
111.
On September
24, 1863, Mrs.
in the thirty-hfth year of her age.
On
Bruen died
October
10, 1865,
Miss Mary A. Martin, daughter of Judge Martin, of Biggsville. In October, 1875, Mr. Bruen removed to Monmouth, where he now (1882) resides. His wife and daughter are members of the Presbyterian church of this place. Although Mr. Bruen began life with nothing, yet by patient industry he has made himself a wealthy man. He now owns 680 acres of land in Henderson county, Illinois. He has also three large farms in Iowa, one in Mr. Bruen was married
to
Montgomery county of 640 Pottawatamie county of 1,920 acres,' together with some small tracts, amounting to over 6,000 acres. In addition to his duties in connection with his land and stock interests, he is a director
Mills county of 2,250 acres, a second in acres, a third in
of the First National
At
Bank of Monmouth, many of the older
Illinois.
settlers have passed away. more prominent of these is the name of Willi.\m John BLuTCHiNsoN. He was born in 1813, in New York State, and emigrated to Flenderson county in 1832. Mr. Hutchinson began by working for S. S. Phelps, and afterward went into business with him at Oquawka. It was at this stage of his life that he received the appellation of captain, by which he was afterward known. Possessed of superior business qualifications he soon amassed some property and began to branch out widely and dealt largely in stock in the feeding and shipping of which he was engaged at the time of his death, which occurred on
this date (1882)
Among
the
April
1863, at Hornellsville,
9,
New York,
he having been accidentally
run over by the cars while shipping stock to New York city. At the time of his death Capt. Hutchinson was one of the most prominent
SOUTH HENDEESON TOWNSHIP.
members of the
1251
Henderson United Presbyterian church. The were passed by the trustees of Monmouth Colof which board he was a member, at their June meeting after his Soutli
folio vsdng resolutions
lege,
death.
Whereas,
it
has pleased Almighty
painful death Capt.
"Whereas,
it is
towai'd us, that this
event
;
we
W.
J.
God to remove by a sudden and member of this board
Hutchinson, a
;
believed, in view of the i-elation which he sustained
should give expression to our feelings in relation to
therefore,
ResoVoed, that in this painful dispensation of God's Providence, we recognize the hand of Him who hath allotted our days, and
appointed the bound beyond which in
humble submission
to his
holy
we cannot
Resolved, that in the death of Capt. has lost an efficient and valuable
pass,
and that we bow
will.
W.
member
;
J.
Hutchinson the board
wise in counsel and ener-
the college a liberal and earnest friend the communiand enterprising man of business the county a patriotic citizen the church a useful and consistent member. Possessed in his calling by a favoring Providence, he seemed to realize that he was a steward of God's bounty, and dispensed with a liberal hand to those objects that he deemed to be consistent with the glory of God and the good of man. Resolved, that we tender our heartfelt sympathy to the family of the deceased, and commend them to the kind and watchful care of Him who has promised to be the widow's stay and the orphan's shield. Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions, signed by the proper officers of the board, be furnished to the city papers and the "Instructor," and that a copy be forwarded to the family of the deceased. getic in action
;
ty an honest
;
;
;
J.
A. P.
McGaw,
R. C. Matthews,
A. Y. Graham.
was one of the founders of Monmouth Coland a most influential and prominent man, known for his generosity and integrity of character, this tribute of respect seemed peculiarly He was appropriate as a monument to his value and solid worth. marOf this Tyler. Nancy Miss married on November 25, 1840, to
As
Capt. Hutchinson
lege
were born, of whom only four are living. Of He was born the four living sons, Stephen Sumner is the second. He received county. August 27, 1852, near Biggsville, Henderson Hutchinson Mr. his education in the common. schools of the county. daughter Mickey, was married on September 14, 1871, to Miss Emma riage eleven children
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEK80N COUNTIEB.
1262
of Jonathan Mickey, of Ainsworth, of Washington county, Iowa. She was born January 23, 1830. To them have been born five children, two of whom, Lena and Freddie F., died in infancy. The rest, Clarence Herbert, Kobert Miles and Stephen Sumner are at home with Mr. Hutchinson now resides on his farm of about their parents. 100 acres, which lies four miles northwest of Biggsville, where he gives his attention to farming and stock raising. Rev. Andeew Eenwick, the son of James and Abigail Ren wick, was bom where Idaville now stands, in White county, Indiana, OcHis mother and an only brother both died suddenly tober 11, 1842. In that sad bereavement of his father he was in August, 1845. dedicated to the ministry, though he ki^ew it not until the hand of ordination had been laid upon him, twenty-two years afterward. Mr. Renwick's boyhood was watched over carefully, and the prayers of a His father belonged to pious father hedged in his childhood's days. the Associate church, and his early days were spent under the ministry of Rev.
Nathaniel Ingles.
When
about seventeen years of age he
communion of the United Presbyterian church. After attending an academy at Monticello, Indiana, Mr. Renwick took the college course at Monmouth, where he graduated with the second was admitted
honor in 1865.
to the
He
then took a theological course at Xenia, and the
Wabash licensed him June 27, 1866. The general assembly appointed him as stated supply at La Fayette, Indiana, and he was ordained there November 26, 1867. On September 26,
presbytery of
Renwick was united in marriage with Miss Lida Dean,
1867, Mr.
Hannah (Boggs) Dean, prominent people To them were born five children, by name Maud H., Daisy A., Lida Eva, Zulu Z., and Andrew Dean. Having a call from Olathe, Kansas, Mr. Renwick resigned his position at La Fayette, and began his labors at Olathe May 2, 1869. Here Mr. Renwick remained five years, having, in addition daughter of Joseph and of Xenia,
to
his
lege,
Ohio.
labors
as
connection with Garnet ColIn June, 1874, he resigned his was made superintendent of public instruction,
pastor,
duties
in
of which he was president.
pastorate,
and that
fall
The next summer he resigned his office. In September, 1875, Mr. Renwick received a call to the United Presbyterian church of South Henderson, and on April' 6, 1876, he was at a salary of $1,500.
installed pastor of this church,
where he
a great acceptance to his people.
was greatly
by the death
On
is
now
(1882) laboring with
April 28, 1881, Mr. Renwick
of his wife. Mr. Renwick's father and his grandfather Andrew, who came from Scotland, settled in Ohio in 1817. As is indicated by the name. afflicted
settled in Indiana in 1836,
—
SOUTH HENDEESON TOWNSHIP.
1353
the family are of Scotch descent, the traditional record being that they are descended from the Eenwicks who were the last martyrs under the reign of
Queen Mary.
Among
known for their moral stamina and indeAjlexandee L. PoETEE, of Gladstone township. He
those citizens
pendent thought
is
was born November 2-i, 1821, near Oxford, Preble county, Ohio. His parents, who were natives of South Carolina and of Scotch-Irish descent, were Hugh and Eleanor (Brown) Porter. Hugh Porter's father emigrated to America about lYYO, and in 1808 he removed from South Carolina, where his father settled, to Preble county, Ohio. From an Irishman, who taught a subscription school at $1.25 a term per capitum, Mr. Porter received the most of his education. with
its
slab seats
and
its
three
"E's"
—reading,
At
this school,
riting, rithmetic
which were then the sole studies, he spent six years of his early life, having no holiday from one year's end to another, save on Saturday. In 1840, his father having failed in business, he came with his uncle to
Henderson county,
Illinois,
where he began
life for
himself with
Several years were consumed by teaching and working in
fiily cents.
various ways, being held back for a time in paying his last year's
Miami University.
By
diligent labor Mr. Porter soon got accumulate some property. Having a start for himself, and began to married on March 28, 1848, Miss chosen his occupation in life, he
schooling at
Margaret Graham, daughter of Matthew Graham. To them were bom seven children, six of whom are living, one having died in infancy.
Their names are Lauretta
On May
John and Frank M.
E.,
J.,
"William E., "Wilson G., Alice
20, 1861, Mrs. Porter died at her
Mr. Porter, on home, leaving to her husband's care six children. May 15 of the following year, married Mrs. Sarah Cameron, daughter of Jame§ Graham. Mrs. Cameron brought to her new home one Of this marriage Mr. and child, a daughter, Libbie A. Cameron. Mrs. Porter have had three children, whom they have named Annie M., James E. and Lulu K. In all their family relations Mr. and Mrs. Porter have been greatly blessed, and have to the uttermost realized the truth of the old proverb, that the
home
pleasures of life are
than grandeur, better than gold, ' rank or titles a thousand-fold."
" Better
Than
The unity and sets
of children,
is
perfect gladness of this
a standing rebuke to
home, where there are three
all disbelievers in
the possible
coming to Henderson county, was elected school treasurer in his township, and for more than eighteen years he continued in the duties of that office. impartiality of step-parents.
Mr. Porter, soon
after his
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON OOUNTIES.
1254
Since that time almost continuously he has served in the capacity of school director.
As
a temperance
to the influence of his father,
men
who
—
man which
£act
was probably due
was, in an early day, one of three
announce in Preble county, Ohio, where he had long resided, would in future furnish no whisky in harvest he has always been in favor of every moral movement. No less energetic has he been in political movements, having been a republican since the organization of the party, and previous to that time a whig. In matters of church faith Mr. Porter's family are United Presbyterians, holding connection with the church at Olena. At all times he has favored progress, and in 1845 Mr. Porter ran the first reaper an old McCormick, after which a man raked ever run in the county. The name of Isaih J. Beook will be recognized as one of the most prominent in Henderson county. Coming here at an early day, he soon became known as a man of remarkable qualifications for business and of strict integrity. He was bom in Perry county, Ohio, in November, 1813. When but a child his parents, John and Margaret (Pogue) Brook, removed from Perry to Muskingum county, where they resided for many years. In the common schools of that day Mr. Brook obtained a good knowledge of the rudimentary branches but in later years, not satisfied with the educational advantages of the district, he went to Franklin College, New Athens, where he remained about two years pursuing his studies. In 1837, in the beginning of his young manhood, Mr. Brook was attracted by the various accounts then current as to the unbounded fertility and healthful climate of Illinois, then With its Chicago and just beginning to be opened up as a new state. thousand of smaller tovras to be built, and its reputation as the best corn state in the world yet to be made, it was not strange that the opportunities of those early days attracted many young men to its prairies, and among them I. J. Brook. When he arrived in Henderson county in 1837, and settled on his present farm on Sec. 34, T. 10, R. 5, there were but few families in the township, and everything was yet to be made. With untiring energy and ambition, backed by a powerful bodily frame, Mr. Brook began his work of making for himself a competence, and richly has he been rewarded. Two years after his arrival Mr. Brook was united in marriage with Miss Jane T. Marshall, daughter of Alexander Marshall, a citizen of Henderson county. To them were born ten children, two of whom, Isaih S. and Charles Francis, died at the age of seventeen, the former in 1862 and In their the latter in 1876, both in the opening of their young lives. children Mr. and Mrs. Brook have been greatly blessed, all having been a credit to their parents. They were educated religiously in the to
—
that they
—
—
;
^&^^.^^^_:,
-^
4L^^L "^Q
SOUTH HENDEESON TOWNSHIP.
1257
United Presbyterian church, of which their family were members, and five of them were graduates of various colleges.
principles of the
Two
sons,
Thomas A. and Hugh M.,
reside with their families in Linn John A. and James W., sketches of whom appear married and reside in Henderson county. Of the four
county, Kansas. elsewhere, are daughters,
Mary Jane
Kansas; Margaret E.
is
the wife of
W.
P. Barnes, of Linn county,
John Gaddis, of Fulton Mary A. is now Mrs. George Pierce, of Warren county, Illinois Jessie Ellen is wife of Walter Lattimer, of Anderson county, Kansas. In 1864, at the home of Mr. Brook, occurred the celebrated "Brook tragedy," of which a fiill account has already been given. During his residence here Mr. Brook has twice been elected county commissioner, and many times school treasurer and director. In politics, up to 1856, Mr. Brook is
the wife of
;
;
voted the democratic ticket.
In 1860 he voted
for Douglas, but after
became a republican. In all his business Mr. Brook has been very successful. Having made for himself a fortune, he gave each of his children $10,000 to start in life with. In such men and families as Mr. Brook's lies a county's wealth, and in the absence of such
that
characters, without regard to financial riches, a
WiLLAED
I.
county
is
always poor.
SiGNOE, proprietor of Ward's mills, was born on July
His father, 2i, 1836, in the State of New York, near its metropolis. John Signor, was of German descent, his mother, Amitta Signor, of English. Nothing exact is known as to the time when his forefathers came to America, save that it was before the revolution. Mr. Signer's father was a soldier in the second war with Great Britain, and the son now possesses the red plume his father wore in that war. When Mr. Signor was but two years of age his parents removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, where they remained until 1845, when they again removed to Henderson county, Illinois, and settled in Olena, where his father died in 1846. By the death of his father Mr. Signor was early deprived of many advantages, but having obtained such an education as the common schools offered, in 1851 he went to Oquawka and there entered the office of the "Spectator," which was then controlled by Mr. PatOn September terson, with whom' he remained two and a half years. 4, 1856, Mr. Signor was married to Miss Margaret J. McQuown, She was born in 1835, and is a native daughter of John McQuown. of Virginia. Five years after his marriage, in 1861, Mr. Signor enlisted in Co. E, 10th 111. Vols., under command of Capt. Gown.
He
army of the west, and having been drilled at Mound he was discharged. After his return home Mr. Signor engaged farming, and also in merchandising in Sagetown, where he was joined the
City,
in
71
;
HISTOUV OF MEBOEE
1258
burned
now
out.
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
In 1876 he bought the old "Ward's mill, of which he
is
(1882) one of the proprietors.
Success has been called a fickle thing fickle, because to some men comes and remains in spite of all their attempts, to thrust it away ;
it
or because, like a will-o'-the-wiSp,
it
eludes the grasp of
many who
But there can be no fickleness about the success that crowns the patient and painstaking efforts,
labor long to hold
in their hand.
it
covering a period of thirty-five years, of such a
man
as our subject,
Reared in the paintul school of poverty, his wealth stands for years of privation, fie was born February 14, 1828, on the Chucky river, Tennessee, of which state his parents were natives, an account of whom has already been given. As he was but a mere child when his parents came to Henderson county, his opportunities were of the most limited nature. There was not a school in the township at this time, 1834. though one was soon after organized. He was, however, able to acquire such a knowledge of the rudimentary branches as to enable him to do his business well. On March 27, 1857, he was married to Miss T. Fort, daughter of "Washington Fort, an. old resident of Henderson county. She was born June 29, 1835. Their children were ten in number, of whom eight are living, two having died in infancy. One of his daughters, Mary E. is the wife
Feanklin Galbeaith.
,
All the rest are at
of "William Sells.
Galbraith began
life
with but
little
home
with their parents.
Mr.
make now has He
or nothing, with the hope to
home. The hope has been richly fulfilled. about 1,800 acres of land. Besides this he has much other property. Of late years he has raised and shipped stock. The family may be
for himself a
All this but serves to show what a young with an ambition to found a home he sets out determined to be honest and yet gain a competence. Mr. Galbraith, whose portrait appears on another page, is one of the men in whom Hendercalled in faith Presbyterian.
man
can do,
son county
if
is rich,
and from men of his stamp the success of a country
depends.
Thomas
Galbraith, father of Samuel Galbeaith, the subject of this was born in Eoan counfy, Tennessee, about 1785. "While still a young man he was called upon to fight in the celebrated battle of Tippecanoe, in 1811. Before leaving his native state he married Miss Margaret "White, also of Eoan county. To them were born eight children, two of whom, Alexander and Robert, are dead. The names of the living are Elizabeth, wife of Martin Montgomery, of Iowa city Mary, wife of J. W. "Woods "William, now residing near Kirkwood Evelyn, wife of Sanford Harned, and Samuel, our subject, is n^xt to the youngest, by name Fi-anklin. sketch,
:
:
;
;
;
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1259
8am«el was bom on November 6, 1824, near Kingston, East TenWlien he was six years of age his parents moved by team to Morgan county, Dlinois, thence to Adams, from whence, in December, 1834, they came to Henderson county, settling on Sec. 26, T. 10, E. 5, where they lived two years, and- then on Sec. 27, where they died, the father in August, 1843, and the mother in July of 18Y0. Mr. Galbraith, soon after his father's coming, began to attend school, which was taught by a young man named W. D. Henderson, in a private house, the windows of which were partly of greased paper and partly In this little school at Coloma, which has given the world of glass. quite a number of prominent men, Mr. Galbraith received a practical business education. On account of the breaking up of the prairie, and
nessee.
the decay of the vegetation for several years after their coming, chills
and fever troubled Mr. Galbraith, in
common
with everybody
else.
In 1843 the father of the family passed away, leaving the care of his
one time, when Dr. McMillan, came to see Mr. Galbraith, he went to sleep while examining him, but on awaking he insisted on going to see the rest of his patients, some of whom were miles away. Several hours afterward Mrs. Galbraith discovered him standing at the head of his horse, against which he leaned, sound asleep. Cast thus early upon his own resoui'ces, Mr. Galbraith early developed habits of industry and perseverance that have been of great service to him. On June 25, 1829, he was married to Miss Sarah Evans, daughter of John Evans, senior, an old citizen of Henderson county. Of this marriage thirteen Of the live sons, children were bom, two of whom died in infancy. one, James F., is married, and resides in Mills county, Iowa. The
family to his sons.
It is related that at
the pioneer physician,
home with their parents. Three of his six daughters home, the other three being married, one to Leander Guy, now deceased. Two, the wives of Franklin Slump and Charles Bacon, now live in Mills county, Iowa. Mr. Galbraith began life For wheat with nothing, working out for as low as $8' a month. he obtained but twenty-five cents per bushel, and for com ten cents per bushel, and he was compelled to haul it' to* Burlington to other four are at are also at
obtain
even that
price.
JSI'otwithstanding
his
early disadvantages
he has become the possessor of a farm of 880 acres, on which he resides. It has been said of him that in all his business life he never
wronged a man out of a cent. Than this a higher compliment can be no man. Mr. Galbraith is in politics a democrat. In religious faith his family are members of the United Presbyterian church. Heney Miller "Whiteman, son of James and Rebecca (Miller) paid to
Whiteman, was,
bom
on December
25, 1825, in Preble county, Ohio.
1260
He
is
IIISTOEY OF
MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
of Irish extraction on his father's side, of Scotch-Irish on his
America previous to the which his grandfather Miller fought. About the year 1816, attracted by the rich openings in the west, Mr. Whiteman's father removed to Ohio. Here his eleven children, of whom the Mr. "Whiteman was subject of this sketch is the ninth, were educated. His well prepared with a practical education for the business of life. early moral ti'aining was thorough and careful, and to this much of his On March 12, 1851, he was married success, in life is no doubt due. to Miss Elizabeth McDill, daughter of David McDill, also a resident of Preble county. To them have been born a large and promising mother's, his forefathers having emigrated to
war of the
revolution, in
family of eleven children,
Henry
all
of
whom
are (1882) living.
One
son,
and is a farmer of Henderson county. James and David A. both young men of promise, are now beginning the life O., is married
of a farmer for themselves
Some two
;
the rest are
all
home with their parents. Mr. Whiteman was in-
j-ears after his marriage, in 1853,
duced by the reports of the marvelous richness of the soil- and healthremove fi'om Ohio to the as yet undeveloped State of Illinois. In teams he crossed the States of Indiana and Illinois until he reached the eastern bank of the Mississippi. Here, in Henderson county, he stopped, settling on Sec 25, T. Soon after his arrival in the county 10, R. 5, where he still resides. Mr. Whiteman united with the South Henderson United Presbyterian church, from which, when the church at Biggsville was organized, he removed his membership. In 1866 he was elected an elder of the last-mentioned church, but his influence has been thrown not less into every educational or moral movement. As director or trustee of the township he has served almost continually since his an-ival in the state. From tlie beginning of its organization he has been a staunch republican, holding firmly to the principles upon which its organization was based. As a fitting reward for his labors in the republican ranks, in the summer of 1880 he was nominated for the legislature, and in the fall following was elected to that office. The duties of this office Mr. Whiteman* discharged with credit to himself and honor to his country. To the performance of his duties he brought an intelligent mind, a right purpose and a keen perception of the practicability of a measure or movement. In these qualities, rather than those of an orator or political manipulator, Mr. Whiteman's worth lies. For some years he has been a director in the bank at Earkwood, in which he holds an interest. In addition to his other duties he carries on a farm of some 700 acres, engaging also in stock raising and feeding. If, as is often said, men cannot succeed in all directions, Mr. Whiteman fulness of the climate of Illinois to
j;
SOTJTH
HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1261
would seem to be an exception to this rule. Happy in a promising family, honored by Apolitical preferment, he has also 'become the possessor of a beautiful home and farm, and, added to all attainments, a reputation for unsullied integrity of character.
The
subject of this sketch, Mr.
illustration of what
August Wallbaum,
is
but another
under the existing institutions of our country, for a poor boy to accomplish. He was born on December 11, Though reared in a 1831, in the province of Hesse-Cassel, Germany. position of humblest poverty, his father being a stone-mason, he acquired a good practical education for the business of life in the common school, to which he has been constantly adding by private studies. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed, and with such skill did he master the details of his duties, and such executive ability did he manifest, that when he was eighteen he was made foreman of the government works on a criminal building. He was born but a mile from the river "Weser, near the Neunstorf, where the barons spend When twenty years of age Mr. Wallbaum left his their summer. native land to try his fortune in America, under the following circumWhen he had attained the military age he was drafted, in stances. common with every young German, into the cavalry, where it was not possible to hope for any promotion, as none but the sons of nobles Though his employer offered to buy him a could attain rank here. it is
possible,
then costing $400, young Wallbaum, galled by a sense of He resolved to accompany an old school-mate to America. at once, upon landing, repaired to Chicago, where he arrived in 1852. Mr. Wallbaum began life in America as a stone-cutter. But as water substitute,
injustice,
seeks
its level,
so
he was soon promoted, and
contract for himself, and, after building
many
in
1854 he began to
buildings of lesser im-
he erected the Chicago Waterworks, on the north side, then the Crosby Opera, novr a historic building and music hall on State street. Among his many western contracts are the Government portance,
Omaha; the High School building at Council Bluffs Bank at Sioux City, Iowa the Chicago & Northwestern and Chicago, Eock Island & Pacific freight houses in Chicago employing on these buildings from 500 to 1,500 men. By diligent and Works
at
Fort
the Sioux National
;
time of the Chicago fire in 1871, In this tire he lost fortune. work again in a began he after, days few a $650,000; and when^ which was house, freight Quincy & Burlington corner of the Chicago, After in debt. $158,000 himself found given him for an office, he careful industry
and
Mr. Wallbaum had
skill
at the
made an immense
Wallbaum and family removed to he had a controlling interest in. which the Gladstone Stone Quarry, contracting again for a time, Mr.
msTOEY OF meecee and hendeeson counties.
1262
Here, in a home beautifully and richly furnished, happy in his family, Mr. Wallbaum resides, having sole charge of his seventy or eighty workmen, his store, his laying out of work, besides his shipping interests. Mr. Wallbaum was married on October 8, 1854, to Miss Charlotte Whitti-ock, a lady of excellent family and splendid attain-
Of
ments.
their eight children,
five are living.
married, and resides in Galesburg.
Edward W.
Henry W.
is also
is
now
married, and
& Northwestern railroad. Miss Carrie, and Master Hariy are still at home, enjoying every advantage which parents' loving hands and wealth can furnish. It has been said by some that a man is made by his circumstances. If so, Mr. Wallbaum would seem an exception to this rule. He has rather risen above his circumstances, making them do his bidding. Few men have come from so humble a station to the point of success Mr. is
a conductor on the Chicago
Miss
Lillie
Wallbaum has
attained.
'
Jesse Kemp, John and Nancy Kemp, was born on October 18, 1828, in Warren county, Kentucky. His father, John Kemp, was a native of Waite county. North Carolina, and his mother of the state of Kentucky. In the fall of 1833 his parents, with their nine children, emigi'ated to_ Henderson county, Illinois, settling on Sec. 33, T. 10, R. 5. At this time there was neither day school nor church advantages in the whole township, which did not have over a dozen men in it. A further idea of the privations of those days may be given by saying that Mr. Kemp was obliged to go to Monnjouth for his mail, and paid twenty-five cents farmer, Gladstone, son of
each for
In the midst of such surroundings the subject of this
letters.
sketch passed his youch.
On March
13,
1869, he
was united
in
To them have been born six John H., Edward, Jessie, Edith
marriage with Miss Louisa F. Fryrean. children, five of
whom
are living:
and Franklin. The second child, Frederic, is dead. As will be seen by reference to another page, Mr. Kemp was wounded in the celebrated Brooks tragedy. He began life with nothing save a good constitution and an honest will. He has now, with his brother's estate,
who
is
now
dead,
over 400 acres of land,
lying partly in
Sections 83 and 34.
Samuel W. Lynn (deceased) was born December 20, 1799, in Middlesex county, Connecticut, of which state his parents were natives. Here he lived up to his thirty-fifth year, when he in 1834 emigrated to Henderson county and settled on Sec. 1, T. 10, E. 5. Four years before, January 24, 1830, he was married to Miss Sallie Ooe, daughter of Oliver Coe, of Middlesex county, Connecticut. When he came to Henderson county he selected a farm out on the prairie, and here.
SOUTH HENDEESON TOWNSHIP.
1263
beginning with almost nothing, he labored on steadily for many years, seeking to provide for himself and wife, for they had no children, a
competence in their old age. Kichly were his labors blessed, and when he died, in July, 1881, he left over a thousand acres of land, besides personal property, behind him. Mr. Lynn was an industrious, persevering and honest man, of real worth to the county, and when he died he left a host of friends to cherish his memory and mourn his loss.
The
Chaeles H. Beainaed, son of Asa was born on May 1, 1832, in the State of Connecticut. When he was but two years of age came to Henderson county, then known as part of Wan-en county. Here he passed his early youth and manhood, in the midst of very meagre educational advantages. When he was eighteen years old, in the spring of 1850, attracted by the gold mines of California, he crossed the plains with oxen and struck the mines first at Placerville. After his return to Henderson county he went back to California in 1857, and there remained ten years, going and coming by water routes. Several years after his second return to his childhood's home in 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Minerva Applebee, daughter of James Applebee, of Henderson county. To them have been born two children, named subject of this sketch,
Brainard,
Elmira and Charles. Prof.
John Tweed, a prominent educator of Henderson county, was
born in Ross county, Ohio, July 19, 1829. In the same year his father and family removed to Warren county, Indiana, and settled near Attica,
where he remained till November, 1841, when he with his wife, Kezia (Hinson) Tweed, and their seven children, emigrated to Henderson county, Illinois, where he lived until his death in 1857. During his lifetime Mr. Tweed was principally engaged in farming. He was a
war of 1812, and was one of the party who helped
soldier in the
to
guard the prisoners taken by Commodore Perry on Lake Erie. Later he served as captain of a company during Indian troubles. John, the subject of these notes, was only about eight years old when a white
appearance on his left arm and leg, which finally and has ever since remained incurable, and has for many years caused him great suifering, even now threatening his life. He entered life for himself without fortune but possessed of swelling
made
its
settled in the latter,
His early education was necessarily much neglife eleven months would cover the entire time of his attendance at school, but at all times and under all circumstances he was a constant student. On his way to mill he learned a lesson, and while waiting for the grinding of his grist he would learn a great ambition. lected, for
during his school
HISTOET OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1264
another, and so
by continual study he
finally
became a
scholar,
and has
since the spring of 1851 been closely identified with the educational interests of the county.
any other teacher
It is said
in the state,
he taught more terms of school than all within ten miles of where he
and
October 26, 1865, he married Miss Harriet C. Lynn, a native of born at Gladstone in 1843. In 1858 Mr. Tweed was converted and at once joined the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1864 he
began.
this county,
While in Colorado, where he spent about two yearsfor his wife's health, he rode a circuit of 150 miles and preached received a license to preach.
at
seventeen appointments.
John C. McDill, son of Thomas B. and Martha (McDill), who were natives of South Carolina and of Irish descent, was bom September 23, in Union county, Indiana, to which state his parents removed in 1818. Some twenty years subsequently, in 1838, they again removed, and settled in Henderson county, in T. 10, K. 5, on the farm where John C. McDill, the subject of this sketch, resides at the present time. Both of his parents were members of the United Pi'esbyterian Church of South Henderson congregation, and educated their children in the doctrines of the United Presbyterian church, of which all of his children, save Robert, were members. Two of his six children died before Mr. McDill's coming to Henderson county, one in infancy and a second, David, when twelve years old three died in manhood, Samuel, William and Robert F. Of all his children John C. is the sole sui'vivor. His father and mother both died in 1872, the former August 10, the latter August 26. November 12, 1873, Mr. McDill was married to Miss Mary McMillan, daughter of John and Lucinda McMillan. Of this marriage two children, George Wilbert and Martha Jane, have been born. Mr. McDill now resides on his farm of 240 acres, in Sec. 24, T. 10, R. 5, giving his attention to farming. He has been a member of the South Henderson church for more than thirty years. Mr. McDill is a second cousin of Hon. J. W. McDill congressman from Iowa. The subject of this sketch, Andrew Mekemson, farmer, Gladstone, son of James and Maiy (Bi-own) Mekemson, was born January 7, 1817, in Fleming county, Kentucky. His ancestry on his father's side were Irish, his mother's Scotch. Mr. Mekemson's great-grandfather, Andrew Mekemson, with his five sons, emigrated from Ireland
—
;
—
America some twenty-five, years before the revolutionary war, about Each of the five fought in the revolutionary war, and it is said that one or two of the five were killed. When Mr. Mekemson was about two years old his parents removed to St. Clair county, Illinois, where they resided until the spring of 1838, when they removed to to 1
750.
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1265
Henderson connty and settled on Sec. 24, T. 10, E. 5. Here his parents, whom were members of the South Henderson United Presbyterian church, died in the summer of 1858. Three years after his parents^ removed to Henderson county Mr. Mekemson was married, on September 28, 1841, to Miss Eleanor B. McQuown, daughter of John In 1842 R. and Harriet (McQuown). who were'natives of Virginia. he joined the United Presbyterian Church of South Henderson, and the next year was elected an elder of this congregation, which position he still (1882) holds. Of his marriage eleven children have been born, one of whom, Mellissa, died when about three years of age. Two of his sons, "William B. and John, are married and engaged in Robert IST. is just entering upon his profession as a physifanning. both of
cian in Biggsville, while the youngest son, Flavius, is at parents.
wife of
Two
of his daughters are married
John T. Porter
;
Joanna
is
:
home with
one, Harriet M.,
the wife of
is
his
the
M. H. McCorkle.
Four of his daughters, Sarah M., Alda Jane, Eleanor and Idelletta,
Mr. Mekemson resides now on his farm of 330 acres, giving his attention chiefly to farming, to which duties he has recently added the labors in connection with a creamery (of which an account is given elsewhere), carrying it on with his son, Mr. Mekemson's reputation for integrity and worth has been well earned by his forty-four years of life among the citizens of Henderson are at
home with
their parents.
county.
Joseph Scott Mekemson (deceased), brother of Andrew Mekemson, was bom on April 23, 1812. He was married on May 33, 1837, to Of this marriage no children were born, Mrs. Sarah L. Williams.
and some twelve years afterward, on June 13, 1849, his wife died. In 1850 Mr. Mekemson, in company with his step-son, started On the way they lost their team for California on the overland route.
the spring of
and entire outfit costing some $500, and only with great exertions did They they reach the Pacific slope enfeebled with toil and sickness. had but forty cents on arriving at the camp, and for several weeks were compelled to undergo great hardships in obtaining food and tools. After one and a half years of severe privation and sickness he got fairly to work, and after five years' residence in California returned with
some $3,000. Some five years after his return he was married to Miss Mary M. McClinton, daughtir of James McClinton, an old resident of Henderson county. She was born on December 30, 1832. Of this marriage four children were bom, only two of whom are living. Luna, the eldest, was bom January 14, 1866, and united with the United Elvira was born July Presbyterian church when thirteen years old. 23, 1871.
On November
5,
1875, Mr.
Mekemson died
at his residence.
HISTOET OF MEECEE AHD HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1266
Here on children
the old homestead of over 210 still
their father
reside,
acres his
widow and two
being rich in the reputation of integrity which
and husband bequeathed
Isaac Foewaed, son of Eobert and in England, Sussex county,
March
to them.
Mary (Waters) Forward, was bom
23, 1817.
When twenty-four years
of age he emigrated to America, having been married five days pre-
vious to his sailing to Miss S. Johnson, daughter of
Wm.
Johnson.
The parents of Mrs. Forward were members of the church of England, while the parents of Mr. Forward were Calvinists. Two children have been born of
this
marriage
:
the eldest
now married
is
Olive
Mary
;
the youngest,
Miss Martha E. Kemp, daughter of Frederic Kemp. Mr. Forward first settled in Madison county, New Tork, and there he remained from 1841, the year he landed, until In 1854 he 1861, when he emigrated to McHenry county, Illinois. removed to Oquawka, where he lived for eleven years, until 1865. Then he again removed, first to Sec. 10, T. 10, R. 5, and afterward to Sec. 15 in the same township, where he now resides. Though he began with but little, and had but four sovereigns when he landed, which he lost by lending, he has more than gained the object for which he and his wife came to this country, ^to get a little land and found a home. Patient industry has added to his farm until he now has over 1000 acres of land. As Mr. Forward came from a hop country he soon found employment after his arrival in America, in the hop vineyards, as an adept in the business. For the first five years he worked out for one man, and the next five for the same man, having charge of the vineyard. His principal business is in stock raising, though he feeds annually about 100 head of steers. He also pays some attention to the improvement of horses, breeding the heavy draft Clydesdales. This is far from a complete history of Mr. Forward's life. We have only said that he began in poverty and is now a rich man. When but ten years of age he was taken out of school, and worked for the same man until he was twenty-four. During these fourteen years he never failed to receive his pay every Saturday night, and never had but one holiday a year, this holiday being Christmas, when permission was given him to hunt with the hounds. Such is the difference between the life of the workman in America and the laborer in England. The subject of this sketch. Me. HENiEESON Sloan, was born Ifovember 26; 1819, in Antrim county, Ireland. Here his parents had resided for generations back. His forefathers were shoemakers by trade, but bwned some land. His father's name was James, and mother's Mary (]3eck) Sloan. Such educational advantages as those times offered were extended to Mr. Sloan, and he received a good practical Charles Eobert,
is
to
—
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
On
education.
1267
account of the superior advantages offered to a poor
man — superior as compared to those of Ireland — Mr. Sloan sailed
for
America, to try his fortune there, in December of 1850. From New Orleans, where he first touched, he came up the Mississippi to Oquawka and settled in Henderson county. Mr. Sloan began by working for From this he took contracts on the Capt. Hutchinson by the month. In this woi'k of contracting he old Peoria and Oquawka railroad. obtained quite a start, and in 1857 he settled down on his farm of some 400 acres, which lies one mile east of Gladstone, in Sec. 11, T. 10, E.. 5.
Though Mr. Sloan has never gone actively into politics, he has always and voted with the democratic party. For many years he Mr. Sloan is one of has given his attention to the raising of stock. those of whose coming to America our citizens may always be glad. The subject of this sketch, William H. McChesney, was bom on
believed in
February
2,
1816, in Strasburg township, Lancaster county, Pennsyl-
His ancestry was Irish, his father and mother having emigrated from Tyrone, near Dungannon, the seat of the O'Neils, the kings of After coming to America Mr. McChesney, who was Ulster, in 1794. vania.
educated in the
grammar
schools of his native town, followed the
and from him our subject received the most In 1833 his parents removed to Ohio, settling in of his training. Trumbull county, where they resided nineteen years, after which, in 1852, two years after the coming of his son, they removed to Henderson county, Illinois, where they resided up to the time of their death, Mr. McChesney dying in 1856, and his wife eleven years later, in 1867. On September 26, 1861, Mr. McChesney was united in marriage with Miss Jane Fort, daughter of Jefferson Fort, an old resident of Henderson county. To them were born two children, both of whom are dead, the first having died in infancy, and the second, Nathaniel Macon, in 1873. On April 27, 1868, Mr. McChesney was greatly duties of school teacher,
in the loss of his wife, who died at the age of thirty-three Mr. McChesney came to Henderson county in 1846, and since 1850 has been a permanent resident of the county. During the first four years of his residence here he was occupied in the clerk's office with Dr. Pollock. In 1857 he removed to a farm, which avocation he afflicted
years.
During two terms he has filled the office of county surIn faith Mr. McChesney was brought up by Presbyterian parents. In politics he is a firm believer in the tenets of this democratic party. ISTow that he has been bereaved of his family, Mr. McChesney resides in Gladstone, still retaining his two farms of 160 acres each, stiU follows.
veyor.
one lying four miles southwest of Gladstone and the other in Hancock countv.
1268
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
Thoenton Hedges, merchant, Gladstone, son of William Hedges, a native of Virginia, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, on March
When about three years of age, in 1839, his parents removed DesMoines county, Iowa, where the family lived till 1867, when they removed to Henderson county, Illinois. In 1847 his father, William Hedges, died in DesMoines county when forty-four years of age. Since that tinje Mrs. Hedges has resided with her sons. After his removal to Henderson county Mr. Hedges, on December 31, 1868, was united in marriage with' Miss Mattie A. Gunter, daughter of E. W. Gunter, then a citizen of Henderson county. Of this marriage, January 26, 1873, one child has been born, who was named by her parents Luella May. Mr. Hedges received his early education in the common schools of Iowa, which were then in their infancy and of a primitive nature. He began life with nothing. In August, 1868, he went into business, some fourteen years ago, during which time he has worked as a druggist, as a general merchant, as a butcher, besides a 14, 1836.
to
year spent in grain buying in Iowa.
He
is
now
doing' a general busi-
ness as a merchant in Gladstone.
Cteus Hedges, liveryman, also a son of William Hedges, was born on February 27, 1839, in Pickaway county, Ohio. He was educated in the common schools of DesMoines county, Iowa, where his parents removed in 1840. When the call came for volunteers, in the summer of .1862, Mr. Hedges, then in his twenty-third year, enlisted on August 9 in Co. C, 30th Iowa Inf under command of Capt. Roberts. In the grand assault of Gen. Grant upon Yicksburg he was shot twice, once through the left shoulder, and a second time through the left lung. He was entirely helpless for more than two months, and for nine years was compelled to dress his wounds. After returning to his home in Iowa, Mr. Hedges moved to Henderson county, Illinois, and from that time has been engaged in farming and in the livery business, in partnership with his brother, Leonard Hedges, third son of William Hedges, who was born February 18, 1844, in DesMoines county, Iowa. In this county Mr. Hedges passed his childhood and youth, receiving his education in the school near his home. In 1867 he removed to Gladstone, himself and his brothers residing together, their mother being with them. His father having died in 1847, Mr. Hedges is now with his brother in the livery business, at the old stand of E. M. Hall, a name that will be recognized throughout the county. RoBEET C. Beck, son of John and Ellen (Craig) Beck, was born in the county of Antrim, Ireland, about 1826. His parents were of the old Irish stock, and for centuries previous to their emigration to America they had been a race of farmers. Robert C. Beck in 1847 ,
,
SOUTH HENDERSON TOM^NSHIP.
1269
was married to Miss Ellen Gibb, who died two years after, leaving one son, John by name. This son was in the late war, and fought in some of the hardest battles of the rebellion. On March 1, 1850, Mr. Beck was married a second time, his wife's maiden name being Margaret Eaney, daughter of Hugh Kaney, also of Antrim county. On September 1, 1851, they sailed for America, and after touching at New Orleans they ascended the Mississippi river to Oquawka and settled in Henderson county, where they were destined .to spend the most of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Beck have been born seven children, six of whom are still living, one daughter having died at the age of twenty-one. Three of his sons are out in life for themselves, while his three daughters are all at home. In polities Mr. Beck is a republican. He resides about two miles southeast of Gladstone on his farm, giving his attention to farming and stock raising. Alexander MoFarland, farmer, Gladstone, was born on May 10, 1818, in Washington county, New York, of which state his parents were natives. In "the common schools he obtained his education. When he was nineteen years of age, he, accompanied by his brother, removed to Quincy, Illinois, with teams. This was in 1837. Here he remained for fifteen years, engaging in the prosecution of his trade as blacksmith. When .the gold excitement struck the country Mr. McFarland caught the fever and crossed the plains in a wagon to California. When he reached San Francisco he had crossed the continent in a wagon, as just before leaving home in New York he had driven to Boston in a wagon. He remained in California seven years and then returned to Henderson county, where he purchased a farm on Sec. 10, T. 10, R. 5. On March 7, 1859, he was married to Mrs. Mary Dodge. Of this marriage one child, Laura, was born on November 26, 1859, who in June, 1882, graduated at the Baptist College at Burlington, Iowa. Mr. McFarland is one of those who may be rightfully called a self-made man, having been cast out on the world at seven years of age. By diligent labor he has gained a competence, and now owns a farm af 180 acres of land, which he rents. He resides in Gladstone, where he owns a beautiful residence and store building, the last of which is occupied in part by the Freemasons, of which lodge Mr. McFarland is a prominent member. Among the worthy settlers of modern times are the sons of James and Mary (King) McMath. Of these Eufus Udolpho was bom in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 23, 1853. His parents were Scotch-Irish, his grandfather having emigrated to America about 1790. He settled in Pennsylvania, and on his old homestead James McMath and his sons were.bcim. In 1855 Mr. McMath emigrated to Hender-
1270
HI8T0EY OF MEEOEE
son county, Elinois, and where his son Rufus now
settled resides.
AKD HENDERSON on
COUNTIES.
5,
on the farm
common schools
of Gladstone
Sec. 10, T. 10,
In the
R.
Rufus received his education and passed his early youth and manhood. On November 13, 1880, he was married to Miss Idella Dunn, daughter To them has been of Allen M. Dunn, of Audubon county, Iowa. Mr. McMath now resides on born one son, by name Roscoe Allen. He is the owner of some 225 the N. W. I of Sec. 10, T. 10, R. 5. acres of land^ upon which he pursues his chosen avocation of farming and stock raising. He is now director of the school district in which
he
besides.
McMath
Mr.
is
a firm believer in the ideas of the repub-
which his father accepted before him. The subject of this sketch, Alexander Wright Lynn, son of Ezekiel Wright and Olive (Harvey) Lynn, was born January 29, 1838. His father, who was a native of Hartford, Connecticut, emigrated to Henderson county in the fall of 1832, and settled on Sec. 10, T. 10, Some idea of the disadvantages R. 5, where Mr. Lynn now resides. of those days is given by recalling the fact that at that time there was no house between South Henderson and Ellison. After four years' residence in this county Mr. Lynn, in 1836, returned to his native state, and there on March 14, 1837, he married Miss Olive Harvey, whose descent can be traced back to the celebrated family of Harvey who came over in the Mayflower soon after their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Lynn started for Illinois in a wagon, the journey occupying many weeks. In the edge of the present town of Gladstone, where he afterward laid out the town of Lynn, Mr. Lynn erected his house, at a spot near the Indians' old council house. Here Mr. Lynn died March 4, 1871, his wife having died many years before, on November Four of their six children are now living, two, Mary Olive 21, 1846. and George Huntingdon, having died in infancy. Harriet C. is now wife of Prof John Tweed, of Gladstone. Olive A. is the wife of Rev. John L. Torpin, of Rock Island. One son, Charles, served three years during the late rebellion, enlisting as a private, coming out as first lieutenant. Alexander Wright Lynn was the eldest of the six children. He was married in Burlington, Iowa, on November 18, 1861, to Miss Sarah Ann Applebey. Of this marriage three children were born two, Marietta and Martha Elizabeth, are at home with their parents the tliird, Chauncey Wright, died Februaiy 8, 1878. On December 10, 1880, Mrs. Lynn died at her home. Mr. Lynn is a republican in politics; in religious faith he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Hiram Sylvester Tweed, son of Abram and Susan (Merrill) Tweed, was born May 8, 1837, near the present town of Gladstone, Illinois.
lican party, the principles of
:
;
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1271
In descent he was of Irish-German blood, though his parents were natives of the State of Virginia. Mr. Tweed's father, Abram Tweed,
removed to Ohio, and after a short residence there again removed, this time to Indiana, where he resided up to 1835, when Mr. Tweed went to Henderson county to look at the country, and after making preparar tions to bring his family on he returned for them in the spring of Mr. Tweed settled on section 28, where he resided up to the 1836. time of his death, which occurred in 1845, his excellent wife having died four years before. his education in the
The
common
subject of this sketch, Hiram, received
schoo] in the vicinity of his home, though
the educational advantages of that time were of a primitive nature.
On January 7, 1862, Mr. Tweed was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Ellen Sage, daughter of Gideon and Mary Ellen Sage, her father being the founder of Sagetown. She was born on January 4, 1843. To them have been born seven children, three of whom are dead. The eldest, Hiram Leander, died in 1878, aged thirteen. Two, Gideon Abrami and Charlie Emerson, died in June, 1881, the former being ten and the latter twelve years of age. The names of the four living are John W., James T., Eddie Eay and Katie May. Mr. Tweed now resides on his farm half a mile south of Gladstone, where he gives his attention to farming and stock raising. The name of James Kyason, of Gladstone township, will be recognized by all as the oldest living settler in Henderson county. More than fifty-four years have passed away since first his feet stepped upon the soil of Henderson county, and he has lived to see the four or five men who preceded him here carried to their tombs. Mr. Eyason was bom in Pickaway .county, Ohio, on December 14, 1803, his father's name being John Ryason, who was a native of New Jersey. He resided in his native county until he was twenty-one years old, obtain:
common
After going to Louisville In 1824 Mr. Eyason emigrated again, this time to Edgar county, Illinois, where he worked as a tanner in the employ of Isaac Sanford. Here he was married to ing his education in the
schools.
he went on foot to Terre Haute, Indiana.
Sarah Lasswell, daughter of John L. Lasswell, a native of Virginia. One year after his marriage he emigrated
This was in February, 1827. to
Henderson county and
settled about three miles south of
Oquawka.
After completing preparations for his family he returned for them, and the next year, the fall of 1829, he brought his family to his new home. During the time of the Black Hawk war Mr. Eyason was a member of the Eangers, and in this company did good service in protecting the
homes of the then scattered people. At the time of the oi-ganization of the county Mr. Eyason served as deputy sheriff, Mr. S. S. Philps,
1272
HISTORY OF MEECEE AHD HENDEESON COUNTIES.
sheriff, having thrown all the duties of that office upon him. Mr. Ryason is the father of eight children, six of whom are living. His wife died in February, 1844. In March, 1845, Mr. Eyason marIn 1849 he ried Miss Nancy Webb, who lived but three years. married Mrs. K. Howard, who, with her children, lived with him up One of his sons, Jasper M., was a member of the 16th 111. to 1867. About six months after he volunteered he lost one of his eyes. Vols. After his recovery he volunteered a second time, and was captured by Four of Mr. Ryason's sons are in the Col. Morgan, in Kentucky. west, one in Mexico, a second in California and two in the Black During the early days of the history of Henderson county Mr. Hills. Ryason was one of the staunch men of the county. In every public Though a enterprise he did his part, and did it willingly and well. republican in politics, he votes for the best man, permitting no narrow Some fifty-three years ago he united with party lines to hem him in. the Methodist Episcopal church, of which denomination he is still a member. Further reference to Mr. Ryason's early days may be found
who was
by turning to another page. Chaeles a. Maetin, fourth son of Judge Martin, whose sketch appears elsewhere, was born on February 13, 1833, in Morgan county, Illinois. He was married on February 25, 1^57, to Miss Mary M. Russell, daughter of Thomas and Melinda (Winters) Russell, who came to Henderson county in 1831. Both of Mrs. Martin's parents were natives of Roan county, Tennessee. Her father, who was bom November 11, 1810, died September 29, 1881, and her mother, born August 19, 1810, died on June 11, 1881. Mr. Russell was an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian church for thirty-seven years prior to his death, having been made elder in 1844, a year after joining that denomination. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin have been born two children, Edwin Russell, born November 15, 1858, and Alvah Winters, born ia August, 1872, now at home with his parents. The elder son, Edwin Russell, died on April 12, 1882, at the Electric Springs, Arkansas, whither he had gone in search of health and vigor. After three years' attendance upon the Lincoln University, when a member of the junior class, he was compelled to give up his studies on account of his eyes, and returned home. During the two years after his leaving college and previous to his death he was able to use his eyes but little. To his superior ability and attainments he added a lofty ambition and noble purpose, and now "though dead still speaketh." Mr. Martin and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of which their son Edwin was also a member. They now reside on Sec. 24, T. 10, R. 5, and here Mr. Martin engages in farming and stock raising.
SOUTH HENDERSON TOWNSHIP.
1275
Alonzo Woodard, butcher, Gladstone, was born in Montgomery His parents, who were natives of Pennsylvania, emigrated to Henderson county in 1855, coming down the Ohio river on steamer. Mr. Woodard's grandfather was in the war of 1812, and fought for our second independence. In 1861 Mr. Woodard enlisted in the 1st Iowa Battery, commanded by Capt. Fletcher, and was attached to Gen. Sigel's brigade. During his service he was in the battle of Pea Eidge, against Gen. Price, who captured the battery to which Mr. Woodard belonged, but it was recapAfter a year's service Mr. Woodard was discharged on account tured. of disability, and at once, in 1862, went to Idaho, where he remained for seven years. In 1869 he returned to Gladstone, where he opened a meat market, which he is now running. He has been twice married, county, Ohio, January li, 1840.
once in 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Miller, who died in 1863. In 1879 he was again married, to Miss Marietti Miller. Of this marriage three children have been born, all of whom are still living: Oscar A., Florence May and Alice Bell. Mr. Woodard is a member of the masonic fraternity, and also belongs to Chapter 17, at Keithsburg. William H. Hammock, superintendent of the manufacturing department of the Gladstone Kefining Company, was born July 2, 1849, in Abington township, Mercer county. His father, who is a native of Indiana, was one of the earliest settlers of Henderson county, having married his wife in Mercer county at an early day. In the common schools, then not in their present state of perfection, Mr. Hammock received his education. On September 2, 1869, he was married to Miss R. I. Wiley, daughter of Samuel Wiley, of Warren county. Of this union seven children were born of these, two died in infancy the remaining five, Minnie E., Ephraim C, Claude, Mary and Daniel M., are at home with their parents. Mr. Hammock has spent most of his life in Henderson county, having commenced with nothing. He began as night watchman for the company by whom he is now employed as :
;
superintendent of the manufacturing department.
Gideon Sage, Gladstone, for whom the town of Sagetown was named, was bom September 2, 1797, in the State of New York. His parents, who were natives of Connecticut, were of Scottish descent. After a residence of some years near Caledonia Springs, Mr. Sage, when twenty-one years of age, removed to Dearborn county, originally
Here he remained for nearly thirty years. On July 18, was married to Miss Mary Clark, daughter of Eli Clark, who had emigrated from Yermont. Of this marriage have been born fourteen children. Eight of them, five boys and three girls, are still In 1874 Mr. Sage living and engaged in business in different states. Indiana.
1818, he
72
HISTORY OF MERCEE
1276
was
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
bereft of his wife, she dying at her residence in Sagetown, aged
about seventy-two years.
Although Mr. Sage began life a poor boy, much property, which he has now
he has become the possessor of (1882) distributed
age and
is still
among
his children.
hale and hearty.
(A
He
is
now
eighty-five years of
further account of Mr. Sage
may
be found by turning to the general history of Sagetown, which was
named
for him.
Albert M. Graham, son of Joseph C. and Sarah (Garber) Graham, was born near Oquawka, Illinois, on March 18, 1842. So far as his ancestry can be traced, he is of Scotch extraction on his father's side of German on his mother's. In 1847, when our subject was but five ;
years of age, his father died, leaving a family of five children,
which Albert M. was the youngest.
of
own make
Cast thus early upon his
resources, adversity early developed those ideas
and habits that
him a leader among men. After beginning life for himself Mr. Graham united with the Presbyterian church at Oquawka in 1858, and in 1878 he was made elder of the Presbyterian church of Gladstone. In April, 1863, Mr. Graham was united in mamage with Miss Martha in 1872,
daughter of Stephen and Martha White, who were Mr. Graham joined the masonic lodge at Gladstone the three years past (1882) he has been master of this
J. "White,
natives of Ohio.
and
for
lodge.
James Gary Tolman, son of James W. and Lucretia Tolman, was born near Randolph, Massachusetts, on September 7, 1846. On the maternal side of his grandparentage he is a direct descendant from John Alden, of the immortal Mayflower. As the name indicates, he is also descended from Thomas Tolman, who settled in Massachusetts Mr. in 1630, some ten years after the coming of the Mayflower.
Tolman received
common
schools of Winnebago removed at an early day. In 1871 they removed to Oquawka, Henderson county, where they now reside. In the fall of the same year Mr. Tolman began business in Gladstone as an apothecary and druggist. On August 26, 1878, he was commissioned postmaster of Gladstone, which position he now holds, having been reappointed June 16, 1881. Mr. Tolman was united in marriage with Miss A. French on October 22, 1874. Mrs. 'Ix)lman is the daughter of Benjamin French, one of the oldest citizens of Gladstone, whose biography appears elsewhere. his education in the
county, Illinois, to which state his parents
TEREE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
12*77
TEEEE HAUTE TOWNSHIP. seems strange, when one looks at the fine farms and beautiful that are now so numerous in the beautiful spot of earth of which we are now writing, that but a few years ago, seemingly, the naked savage, the howling wolf and the red deer roamed over it almost unknown to the "palefaces." What wonderful strides have been made in the sunlit road of progress in this part of the beautiful west within less than half a century Upon the summit that has been so soon reached one can but stand and gaze upon the past in astonishment and bewilderment. Instead of the dusky wamor there is now the peaceful husbandman instead of the tall prairie-grass is the golden grain that springs from the earth at the white man's call instead of the rude tent is the handsome cottage and stately mansion. Just the period at which the township or precinct of Terre Haute was first settled by the white man is a matter somewhat involved in One uncertainty, but it was as early as 1835, and possibly earlier. of the oldest settlers that is now living in Terre Haute is Mr. Steven Grenung, who came to the country in 1842 with his father's family. They came from near Terre Haute, Indiana, and the village and precinct of Terre Haute, Illinois, was named for the well known city of the same name in the Hoosier State, at the request of the Genung family. Mr. Steven Genung, to whom we are indebted for information, was a soldier during the Mormon trouble, and represents that that was a time which tried men's souls who were for peace and good order. Mr. Simeon Averett, who is also yet residing in Terre Haute, and It
homes
!
;
;
a very ripe age, was also a soldier in the ranks of the law-abiding citizens against the fanatical horde who, in the name of a rehgion, was indulging in rapine, theft and murder, and spreading fear
who has reached
and discontent throughout the sparsely settled country. Mr. Averett was on guard at the Carthage jail th-e night before the notorious Joe Smith was sent to the "happy hunting grounds." After the Mormon war was over and the law-abiding citizens of the country could again breathe the air of peace and slumber peacefully in their newly chosen homes, when the red hand of persecution had been paralyzed by the strong arm of law and justice, the new county com-
menced
to settle rapidly.
The few who were already making
themselves fine homes in this
"new
for
world" served as a guiding star for
and ere long the busy hammer could be heard in every quarter, the wild grass fell in the furrows of the brave and industrious frontiersman's plow and the vast desert smiled with teeming. Terre Haute is others,
1278
HISTOEV OF MEECER AlfD HENDERSON COITNTIES.
a
spot of earth.
beautiful
Land commands a high The soil
farmers are generally disinclined to change.
price is,
and the
a rich black
loam and the surface is just undulating" enough to give the land good Corn is the principal crop, and many of the farmers are
drainage.
paying a great deal of attention to high-bred stock culture. There are many fine horses and cattle as well as hogs to be found on the farms throughout the township or precinct. The village of Terre Haute was surveyed and plotted March 22, 1854, by Wm. C. Rice, deputy county surveyor of Henderson county, and the document was filed by John L. Pollock, county clerk, March This original plot covered a little more than 13 acres in the 25, 1854. corners of sections 20, 21, 28 and 29. There have been some additions Wm. Archer was the first postmaster. The first house to the town. built on the present site of Terre Haute was erected by "Wm. Reynolds in 1848, and soon afterward Joseph Genung built the second. The first store-room was built by Alexander Bushnell, and is at present used for a wareroom by J. J. Bryan. Dr. Nelson was the first physician, and went to the village on foot. Keokuk, chief of the Sacs and Foxes, then had his headquarters at Burlington, and was quite a frequent visitor to the Terre Haute neighborhood. Dr. Smith remembers of often sitting on the knee of the old warrior. There are in the town several dry-goods, grocery and notion stores, as well as a drug store, restaurant, wagon and blacksmith .shops and other general business found in a tliriving country village. Dr. E. H. Trask, Dr. B. F. Hamilton and Dr. W. K. Smith are the physicians of the place. Among the gentlemen who have held the scales of the fair goddess of justice are J. Davis, Wm. Hartford, A. Bushnell, W. C. Reynolds and A. H. Magie. The present incumbents are Geo. J. Morgan and C. R. Gittings.
SECRET OEDERS. There
is
a flourishing lodge of the Independent Order of Odd-
Fellows in the village.
M. M.
Field,
J.'
It
was organized October
C. Coulson, C.
W.
11, 1876, at Raritan.
Hardisty, A. E. Stanley and L.
W. Calhoun were the charter members. The lodge was transferred from Raritan to Terre Haute in 1879 and the name changed accordingly. Many of the most prominent citizens of the village and vicinity are
members
of the lodge.
A REMARKABLE FAMILY.
A Mrs.
family remarkable for longevity
Amasa Allen have been
is
Mr. and Mr. Allen is
the Allen family.
married seventy-six years.
TERRE HAUTE TOWNSHIP. ninety-five years of age their children
York,
now living
and Mrs. Allen are as follows
:
is
1279
ninety-one.
Martin,
now
The ages of
living in
New
Hannah, sixty-seven Mary, sixty-four, Joseph, sixty-one A. F. 57 A. T. 52. The father, Mr. Amasa Allen, is yet quite a sprightly old gentleman. The first fourth of July celebration at Terre Haute was in 1856, and was held in Edmond Genung's grove. The dinner was free and about six hundred persons partook Mr. M. C. Paul was marshal and a Mr. Reed, or Eeid, of Oquawka, of it. delivered the oration. The old settlers yet living, who had the pleasure of attending that celebration, join in saying that there was never a better one and they love to call it to mind, and they feel young again in is
seventy years old
;
;
;
talking over the occasion. its
mark upon
we basked
;
.
It is
us, to call to
indeed a blessed thing, when age puts
mind
the
many
joyous days
we had when
in the sunlight of strength and vigorous manhood.
CHURCHES. first church was the Methodist Episcopal. The first society of denomination was organized in a class in the Genung school-house near where the village of Terre Haute now stands. In August, 1850, the La Harpe circuit was organized and Charles Genung was classleader of this society, which was the northeast appointment of the La
The
this
Harpe
circuit.
This society stands ahead of
all
others in the
circuit in their reports to the quarterly conference.
La Harpe
In their support of
preaching and benevolent work their report excels, per number,
all
other
societies.
The society has a good substantial brick church buUding, which was dedicated in the summer of 1854. The first quarterly meeting was Eev. held in the new church on August 12 and 13 of the same year. M. J. Geddings and Joseph Milsap were the preachers in charge, and Eev. Milton Bourne was presiding elder. Charles Genung and Wm. F. Archer, stewards, and Mr. Archer and Joseph Allen class-leaders. Eev. "Wm. F. Archer was a local elder, but was two years on the La Harpe circuit as a supply. In the fall of 1860 Terre Haute was sepaby the annual conference, but at the first quarterly meeting of the La Harpe circuit a class-leader from Terre
rated from
'
La Harpe
circuit
Haute, Mr. Joseph Allen, representing the church at Terre Haute, asked that it be continued with the La Harpe circuit, and the prayer of the F. M. Chafi"ee was the preacher in charge of petitioner was granted. La Harpe circuit, and Eev. A. Magee presiding elder. In the year
1865-6 Joseph Allen, E. Genung and J. Snick were official memIn 1866 Terre Haute was permanently separated bers of notoriety. from La Harpe. The house of worship owned by the Terre Haute
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1280
society is a fine brick structure
40x50, with a good basement.
The
roof has been blown off twice by severe wind-storms.
Eev. P. S. Garretson is the present pastor of the society, and has been for near three years. They have preaching every alternate Sunday evening and
Sunday school every Sunday
Class leader and at ten o'clock a.m. Joseph Allen; recording steward, C. K. Gittings; stewards, Chas. Curry, T. W. Jenkins, Steven Genung and Wm. Robinson; trustees, George Morgan, Joseph Allen, Wm. Rogers, Jacob Snick and Steven Genung. The Baptist Church was built in 1866 and dedicated in June, 1867. The society was organized in the Genung school-house in 1851, by father Sewell. At that time preaching was not always the most pleasant task. The preacher was often called on to use his fists as well as his voice to bring sinners to a realization of their wickedness, and many a man had to have a pounding before he got religion. The number of adherents at the organization of the society were perhaps not more than half a dozen, but the society grew and flourished until 1866, when they spent nearly three thousand dollars in a church building. They now have from forty to fifty members. The society is of the Free-Will denomination. The Eev. F. W. Westfall is their
superintendent,
—
present pastor.
EDUCATIONAL. The school-house
in the village
is
very commodious, and the school
buildings throughout the township about the same as in other parts of
the country.
The town
of Terre
the citizens frowning
Haute
is
a very temperate place, the ma-jority of
down drunkenness and rowdyism
of every
sort.
BIOGRAPHICAL. Moses Peasley was born in Ware, ISTew Hampshire, September His father, Jonathan Peasley, was a native of ISTew Hampshire, and his mother, Sarah (Carr) Peasley, was a daughter of a sea captain. Moses Peasley early engaged in agriculture. He was married June 5, 1799, to Miss Lydia Evans, who was born in New Hampshire, July 25, 1773. A few years after marriage Moses Peasley and wife settled in the Province of Quebec, then Canada East. One child, Lydia, was born February 20, 1800, and Moses 0. E., born March 9, 17, 1773.
1802.
Mrs.
Lydia (Evans) Peasley died February
9,
1804-.
Mr.
Peasley next married October 16, 1806, Miss Polly Ayer, whose father, Joseph Ayer, was born May 19, 1755, and whose mother, Sally Ayer, was born
November
27, 1758, in
New
Hampshire.
The former
;
TEEEE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
1281
December
25, 1815, and the latter April 18, 181T. Polly was Hampshire, March 26, 1789, and was taken by her parents to Canada, in an early day, when the lands were covered with thick wood, which requu-ed genuine labor to remove that crops might
died
bom in New
Moses Peasley died October 16, 1861, They were the parents of ten children G., born August 18, 1808, and died February 7, 1814; Sally H., born April 10, 1812 John S., bom July 8, 1814 James, After a
be raised. followed
by his John
life
of
toil
wife August 15, 1865.
:
;
;
bom
April
7,
1817, died
May
22,
bom July 3,
Polly,
bom
April 23, 1818
and Helen emigrated
;
;
A., born October 10, 1831. settling in
;
James F., born January 15, 1822 1824 Francis A., born July 22, 1829 and Helen
Betsey, born April 29, 1820 Harriet,
1817
to the
Henderson county,
;
John United
S.,
Francis A., James F., Polly
boys mentioned 1836 and Francis in
States, the three
Illinois,
John
S. in
about 1852.
James F. Peasley, to whose memory these lines are especially was born in Canada. His life has been spent on the farm, where many acres have gradually clustered around him, giving pasture His school to fine herds of stock as results of labor well economized. advantages were very limited, yet self perusal of books and practical everyday thought has made him a good business man. When twentyone years of age he purchased 100 acres of the home farm, which he He was married January 30, controlled, and also managed the rest. 1853, to Sarah Tarleton, daughter of Stillman and Harriet (Webster) The former is buried at Tarleton, both natives of New Hampshire. Hartford, Connecticut, and the latter at Tamworth, New Hampshire. Mrs. Peasley was born June 12, 1836, in Piermont, New Hampshire. Mr. Peasley resided in Canada till 1865. He was school comHe was missioner and a member of the council of Stanstead county. one of a number of men appointed by the people to examine the titles of the lands of that section and to secure evidence for the purpose of written,
defeating the effort of Sir Stewart to deprive the settlers of their homes. The lawyer employed secured the passage of a bill in par-
liament which resulted in a government grant elsewhere to satisfy Sir In 1866 Mr. Peasley came to Henderson county, Stewart's claim.
In Ilhnois, where he bought the S. i of Sec. 10, T. 8 N., E. 6 W. the following fall he built a small one-and-a-half story frame house,
which he occupied till 1858, when it was destroyed by storm while the family were within it. The house was rebuilt with the assistance of Mr. Peasley built his neighbors, ever at hand at such needy times. his farm and improved has He 1875. in residence present, substantial elsewhere. and farm 270 home his in has added till he has 720 acres
HISTORY OF MEBCEE
1282
He
AND HENDKE80N
takes great pride in his stock
this
department of his busi-
In politics Mr. Peaslej holds republican
ness considerable attention. doctrines.
and gives
COUNTIES.
Mr. and Mrs. Peasley are parents of an interesting family Helen M., Alfred E., Harriet A., James O., Bertha A.
of six children
:
and Sewell H. Joseph Ai-len was born in
Amasa and Susanna Allen
New York,
;
New York in
where they were married.
son county, and
now
1821.
His parents were
his father, of Connecticut, his mother, of
In 1855 they came to Hender-
live with their son, Joseph.
whom
now
They
raised a family
Mary, Rodger and Joseph live in Henderson county. He and wife are members of the Free-WiU Baptist church, at Terre Haute. He is now ninety-five, his wife ninety-one years old. Joseph Allen was reared on the farm, his education was that of the common school. He resided in his native state till 1854, when he came to Henderson county, Illinois, and located where he now resides. In 1848 he was married to Miss Amy C. "Wescott, a native of New York, born in 1823, and daughter of Henry and Amy D. Wescott, both of Massachusetts, and emigrated to New York when young. In 1854 they, her parents, came to Henderson county, where her father died shortly after his arrival, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. Her mother lived thirteen years after her emigration to this county, and died at eighty-four years of age. She was a member of the Close-Communion Baptist church. The last nine years of her life she was blind, but bore patiently her loss and was never heard to complain. Joseph Allen and wife have one adopted son, Willie J. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Terre Haute. He has held most of the offices in the church. He was county commissioner five years, and held -the ofllce of school treasurer twenty-five years. He has a well improved farm of 80 acres, located one mile north of Terre Haute. J. C. Nelson is son of George C. and Charlotte Nelson, whose of twelve children', seven of
are
living.
history will appear in the biographical department of this township.
He was born in 1849, in Pike county, Illinois. He was reared on the farm, and received no other education beyond the common school and fourteen months at Abington, Illinois. In 1872 he was married to Sarah Boyer, of Pennsylvania, daughter of William and Mary Boyer.
In 1856 they emigrated
tot Henderson county, Illinois, and Hancock county. They are members of the Christian church. He is a farmer. Mr. Nelson has by this marriage two children James S. and Jennie M. He has a well improved farm of 240 acres, and is a successful farmer.
now
reside in
:
La
Hai-pe,
,
TEEEE HATJTE TOWNSHIP.
William
J.
1283
Lovitt (deceased) was not of the
derson county, but came
when
first settlers of Henthe country was comparatively new.
The improvements of every kind which now are seen on every hand were in their infancy. He was born in 1810, and was a native of Maryland. His parents were Daniel and Mary Lovitt, who emigrated to Muskingum county, Ohio, when their son, William J., was only ten years old. This was their last location. Here they both died. They were, by vocation, farmers. Their religious faith was that of the Baptist church, of which they both were members. In 1857 William J. Lovitt located in Henderson county, in the southeast part of township 8, section 5, where he remained till his death, which occurred in 1876. In 1837 he was married to Lydia A. Grigsby, of Virginia, who was born January 1820. She was the daughter of John and Sarah F. Grigsby, both of Virginia. They emigrated to Ohio when she was five years old. They both died in Ohio her father in 1870, at the age of eighty years her mother in 1830, aged forty years. They were married in 1812. John Grigsby was left an orphan when two years old. By this union WilHam J. Lovitt had eleven children Rue E. Elmus (deceased), Sarah F., Arthur (deceased), Epaminondas, Mary, Cordias, Marion, Manerva, John W., and Haney. His widow lives on the old homestead of 160 acres, which is well improved and a delightful home. She is a member of the Bedford Christian church, in Hancock county, as was her husband. Says one of his brother church members, "his death was looked upon as a calamity in the ;
;
:
community.
how
The
uncontrollable grief of his stricken family testified
tenderly and dearly they esteemed his virtues as a husband and
As an officer in the church he was practical, discerning and decided. He devoutly loved his God and his brethren. He was remarkable for both his humility and modesty. Highly respected as he was in the church, he commanded no less outside of the church. Among the early settlers and pioneers of Henderson county was Joseph Genung, the subject of this sketch. He was a native of New Jersey, born in 1784. His father was the son of Josiah Genung. He was a farmer by vocation and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Joseph Genung remained in his native state till he was father.
years of age. There he was reared to the vocation of farmHis early education was that of the district school of his neighborhood. He married in 1807 Mary Coil, a native of Maryland, by whom he had five children, who grew up to manhood and womanAlbert H., Mary and hood's years, three of whom are now living Stephen. Edmund and Hester A. are deceased. In 1817 he emigrated to Indiana and located near ISTew Albany. In 1827 he moved to Vigo thirty-five
ing.
:
HISTORY OF MEECER AND- HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1284
In 1842 lie came to where he died in 1855. He was well respected by all who knew him, and left a large circle of friends to mourn his departure. His son, Stephen Genung, now resides on a part of what was his father's farm. He was born in 1821 in the State of Indiana, and came to Henderson county, Illinois, with his father. His early education was that of the pioneer schools of Indiana. He has always pursued the voca-
county, Indiana, locating near Terre Haute. Illinois,
He
tion of farming. Jersey, child,
married in 1856
daughter of John and
Mary
He has an
J.
army August
Mary
Mary
Trainor, a native of ISTew
Trainor,
by
adopted son, George G.
whom he had one He enhsted in the
and served three Bacon Creek, Kentucky, Morgan's Bend, Mobile and Whitter, two miles from the former place. The entire regiment was taken prisoner and he was held six months before they were exchanged. Mr. Genung has a farm of 110 acres located at Terre Haute and keeps a good grade of aU kinds of farm stock. He and wife are members of the Methodist 7,
1862, in the 91st
years as a private.
He was
111.
Vols., Co. B,
in the following engagements
:
Episcopal church.
Among munds
the
family.
first
pioneers to locate in this township was the Ed-
Oi.n'ER Edmunds, the subject of this sketch, was
in Ohio, and emigrated
when
bom
Henderson county with his parents, Obediah and Lydia (Moors) Edmunds. His father was a native of Kutland county, Vermont, born in 1788. Obediah Edmunds Jr.'s father, Obediah Edmunds Sr. was a native of Ehode Island, but was reared principally in Vermont. He married in Vermont, where he raised a family and died. He married Sarah WilHams, a granddaughter of Roger "Williams. He was a revolutionary soldier and belonged to the Vermont Minute Men. James Edmunds, father of Obediah Edmunds, Sr., was also engaged in the revolution and was taken prisoner by Burgoyne's scouts. About 1810 Obediah Edmunds Jr. emigrated to New York, where he resided till 1819, when he removed to Columbia county, Pennsylvania. In 1825 he moved to Ohio, where he remained till 1837. He then came to Henderson county with his family, and located in T. 8, R. 5, near the south line of the county, where he resided till his death, which occurred in 1853, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. His wife survived him six years, and died in her seventy-third year. They built the second house in the township. They raised a family of ten children, only two of whom are now living. Obediah Jr. was in early life a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but died a Quaker. In politics he was a radical anti-slavery advocate. Oliver Edmunds, his son, lives on the old homestead, where he was born in 1825. His early educaeight years old to
TERRE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
1285
because of there being but few schools here during reared on the farm where he has since lived. In 1854 he was married to Eliza Spiker, of Ohio, born in 1834, daughter of Henry and Rachel (Hekle) Spiker; the father of Maryland, tion -was limited,
his
boyhood.
He was
mother of Virginia. In 1839 they came with the early settlers' and Hancock county, where Henry Spiker died in 1846, at the age of thirty-four years. His wife yet resides in Hancock county, where they first located. Oliver Edmunds has by this marriage four children: Marilda, John A., Charles S. and Bertie H. He has a well improved farm of 555 acres and keeps a good grade of all kinds
the
located in
of farm stock.
George W. Chandi.er is one of the prominent farmers in the townHis farm is located in the N.W. corner of T. 8, E. 5, and consists of 500 acres of fine farming land well improved. He was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, in 1835. His parents were Jesse and Rachel Chandler, whose history will appear in connection with the sketch of John T. Chandler, of this township. George W.'s early education was that of the district school and one winter at Henry, Illinois. He came to Illinois with his parents. When he set out to do for himself, his capital to begin business with was such as nature had provided for him, namely, energy combined with good business judgment. lie labored for several years as a hired man. In 1860 he bought the farm where he now lives, and was married the same year to Estel Retzel, of Pennsylvania, who was born in 1841, in Lancaster Her father county, and a daughter of George and Catharine Retzel. was a native of Maryland, and came to Pennsylvania with his parents when a small boy. Her mother was a native of Pennsylvania, where they were married. In 1855 they came to Illinois and located in ship.
Henderson county. Her father died in December, 1881, aged seventyher mother in March, 1882, aged sixty-seven years. They were highly respected in the community, and all mourned their departure. The Retzel family is of Scotch-Ijish descent. George W. Chandler has by this marriage one child, George E. He keeps a three years
;
good grade of
all
kinds of farm stock.
William H. Marsden is a native of Cheshire county, England. He was bom in 1837, and is a son of Thomas A. and Elizabeth (Hardman) Marsden. In 1839 they came to America and located at bayton, Ohio, where they remained till 1844, when they came to Henderson county, and returned to Dayton the following year. In 1867 they came again to Henderson county, and now live at Carman, this county. His wife, Elizabeth, died soon after he located at Dayton the first time. In Dayton he carried on a livery stable until 1865,
HISTOEY OF MEECEE ANn HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1286
when he engaged
in the
lumber
William H. was reared
trade.
to the
vocation of farming, which he has always followed except three years
during that time he was in the service.
army, in Co. B, 91st reg.
111.
;
In 1862 he enlisted in the
Vols., and served three years.
He
was' in the following battles: Bacon Creek (Ky.), where he was taken prisoner;
Athafayla
(Gra.),
Spanish
Fort,
Blakely,
Whistler
and
He
Mobile, besides numerous skirmishes.
passed through the war without receiving any injury. In 1859 he was married to Laurena J. Yolentine, of Ohio, bom in 1835, daughter of Stephen and. Mary Volentine. Her father was a native of New York; her mother of Connecticut.
They came
to
Ohio in 1845, where her father died in
1879, aged seventy-five; her mother died in 1877, aged sixty years.
William H. Marsden, by
this marriage,
has nine' children living:
Thomas W., Stephen H., Mary H., Ulyses
L.,
John
E., Isaac E.,
and Ernest A. He has a fine farm of 380 acres, and keeps a good class of farm stock. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he of the masonic lodge at Carman. William H. Marsden's grandfather, William Marsden, located in township 8, range 5, where the widow Kirby now lives, and opened a farm in the then wilderness. He was a native of England. He died in 1861, in Hancock, at the age of seventy-four years. Geoege C. Nelson, one of the most extensive land owners and stock raisers in the township, is a native of the Buckeye State born in 1823. His parents were Elisha and Mary Nelson, both of whom were born in Maryland, where they were reared and married. They emigrated to Ohio with its eai-ly settlers, where they farmed and kept hotel. In 1842 they emigrated fi-om Ohio to Pike county, Illinois, where they both died at the ripe old age of about eighty years. The mother was a member of the United Presbyterian church. The father Louella, Lourinda V.
;
served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Elisha Nelson, lived in Maryland
the Methodist Episcopal,
faith.
all
Burges R. Nelson, father of
his
He was
life.
He was
a minister of
a successful financier
;
a pro-
bank corporation. He lived to the extreme age of ninety-eight years, and then was murdered for his money. He was a man that was highly respected for his good qualities and high integrity. Pie frequently visited his son, Elisha, in Ohio, making the entire distance to and from on horseback. He served in the revolutionary war. George C. Nelson came to Pike, Illinois, with his parents, and remained there till 1848, when he eame to Henderson county. He has since resided in Henderson county. He was reared on the farm. His early education was such as he could obtain during the winter months in the district school. He was first married in 1842 in
prietor
and
director in a
TEREE HAUTE TOWNSHIP. Oilio, to
1287
Charlotte Games, native of Ohio, born in 1822, and a daughter and Elizabeth Carnes, both of Maryland. By this marriage
of Reason
G. C. Nelson had five children: Matilda
The mother of these died
Elizabeth.
J.,
in 1860.
ElishaE., John C. and In 1862 he was married
a second time, to Sarah A. Irvin, of Ohio, born in 1833, daughter of Irvin. They emigrated in 1854 to Pike county,
James and Martha Illinois.
Her
father
is
yet living, and
is
seventy-eight years old
mother died in 1882 at the age of seventy-six years.
;
her
They were by
occupation farmers, and old soldiers of the cross in the United Brethren church. S.,
By
Joshua,
this
marriage Mr. Nelson has twelve children Wilham L. (deceased), Melissa J. (deceased), Comelia :
Abraham
George O. (deceased), James L. (deceased), Charles H., Isaac M., Bessie S., and Quincy W. James and Martha Irvin were both of Ohio. His parents were James and Elizabeth Irvin. They emigrated from Virginia to Ohio in early times, and made the journey on horseback. He was a farmer, and died at the age of eighty years. His wife came to Pike county, Illinois, where she lived to the age of eighty years. Mr. Nelson held the oifice of county supervisor one term. He has 1,580 acres of fine farming land, on which he keeps the best grades of sheep, horses, cattle and hogs. He lives at the county line between Henderson and Hancock counties. Joseph H. Maygie is a native of New Jersey, born in 1831, son of' Abraham and Pheobe (Tunis) Magie, both of New Jersey. His father was born in" 1799, at East Madison, and died in 1869. His mother was born in 1819, and died in 1874. In 1856 they emigrated to Illinois, and lived the remainder of their days at Terre Haute, where they were He also engaged with farmers and kept hotel for several years. his son, Joseph H,, in the broom business from 1856 to 1868. His (deceased),
Eichard E.,
wife was, at the time of her death, a pal church.
He
was, in his early
life,
member of the Methodist Episcoa member of that denomination,
but at the time of his death was a Free -Will Baptist.
Joseph H. came hved.
He was
;
In 1855
located in Terre Haute, Illinois, where he has since
reared on the farm, which he has always followed, when in the broom manufactory,
except the time from 1856. to 1868,
and even then carried on the farm. He has made corn and hogs a specialty. He has a fine- farm of 112 acres. He sometimes feeds He cattle for the market, and keeps good grades of farm stock.
Martha A. Averett, of North Carolina, bom in 1831. She is the daughter of Simeon and Nancy Averett, Her father now both of whom were natives of North Carolina. in the Mormon was He lives with his daughter, Mrs. J. H. Magie. relieved from was He troubles at Carthage, Hancock county. was married
in 1868, to
HISTOEY OF MEECER AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1288
the duty of guarding the jail at ten o'clock in the morning and Joseph
Smith was
He
killed the following evening.
is
now
seventy-six years
Hancock county, where he remained for a few years. In 1857 he moved to Henderson county, then to "Woodford He then county, Illinois, where he remained some four or five years. seventy-two where his wife died in aged years. Indiana, 1875, moved to Magie, this in Terre Haute. H. by time he has lived J. Since that marriage, has three children: Albert H., Lillie J. and Florence M. He and wife are members of the Baptist church. He has, at various Pie
old.
first
times, been a
located in
member
In addition to his farm he
of difierent lodges.
town property. Among the prominent farmers of
has a nice Paintee,
bom
subject of this sketch.
He
township is Chaeles T. a native of Pennsylvania,
this is
and is son of Joseph T. and Jane Painter, both of Pennsylvania. His mother died in 1834. His father came to Hancock count}'^ with its early settlers, and located near the north line, where he lived till 1875, when he died, at the age of seventy-five years. He was a farmer. He and his wife were members of the in 1831,
Methodist Episcopal church.
He
held the
oflice
of constable several
succession. and was assessor of his township he remained Charles T. came with his father to Hancock county, where till 1850, when he moved to Henderson county, where he now lives. In 1856 he was married to Sarah A. Evans, of Indiana, born in 1850, and came to Illinois in 1865 with her brother. Her parents were Benjamin T. and Ellen Evans. Her father was born in Kentucky, and died in 1861, at the age of sixty-six years, in Indiana. Her mother died in 1865, at the age of forty-nine years. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Painter has by this marriage four children Joseph, Eugeane, Frank, Ralph and Clara. He has a farm of 480 acres, well improved, and well stocked with good grades. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Terre Haute. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the army, in Co. G, 118th 111. Vols., and served till the close of the war. He was mustered out October, 1865. He was second lieutenant of his company at its fii'st organization, and in 1863 was made first lieutenant. He was in the following engagements Chickasa Blufts, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River, siege at Vicksburg from its beginning to its close, Jackson, (Miss.), Brookhaven, Carioncrow Bayou, Grand Cotton, near Iberia, Grose Bayou, which was a hand to hand fight. Plains Store (La.) and Liberty (Miss.). He escaped without a single wound. Thomas F. Pence, subject of this sketch, is a native of Pennsylvania, fifteen years in
years,
:
:
TEERE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
1289
He is son of John and Sarah mother died in 1843, at the age of sixty-five years. His father emigrated in 1847 to Henderson county, and located near Lomax, where he resided for some time. He then moved to T. 8, Sec. 5, where he died in 1861, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years. He was a farmer. He and wife were members of the Presbyterian church at Pine Creek, Pennsylvania. Thomas F. was reared in his native state on the farm, where he remained till 1846, when he emigrated to Huntington county, Indiana, where he remained two years. In 1848 he moved to Wabash county, where he remained In 1857 came to Illinois, and located in Peoria county, three years. where he remained until 1853. He then came to Henderson county, locating in the N.W. J of T. 8, Sec. 5, where he has since resided. He was married in 1834 to Mary White, of Pennsylvania, bom in 1809, and died in 1851. She was the daughter of Abraham and Eachel White, both of New York, where they died members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Pence had by this marriage nine children Mercy A., Clarrissa, Susana and Maria, who are now living. The deceased ones are Malinda J. and Sarah B., who died in Pennsylvania Daniel S. 'died in Peoria county, Blinois John W. was killed on the farm, where his father now resides, by the overturning of a wagon loaded with wood while he was driving the team and one ehUd died in infancy. In 1852 he was a second time married, to Mrs. Sarah A. Merris, born in 1814, and reared near Columbus, Ohio. She is the daughter of James S. and Eliza White, both of Virginia, the latter of Westmoreland county. Her parents, James S. and Eliza White, emigrated to Ohio when young, where they were married, and resided till 1840, and came the same year and located in Fulton county, Illinois, where the mother died a few weeks after their arrival, aged fifty-three years, the father in 1852, aged sixty-nine years. They were farmers and members of the Presbyterian church. Mr.
tycoming county, born
1811.
in
Pence, both of Pennsylvania.
Plis
:
:
;
;
;
Pence has a well improved farm of 480 acres.
He
raises
Durham
horses, mules and The subject of this sketch, Jesse Butlee, was bom in Ohio in 1826. He is the son of Henry and Charity Butler, both of whom were natives of Maryland and emigrated to Yirginia, where they were There they reared a family. married, then to Ohio, near Zanesville. The father died in 1855 at the age of eighty-five; the mother died at the age of eighty-two. His business was that of a farmer. He was teamster in the war of 1812. At the time he located in Ohio the land
hogs of the best breeds.
cattle,
was not yet in market. twenty-four years.
He
He and
held the
wife were
office of justice
members
of the peace
of the old school Bap-
IIISTOEY OF
1290
MEECEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
Samuel Baxter, emigrated to Ohio at where he died, a member of the Jesse Butler was reared on Baptist church, in his eighty-fourth year. the farm. His early education was that of the common school. In 1856 he eoiigtated to Wisconsin in 1864 to Hancock county. In 1874 he located in Henderson county, where he now resides, on a fine farm He was married in 1848 to Elizabeth Tatham, of Ohio, of 160 acres. born in 1829, and daughter of John and Mary A. Tatham, both natives They came to New York state when young. They were of England. married in New York and emigrated to Ohio about 1822. By trade he was a weaver. He was born in 1800 and died in 1857. His wife died in 1859, at the age of forty-nine years. They were members of Mr. Butler has by this marriage eight the old school Baptist church. children one died an infant, Sylvester, Harry, Virginia (deceased at the age of twelve), Mary A., Charity, William L., Arthur V, His tist
church.
His
wife's father,
the same time as did
Henry
Butler,
;
:
wife
is
a
member
masonic lodge charter
He
of the Baptist church.
at Karitan, of the I.O.O.F. at
is
a
member
of the
LaHarpe, where he
is
a
member.
The subject of this sketch, James M. Williams, is a native of Ohio, born in 1 822, son of Joseph and Margaret (Harper) Williams. They were married in* Ohio at Zanesville, settled near that town, and raised a family without emigrating. The father died at the age of seventyseven years, the mother died when about the same age. He was by He served in the war of 1812. James M. was trade a blacksmith. reared to the business of the farm, which he has always followed. His early educational training
as he could get in the common In 1852 he came to Illinois and located
was such
schools of his neighborhood.
Hancock county, where he remained three years, when he moved Henderson county and located where he now lives. In 1860 he was married to Sarah J. Mace, of Ohio, born in 1831, daughter of Simeon and Nancy (La Mar) Mace, both of whom were natives of Ohio.' They came to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1851. Her mother died in 1852 the father now lives in Kansas. James M. Williams by this marriage has seven children: Marion J., Margaret A., Mary, Hannah M., James IT., Cora J., and Harvey M. He has a fine farm of eighty acres and keeps a good grade of stock. He and wife are members
in to
;
of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Among
now visible
C. Paul, the subject of this sketch.
Vermont, yeas old,
who have witnessed the Henderson county, is MsLZAy
those living here at the present,
progress of improvements
in
He
is
a native of the State of
boi-n in 1815, resided in his native state until
when he emigrated
to Jefferson county,
New
he was sixteen York, with his
'
TEEEE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
1293'
Jeremiah and Polly (Parker) Paul, both of whom were of Vermont. They were married and lived in their native state till they emigrated to New York, where they died the father in 1851, at the age of fifty-seven the mother in 1842, aged about forty-eight years. In 1836 M. C. Paul was married to Mary A. "Wescott, of Jefferson county, New York, born in 1812, daughter of Henry and Amy D. (Gushing) "Wescott, both of Massachusetts, and emigrated to New York when young. In 1855 they came to Illinois, where they both died the father a few weeks after their arrival, at the age of seventy-seven the mother thirteen years after, at the age of eighty-four years. He was a
parents,
;
;
,
;
;
man
highly respected for his integrity she was an ardent christian and a member of the Close-Communion Baptist church. The last eight years of her life she was blind, but was never heard to complain of her lot. By this marriage Mr. Paul has six children: Cyntha M. (deceased), Alvah W. (deceased), Anna D., Rhoda B., Melzar A., and an infant (deceased). The first died fourteen months after her marriage. In 1861 Alvah W. enlisted, at the first call made by the President, in ;
He
the Ist Dl. Vols. for ninety days. ,
compelled him to remain
home
served out his time.
for a spell.
Upon
Lincoln for 600,000 men, he again enlisted in Co. B, 91st against the advice of his sergeant, afterward
was a
many
He was
friends.
Ill
health
the call of President
'first
111.
Vols.,
appointed
promoted to the office of second lieutenant. He During the last few months of his service he
faithful officer.
acted as adjutant of the regiment.
company a part of the Spanish Fort
won
the
time.
He was
detailed captain of the
His gallant conduct
admiration of
all,
at the siege of
carrying orders through
showers of balls and exploding shells whenever ordered. His bravery and fearlessness was the theme of praise by both officers and men.
He was at Bacon Creek, Brownsville, Texas, Mobile and Whistler. The company was all taken prisoner and paroled at Bacon Creek. When his friends urged him not to enlist again in the army he was heard to remark that all the friends of the country were going to the army and only the rebels were remaining he said with these he could :
At war he returned home, having lost his health in the ai-my. He engaged in mercantile business at Sagetown. There he remained with a good trade till his death which occurred in 1876, in his thirty-seventh year. He married Mattie E. Eussel, by whom he had one child, Jessie A., whose mother died in 1882. Mr. M. C. Paul was elected associate judge and served four years. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Terre Haute. He has not associate.
He
enlisted forty raen in the service of his country.
the close of the
formerly farmed, but because of his age has 73
moved
to the village of
1294
HI8T0KY OF MEECEE
AJSTD
HENDEESON COUNTIES.
Terre Haute, where he wishes to spend the remainder of his days in quietude, leaving his farm of 120 acres to the care of his son Melzar A.
Among
now gone to rest is Price Lovitt, the was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1822, son of John W. Sr. and Anna Lovitt the father of Maryland, John and Winneford the mother of Ohio, where they were married. (Scott) Lovitt, the parents of John W. Lovitt Sr. emigrated from Wales to America at a very early time and located in Ohio. Price .Lovitt's mother died in 1827, at the age of twenty-three years, his father John W. Lovitt Sr. in 1876, at the ripe old age of eighty-one years. was a farmer and miller. He came to Illinois in 1840 and located in McDonough county, where he died. He was a member of the Baptist the early settlers
subject of this sketch.
He
;
church, his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Price Lovitt
where he died in 1880. In 1844 was married to Mary J. Grigsby, of Vermont, born in 1825, and came to Ohio with her parents, John and Sarah Grigsby, when she was a little girl. Her parents were both natives of Virginia. Her father in died 1870, aged eighty years, her mother in 1833, aged forty years. father served in the war of 1812, and he was an early settler of Her where he and his wife died. Price Lovitt had by this marriage Ohio, ten children: Sarah (deceased), Oliver, John W., Alon^o, Clarrissa (deceased), Cordelia, Francis, Marion, Viola and Jesse. He was a man well respected in the community. His wife resides on the old homestead and is a member of the Baptist church. John "W. Lovitt, Sr., son of Price Lovitt, was born in 1847, and reared on the farm. In 1869 he went to Iowa, where he remained thirteen years, then returned to the old homestead where he now resides. In 1864 he enlisted in the army in the 128th 111. Vols., Co. and served one year. He was at the battles of Blakely, Spanish G, Mobile. Fort and In 1872 he was married to Anna Kerby, native of Henderson county, Illinois, born in 1849, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Kerby her father of Maryland, her mother of Virginia. The former died in 1864, aged sixty years the latter is now living in Henderson county, and is fifty-eight years old. He was a member of the located in 1840 in township
8, section 5,
;
:
I.O.O.F., she of the Baptist church. three children
:
John W. has by this marriage He owns a fine farm con-
Harry, Loy and Blanchie.
160 acres, located one mile and a quarter north of Terre Haute, and keeps a good grade of farm stock. He and wife are members of the Christian church. sisting of
W1L1.IAM E. Louden, the subject of this history, is a native of Trimble county, Kentucky; bom in 1833, son of William and Milla (Hancock) Louden the father a native of Kentucky, the mother of ;
TEERE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
1295
They were married in Kentucky. His father, Oliver Louden, located in Kentucky when the state was in its pioneer days. Her people emigrated to Kentucky with its early settlers. William
Virginia.
Louden died His wife
still
in his native state in 1859, at the age of fifty-six years. resides on the old homestead in Kentucky, and is now
"William Louden and wife from early life were members of the Free -Will Baptist church. They were by occupation sixty-nine years old.
He held the office of justice of the peace for several years and at one time was candidate for the legislature of the State of Kentucky. William E. Louden was reared on the farm. His early education consisted of such training as he could get in the pioneer log school-house of his neighborhood. He came to Illinois in 1858 and
farmers.
Hancock county, where he remained till 1879, when he Henderson county, Illinois. He now resides in the southeast quarter of townsMp 8, range 5. In 1855 he was married to Samantha James, of Ohio, bom in 1833, and daughter of Ivan and Lydia A. James, the father from Maryland, the mother from Pennsylvania. They first emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio. In 1853 they settled in Edgar county, Illinois, where the latter died in 1855, at the ag^of fifty-three years. The former came to Hancock county, where he died in 1872, at the age of sixty-eight years. They were farmers by occupation, and members of the Methodist Episcopal church. William E. Louden by this marriage has seven children: Edward, Ida M., John W., Josephine, Sydney, Lulu and Eoxy. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. L. is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge at Terre Haute. He has a farm of 160 acres of fine land well improved and fairly stocked with the best grades of
located in
moved
to
common
stock.
Among the present Beijen. He is a native in 1836.
Jersey.
men of Terre Haute is Stephen H. Monds county, New Jersey, and was born His parents were Isaac H. and Mary A. Bruen, both of New They were bom, reared, and raised their family in the same business of
His mother died in 1862, at the good old age of sixty having moved from the place of her childhood. In 1868 his father came to Illinois and located with his son Stephen at Isaac H. Bruen is a cooper by Terre Haute, where he now remains. trade. He is now eighty-four years old. His wife was a member of the Presbyterian church. The history of the Bruen family in America neighborhood.
years, without ever
was begun by three brothers coming over fi-om England, if not previous Stephen H. received only a comto the revolution, very shortly after. mon school education. When sixteen years of age he went to learn the mercantile business, which he has pursued constantly with the
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COtlNTIES.
1296
exception of four years he was in the service and ten years he spent in
farming in this county. 1861, in the 7th close of the war.
He
enlisted in the service of his country in
New Jersey Yols., Co. K, and served till 1865, the He was with the army of the Potomac. He entered
the service as a private and was promoted to the office of first lieutenant and quartei'master, which position he held at the time he was discharged.
He was
in the adjutant's department previous to his promo-
tion to the lieutenancy.
almost a continuous
During
battle.
his first
He was
He was
Wilderness, second battle at Bull Run.
Mary Magie, a
native of
New
month of
service
he was in
in the seven days' fight in the
married in 1869 to and daughter of
Jersey, born in 1861,
William H. and Unas Magie. They were both natives of New Jersey, and came to Illinois about 1856, and located in Henderson county, where they remained seven years. They then moved to Chicago and returned to Henderson county in 1869, then rettrned to New Jersey in 1874, and came again to Henderson in 1875, then removed to Crawford county, Kansas, where they now live. They are farmers. S. H. Bruen, by this marriage, has three children Bertie, William H. and :
Koyal C. For the past three years he has been engaged in general merchandise in Terre Haute, and has a live trade. He is presei\t postmaster, and a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge of that place.
The Sloan
family,
now
residents of this township, consists of the
Thomas W. and Woekman Sloan. The last-named is deceased. They are the sons of Robert and Ruth (Frisby) Sloan. The father was a native of Ireland and came to America about 1790 with his father, John Sloan, and located in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where the last-named (John Sloan) died. Ruth Frisby Sloan was born in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio, where she was families of Feisby,
who died in 1839 at the age of about fifty-nine now living with her son, Thomas W., and is a member of the Free-Will Baptist church she is now eighty-three years old. Frisby Sloan was born in 1820, in Muskingum county, Ohio, and married to Mr. Sloan, years.
His wife
is
;
came
to Illinois in 1852, and located in Hancock county, where he remained but a short time, when he moved to Oquawka. There he resided twenty-nine years, and now lives in this township. He is a stonemason by trade, which vocation he has followed most of his life. In 1847 he was married to Phcsbe Spangler, of Muskingum county, Ohio, born in 1825, daughter of Mathias and Sarah (Wells) Spangler the father of Maryland, the latter of Pennsylvania. They were married in Ohio, and emigrated to Illinois in 1851. The father was born in 1793 and died in 1864 the mother was born in 1791 and died in 1854. They were members of the Baptist church. He served in ;
TEKEE HAUTE TOWNSHIP. the
war of 1812.
1297
Fiisby Sloan has by this marriage six children:
Ann Eliza, William C, Louis E., Judson, Emma and Laura. Workman Sloan was born in 1825, in Ohio. He came to Illinois at the age of twenty-two years,
and located in Hancock county, where he resided
when he came to Henderson county and located widow now lives. He was married in 1853 to Pere Roberts,
four or five years,
where his
of Pennsylvania, born in
1831,
daughter of James and Lucretia
(Morris) Roberts; the father born in 1785, the mother in Pennsyl-
vania in 1787, and died in 1867.
In 1851 they came to Illinois and Hancock county, where they lived the remainder of their days. They were farmers and lived near La Hai-pe. He was in belief Quaker she a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Penna sylvania. They raised a family of thirteen children. Woi-kman Sloan had by this union five children: James R., Erisby (deceased), Rhienhart M., Pleasant J. and Nancy E. (deceased). He and wife were His members of the Baptist church. oldest child joined the church when thirteen years old his second when only ten years old. RhienMr. Sloan left his family hart M. remains at home with his mother. located in
;
;
in
good circumstances.
His farm consisted of 136
northwest corner of the township.
acres, located in the
Thomas W. Sloan was bom
in
1824
He was reared on the farm. In 1850 he came to Illinois and located in McDonough county, where he remained three years, when he moved to Henderson county, where he now resides. He has His aged a farm of 120 acres and keeps a good grade of farm stock. mother lives with him. He has remained a bachelor. He is a member in Ohio.
of the Free-Will Baptist church at Terre Haute.
RuBEKTS, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Morgan county, Illinois, bom in 1834, and son of Milton B. and Ann (Mathews) The father lived in his native state till Eubei-ts, both of Kentucky. he was seventeen years old, when he came to Illinois. In 1827 he was R.
W.
mines in the north part his way back in 1832 he marked his claim by sticking up a spoon in North Henderson. He made three campaigns during the years 1827, 1831 and 1832.
by the governor
called out
to defend the lead
of the state at Galena against the Indians.
He was
at
Rock
Island
On
when Black Hawk was taken prisoner. He He now lives in McDonough county.
by occupation a farmer. He was twice married. His
is
first wife, Ann (Mathews), died in 1842. second wife, Sarah A. Terry. R. W. was reared on the farm. He has always followed farming. In 1866 he married Mary J. Connor, of Oliio, born in 1841, daughter of James and Nancy Connor, the former of Virginia, the latter of Maryland,
He now
lives with his
and went to Ohio when young with her parents.
She was a member
HISTORY OF MEECEE
1298
AND HBNDEESON
COUNTIES.
W.
Euberts has by this marriage four R., and Jennie 0. He moved to La Salle county with his parents in 1835, and remained there till 1854 or 1855, then in 1858 to near Raritan, Henderson county, where he remained till the breaking out of the war in 1861, when he enlisted in Capt. Dallom's company, raised at Oquawka. The captain was promoted to the office of ma,]'or of the 10th 111. and the company lost its place in that regiment. Then a part went to Earl, of the Christian church.
children:
Emma
L.,
E.
Edward H., Bessie
,
La
Salle county,
the 53d his
111.
and was recruited by Capt. Hudson and made a part of
Vols. , in which Mr. Huberts was first corporal.
company
four times from this and adjoining counties.
the following battles
:
Shiloh, Corinth.
He
He recruited He was in
then marched to Memphis
luca, where he was wounded in the hip. He was taken prisoner Holly Spring, where he was in the hospital and paroled, and was exchanged then in the siege of Vicksburg, then at Jackson, and was wounded in the hand, and came home on veteran furlough. He
and at
;
returned and was under Gen. Blair and joined Sherman at Altoona,
and continued with the army till Sherman reached Savannah, when his time expired and he returned home. He was 28 miles from camp with a party of 800 men when they were attacked by 14,000 rebels, and made their way back to camp in about seven hours, fighting aU the time. He was present when McPherson was killed at Atlanta, where they had to defend themselves on both sides of the breastworks, having been surrounded. He was detailed after the battle of Shiloh with a company of nine men to bury dead rebels, and to collect their wounded, and worked three days and nights without rest. Among the energetic business men of this township is Claeence He was born in 1848 in Hancock county, a short disJR. GiTriNGS. tance from the south line of Henderson, where he was reared on the farm of his father. His parents, James and Mrs. Susan Thompson (Dague) Gittings, were among the pioneers of this section of the country. The father is a native of Jefferson county, Virginia, born in His 1801, and the oldest of his father's family of eleven children. parents were Ason and Elizabeth Gittings. James Gittings, when four years old, moved with his parents from his native state to Belmont county, Ohio, and afterward to Muskingum county. Here he remained till 1836. He worked at the carpenter's trade, then engaged in the tobacco trade with success, then shipped flour from Janesville to New Orleans, and made but few trips before he owned the craft that carried his produce to market. In 1836 he came west in search of a home. After viewing Chicago, with its few dilapidated buildings, he came to Hancock county, where he now resides, and opened a farm in the then
where
wilderness,
1299
has proved himself a successful business
man
Almost from his first settling here he has been interested in this township. He was twice married first in 1832 to Jane Van Horn, of Ohio, by whom he had four sons and two daughters; his second marriage was with Susan (Thompson) Dague, in 1844, widow of the late Frederick Dague, of Wheeling, Virginia, with whom he is now living. By this last marriage he has three children, two sons and a daughter. Clarence E. received a fair common school education and three years' training in college. He was married in 1871 and a good
.
lie
TEEEE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
citizen.
:
Mary "Witherspoon, of Mineville, New York, daughter of Robert and Margaret Witherspoon, the father of Ireland, now living in New York, and is sixty-eight years old: The mother died when their daughter Mary was two years old, aged about thirty years. C. R. Gittings has by this marriage two children, Robert F. and Charles S. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. and holds the office of justice of the peace in T. 8, R. 6. He has a farm of 280 acres one mile south of Terre Haute. He keeps a good grade of stock. He is a member of the firm of Lovitt, Gittings & Co., which deals in all kinds of agricultural The firm does business at implements and buys and ships grain. Disco, Lomax and Terre Haute. J. "W. Crenshaw is a native of Hehderson county, bom in 1844, and son of Isaac and Mary Crenshaw. His father was a native of They came with the early settlers Georgia, his mother of Kentucky. and located in T. 8, R. 4, where Isaac Crenshaw died in 1880 at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, Mary Crenshaw, is yet living on
to
'
the old homestead farm.
They both. are old soldiers of the cross in J. "W. was reared on the farm where
the Methodist Episcopal church.
he was born. He was educated in the common schools of his neighIn 1872 he married Alice E. Duncan, of Henderson county. She was bom in 1860, and is the daughter of Thomas and Martha Duncan. Her father is a native of Tennessee, her mother of McDonough county, Illinois. They are farmers. Mr. Crenshaw has by this marriage four children Millie E., Mabel M., Asa F. and Ethel. He owns a fine farm of 160 acres near the south line of the township and borhood.
:
is
a successful fanner.
He
and wife are members of the Christian
church.
R. 5, is John Mills, subject York, bom in 1830. His of this sketch. He of whom were reared, marboth parents were Isaac and Joanna Mills, He state, New York. native their ried, raised a family, and died in
Of the
citizens
now
resident of T.
is a native of
was a grocer.
He
8,
New
and wife were members of the Presbyterian church.
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1300
He
served in the war of 1812. The Mills family emigrated to America from England in the early days of American history, and located in New York. Mr. John Mills was reared to farm, the business of his father. His early educational training was received in Morris county, New York, the home of his boyhood. In 1869 he emigrated to Henderson county with his family, and located one half mile east of In 1851 he was married Terre Haute, where he has since resided. to Henrietta Bruen, daughter of Isaac and Mary A. Bruen. Her native home was near Madison, New York. In 1869 her parents came to Henderson county, Illinois. Her mother is. deceased her father now resides in Terre Haute, and is eighty-four years old. The Bruen famUy emigrated to America from Germany at a very early time. Isaac Bruen was by trade a cooper, but by occupation a farmer. His wife was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Mills has by this marriage two children, George E. and Adellaid. He is a member of masonic lodge at Morristown, New York, and is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge at Terre Haute. He has a farm of 160 acres of fine land, and keeps a good grade of farm stock. He is present assessor ;
of his township.
James Mathews is a native of Ireland, born in 1831. His parents emigrated to America the year of his birth, and located in Hicks county. New York, where he was reared and educated. His immediate anwere James and Betsy Mathews, both native of Ireland, where His father died in 1881, aged sixty-seven years his mother in 1880, aged seventy-seven years. They were farmers, and members of the Close Communion Baptist, of which church they were members almost fifty years. In 1865 James Mathews Sr. emigrated fi-om New York to Henderson, Illinois, with his family, and located in T. 8, E. 5, where he has since resided. In 1853 he was married to Sarah L. Twaits, of New York, born in 1833, daughter of William and Sarah (Nayes) Twaits. Her father was of England, her mother of New Hampshire. Her father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in 1879, at the age of seventy-five years her mother died about 1841, at the early age of thirty years both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. James Mathews Jr., by this marriage, has nine children Edward, James (deceased), Isabell, Netta, George, Hattie, Henry, 'Ida and Ella. He and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist church at Terre Haute. He has a well improved farm of cestors
they died.
;
;
;
:
eighty acres.
is
Eev. P. S. Gaeretson is a native of New Jersey, born in 1840, and son of John and Alletta (Christopher) Garretson, both of New York.
His father died
in
New York
State in 1857, at the age of forty-eight
TEEEE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
1301
His father and mother were members of the Dutch Reformed His mother, in 1868, located at Galesburg, Illinois, where she resided seven years. She then went to Philadelphia, where she died in 18Y6, at the age of seventy-four years. Her daughter, Elsa M., went to China as a missionary worker in 1880. Rev. liarretson was reared on the farm at Bound Brook, New York. He began his education in Pennington College, New York. In 1865 he came to Illinois and entered Hedding College, at Abington, where he remained two years, when he entered the ministry, which profession he has since fulfilled. In 1868 joined Central Illinois conference. Since that time he has been located at the following places as pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church Orian, Viola, Colana, Henry county Port Byron, Eock Island county Millersburg, Mercer county Bardolph and Terre Haute. At the latter place he has been stationed for the past three years. In 1862 he enlisted in the army, Co. K, 30th N. Y. Vols., and served eighteen months. He was in the engagements at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, but was discharged before the engagement at the last named place was begun. In 1865 he enlisted a second time in the service of his country in the 150th ]S". Y.Vols., and was stationed on Hart Island to do guard duty. In 1871 he was married to Mary M. Pratt, a native of Illinois, born in 1844, and daughter Her father was of of William M. and Margaret S. (Whitaker) Pratt.
years.
church.
;
:
;
;
Vermont, her mother of Ohio. They located in Sangamon county, Her father died in 1878, aged Illinois, with the pioneer settlers. her mother in 1881, at the age of seventy-five. seventy-six years They were ard^t christians and members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1837 they moved to Hancock county, and remained five then years, during which time their daughter, Mary M., was born they moved to Stark county in 1860, and lastly they moved to Knox Mrs. Mary M. Garretson graduated at county, where they both died. Hedding College with the class of '69, after which she taught school for ;
;
Eev. P. S. Garretson by this marriage has five children Garret E., Allie M., Eddy, Elsa (deceased), and Garfield. Dr. B. F. Hamilton, present practicing physician of Terre Haute, is His parents were Eobert and Lavina a native of Ohio, born in 1837. (Sallee) Hamilton. His father was a native of Ohio, his mother of a time.
:
Kentucky.
His father
home with
his children.
is
now
seventy-two years' old and makes his at the age of sev-
His mother died in 1881,
She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, Robert Hamilton. They emigrated, in 1852, to Missouri. By occupation they were farmers. Dr. Hamilton was reared on the farm. At the age of eighteen he left the farm and began enty-two years. as
is
also her husband,
HISTORY OF MEEOEE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1302
teaching school, which he followed a part of the time for a few years. He then a.ttended college at Quincy, Illinois. He read medicine with
Henry and G. Black, at Clayton, Illinois. He graduated Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, with the class of '67. In 1867 he began the practice of medicine at Camp Point. In 1870 he came to Terre Haute, where he has since resided with the exception of two years, where he was located at Uallas, Hancock county. In 1867 he was married to Sarah F. Keaugh, of Illinois, daughter of Samuel and Mahala (Pound) Keaugh. They were both natives of Kentucky. Her father died in 1881, at the age of sixty-seven years. Her mother They were farmers and is now living and is sixty-three years old. members of the Christian church. They came to Illinois when young and located near Quincy. Dr. Hamilton has by this marriage six children Oweenee, Mary, Leander, Orville, Jessie and Lavina M. He owns a nice town property of nine acres, besides other buildings and lots in Terre Haute, and has a good practice. He and his wife are
Drs. Samuel in the
:
members of the Christian church M. L. RoDEEicK, the subject
at Bedford, in
Hancock county.
of this sketch,
is
a native of Hender-
now resides.* His David F. Eodrick, was a native of Ohio, and came to Henderson county when a young man, with its early settlers, and located in In 1861 he enlisted T. 8, K. 6, where his son, M. L., now resides. in the army, and died in the service. maiTied Mahala Magnes, ol He children Mathew and Charley F. He Ohio, by whom he had two L., farmed all his life. His widow married Captain James Fritzs, and now lives in Kansas. In 1875 Mathew L. was married to Jennie Mills, born in 1856 in Hancock county, and daughter of John and Elizabeth (Scott) Mills. Her father was born in Morgan county, Elinois her mother was born in Hancock county, Illinois. They now reside in Hancock county. By this marriage M. L. Rodrick has three children: Wesley S., Frederick E., and an infant not named. He is now twenty-eight years old. He has a well improved farm of 160 acres, fairly stocked with good grades of farm stock. Jacob Retzee, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1844. His parents were George and Catherine Eetzer, the former a native of Maryland, coming to Pennsylvania when young, the latter a native of Pennsylvania. They came to Illinois in 1855, and located in Henderson county, where the former died in December, 1881, aged seventythree; the latter in March, 1882, aged sixty-seven. The subject of this memoir was eleven years old when he came with his parents to Henderson county, which has since been his home. He was reared on the farm, receiving a common school education. He volunteered son county, born and reared on the farm where he
father,
:
;
TEEEE HAUTE TOWNSHIP. in 1860 in 91st
111.
Yols., Co. B, and served three years, taking part
Bacon creek, Kentucky, where he was Spanish Port, Alabama, Whistler, and was married in 1871 to Miss Addie Wallace, a native of
in the following
engagements
taken prisoner
at Atchafayla,
Mobile.
He
Pennsylvania,
1303
;
bom
in
:
1846,
of George
daughter
and Catherine
The latter died in Pennsylvania, aged forty-one years the former came to Henderson county, Illinois, remaining one year, then spending two years in Hancock county, again returning to Henderson He made his home among his children, and died in Dee county. Wallace.
;
Moines, Iowa, in 1879, aged eighty-two years. He was a carpenter by trade. By this marriage Jacob Petzer has four children Pay W., :
Blanche E. (deceased), and Frederick. He is heir to an interest in 640 acres of land is a successful farmer and respected man. He keeps common grade stock. E. H. Tkask is a native of Oneida county, New York. He was bom in 1832. His parents were James H. and Frances H. Trask. His They emigrated father was of New York, his mother of Connecticut. In 1862 moved to to Iowa in 1842, and located in Louisa county. Keokuk. In 1864 to Henderson county, Blinois. His father died at Terre Haute in 1881, at the age of seventy-one years. His mother is now living at JS'ew Boston, Mercer county, this state, and is seventyone years old. His father was a tailor by trade. In 1849 he went to California, where he spent two years, then returned and engaged in He was a the mercantile business, which he followed till his death.
Maud
E., Catherine T.,
;
member
of the Masonic order, his wife a
member
of the Presbyterian
Dr. Trask was reared in town, went to Iowa with his parents. He was educated principally in Louisa county, Iowa read medicine He attended the Eclectic Medical College at with Dr. T. H. Bras. In 1856 he began Cincinnati, Ohio, taking two courses of lectures. church.
;
In 1863 he located in Terre Haute, In 1873 he returned to Louisa county, Iowa. In 1880 he returned to Terre Haute, where he is now located. He has a paying practice. In 1867 he was married to Mary L. Parsons, a Her father was native of Canada, and daughter of W. D. Parsons. the practice of medicine in Louisa county, Iowa.
Canada, and died when his daughter Mary L. was five years Dr. Trask has by this marriage eight children Frank L., Albert
also of old.
:
W., Laurence, Nettie M., George P., Carrie G., Jessie and Cyril. Lewis P. Maynaed is a native of Hancock county, Illinois, born in 1839. His parents Lewis C. and Adaline (Ward) Maynard, both of Massachusetts. They emigrated in 1836 to Hancock county, Illinois, from M:assachusetts, where they were married previous to their emigration. They are both living near La Harpc. They are farmers by
:
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1304
members
His father is mother seventy-two. L. P. was reared on the farm in Hancock county. His early education was such as he could get during the winter months in the district school. In 1861 he enlisted in the 7th la. Vols., Co. B, and served four years in the army of the Tennessee, in Logan's corps. He was in the following battles Belmont, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, and with Sherman in his march to the sea. In 1866 he was married to M. J. Kirkpatrick, of Virginia, born in 1838, and daughter of George and Maria Kirkpatrick the father of Virginia, the mother of England. In 1865 they came to Hancock county, Illinois, and settled on a farm, and now live vocation and
now
of the Congregational church.
seventy-six years old, his
;
La Harpe. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Maynard has by this marriage three children Euth, George R. and Susan. He has a well improved farm of 160 acres, well stocked. Thomas Morgan is a native of England. He was born in 1811, in Monmouthshire. His parents were William and Anna Morgan, both of England, where they died. His mother died in 1837, aged sixty-eight years his father died in 1847, aged seventy-five years. They were farmers and members of the Baptist church, in which he held the office of deacon for forty years. In 1848 Thomas Morgan came to America, and located in New York, where he remained three years. In 1851 he came and located in Henderson county, where he now resides. He was married, in 1836, to Mary Howell, of England, born in 1806, daughter of Walter and Jane Howell. They were Engglish people and members of the Church of England. Her father died in 1846, at the age of seventy-two years. In 1854 her mother died, aged eighty years. By this marriage Mr. Morgan has a family of six children, three of whom are dead: Anna, Jane, George, Annah (deceased), Thomas (deceased), John (deceased). He has a well improved farm of 160 acres. He and wife are members of the Freein
:
;
Will Baptist chiirch.
George Morgan, 1840, and
is
son of
subject of this sketch,
was born in England in
Thomas and Mary Morgan, whose
history will
appear in the biographical department of this township. George Morgan came to America with his parents and located in New York, where he remained two years; then he came to Henderson county, where he has since lived. His early education was that of the common school. He was married in 1863 to Sarah Richards, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Wm. and Harriet Ricliards. The father, of Pennsylvania, and came to Henderson county, Illinois, then moved to Missouri, where the mother died in 1881, aged seventy^five years.
The
father
was a farmer and a member of the Methodist Episcopal
TEEEE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
1306
His widow now lives in Iowa, "Wayne county. Mr. Morgan marriage has six children Anna, George, Mary, Ella, Thomas and Maggie. He enlisted in the war in 1862, January 1, in the 10th served one year, when he was discharged because of 111. Vols., Co. G
church.
by
this
:
;
He was
a sunstroke.
Tiptonville, besides
peace and are
is
in the battles of Corinth, Island No. 10 and
numerous
.skirmishes.
He
is
now
justice of the
He and
serving his second term as notary public.
members of the Methodist Episcopal
He
church.
is
a
wife
member and
He owns a and town property in
chaplain of the Soldiers' lodge at Carman, this county.
farm of 160 acres in the north part of T. Terre Haute.
8,
K.
5,
subject of this sketch, was bom in 1840, on where he now resides. His parents were Noble and and Abagail McKim. His father was born in Ohio, his mother in Yermont. She died in 1856, aged forty-nine years. They came to Henderson county in 1839 and located in T. 8, R. 6, on the farm where Here his father resided till 1873, when their son Marion now lives. he moved to Dallas to spend the remainder of his days in retired life. He is by trade a brick-mason, but made farming the business of his life. He is now seventy-four years old. The McKim family formerly came from Ireland. Marion McKim superintends his father's farm. In 1864 he was married to Rebecca Grey, born in 1833, native of Ohio, daughter of John O. and Jane E. (Bryant) Grey, both of Vermont. They came to Illinois in 1844, and located in Hancock county, then moved to Rock Island county, where they both died, the father in the mother in 1876, at the age of seventy 1873, aged sixty-four years Mr. years. Hir mother was a member of the Mormon church. Abagail, Robert A., children four McKim, by this marriage, has Frank and ¥red B. He and wife are members of the Free-Will Bap-
Maeiost
McKim, the
his father's farm,
;
:
tist
The McKim family
church, at Terre Haute.
is
justly entitled to
name of pioneer settlers The subject of this sketch, John T. Chaitoleb, is a native of Greene He was born in 1838, and is son of Jesse and county, Pennsylvania. of Henderson.
the
His father is a native of Virginia, his mother of Pennsylvania, where they were married. They emigrated, in 1844, to McDonough county, Illinois, and located six miles west of McComb, where they remained till 1846. They then moved to Hancock county. Rachel Chandler.
helped to drive out the Mormons, by_ assisting in the uprising of the people at that period against that sect." In 1852 he moved to HenHe now lives in Abington, derson county, and located in T. 8, R. 6. Knox county. His wife died in 1858. He is now sixty-eight years
He
old
and
is
living a retired
life.
He
at various times
held such of the
: :
HISTORY OF MEECEE
1306
AND HENDEESON
COUNTIES.
upon him. The Chandler family in America are descendants of three brothers who came to America in John T. was reared on the farm. His early education early times. was that of the common school. He enlisted in the army in 1861 in In 1862 he marthe 10th 111. Vols., Co. D, and served three months. ried Sarah A. Lovitt, of Ohio, born in 1844, daughter of Price and Mary J. Lovitt, whose history will appear in the biogi'aphical department of She died in 1875. By this marriage Mr. Chandler this township. had two children Albert E. and Oliver. Mr. Chandler has a weU improved farm of 320 acres. He keeps short-horn cattle and good townsliip oflSces as were forced
:
grades of other farm stock.
William Kobinson was born
in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania,
and made that state his home until 1869. He then moved to Illinois and located in Terre Haute, Henderson county, where his eldest brother, Joseph, was then living. He is the youngest His parents of a family of eight children, four of whom are living. were James and Catherine (Retzer) Robinson, both natives of Pennsylvania, who died in their native state, the former in 1865, aged eightyfour years the latter in 1849, aged seventy years. The subject of this sketch spent his early years on the farm, receiving a limited education, such as the subscription schools of that age afforded, that being before September
21, 1821,
;
the days of public schools.
He
afterward learned the shoemaker's
which has been his chief occupation. He was twice married first in 1841, to Miss Trancina Lewis, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in 1849 subsequently married in 1855, to Miss Ann E. Pennell, also a native of Pennsylvania. By the first marriage he has four children: Joseph P., John S., Thomas M. and Mary T. (now wife of John T. Le Fevre). By the second marriage he has three children His eldest son, Joseph, enlisted in "W. Howard, A. Ella and Leta L. Co. A, 97th reg. Pa. Vols., in 1861, and served three years, aftertrade,
;
ward locating in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania. The other children all reside in Henderson county, except Howard, who lives in Disco, Hancock county. Mr. Robinson and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge, Terre Haute.
Melzae a. Paul, State in 1848,
whose history
and
is
the subject of this sketch,
a son of Melzar C. and
yas born
Mary A.
in
New York
(Wescott) Paul,
will appear in the biographical department of this townMelzar A. was reared on the farm, and received only a common school education. He came to Henderson county with his parents when seven years old, where he has since lived. He was married in 1880 to Miss Josie Rodgers, of Illinois, born in 1830, daughter of ship.
TEEEE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
1307
William and Mary Kodgers the father of Missouri, the latter of JSTew York. They came here with the first settlers, and now live one mile south of Terre Haute, and are farmers. Mr. Paul has a fine farm of 120 acres and keeps a good grade of farm stock. ;
John Foebes, the
subject of this history,
a native of Scotland;
is
born in 1818, and the only surviving member of his father's family. His parents were Alexander and Jane (McFarland) Forbes. They were reared and spent their lives in their native country.
age of sixty years
to the
The
father lived
the mother died in 1845, at the age of
;
They were members of the Presbyterian church of and by occupation farmers. In 1850 John Forbes emigrated to America and located at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he remained one year; then he moved to Jackson county, Wisconsin, where he resided twenty years and carried on the business of a lumberman. In 1872 he came to Henderson county, where he now resides. He was married in 1855 to Sarah K. Heisler, of Ohio, bom in 1832, and daughter of William and Sarah (Edmunds) Heisler. The father died in 1879, aged seventy-six years the mother in 1834, at the age of .twenty-one years. Mr. Forbes by this marriage has seven children, two of whom died in infancy Ella (deceased at the age of twenty-four years) Myron, John, Emma and Stella. He formerly was a member forty-eight years.
Scotland,
;
:
;
his wife is a member of the has a fine farm of eighty acres,
of the Presbyterian church in Scotland
Methodist Episcopal church.
which
is fairly
He
;
stocked.
W. A.
EoGEES, the subject of this sketch, was born in Missouri in 1884, son of W. A. Sr. and Elizabeth Eogers, both of Tennessee. They emigrated to Missouri, where they were married, with their parents. The father died in 1842, at about fifty years of age. The
mother came to Illinois shortly after his death, and located in Schuyler then in 1849 came to Hancock county, where county, near Rushville She was a member of she died in 1878, at about seventy years of age. Her father, farmers. were They the Methodist Episcopal church. W. A. Jr. of 1812. war in the Daniel Biggs, served in the army In 1859 farming. followed was reared on the farm. He has always ;
he was married to Mrs. Mary E. Allen, formerly Miss Mary E. Allen, bom in 1818, in New York State, and daughter of Amasa and Susana (Farrington) Allen the father of Connecticut, the mother of ISTew ;
York, both of Terre Haute.
whom now By
her
live with their son,
first
Joseph Allen, north of
husband, Silas Allen,
who
died in 1854, at
Martha
J., Freehad five children has by this Rogers Mr. man, James M., Emma 0. and Susie. farm fine a has marriage two children Josaphine and William A. He
the age of thirty-nine year^, she
:
:
HISTOET OF MEBCBE AND HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1308
of 120 acres, fairly stocked.
He
is
a
member
of the Methodist Epis-
copal church and of the I.O.O.F. lodge at Terre Haute.
The
subject of this sketch,
Butler county, Pennsylvania.
Maeion Edmunds,
deceased, was born in His parents were Obediah and Lydia
Edmunds, whose history will appear in the sketch of Oliver Edmunds. was reared on the farm and came to Illinois with his parents spent the winter of six years, then three years in Wisconsin in the lumber He was married in 1848 to Martha J. Gittrade, running a saw mill. tings, of Kentucky, bom in 1828, and came to Illinois with her parents, Albion and Elizabeth Gittings, when she was fourteen years Her parents were both of Union county, Kentucky, and located old. in Hancock county in 1843, where the father died in 1844, at the age of fifty-six years, and the mother in 1858, aged sixty-five years. They were both members of the Catholic church. By occupation they were farmers. Marion Edmunds by this marriage had four children Mary E. (deceased), Simeon G., Francis A. and Lula E. His widow is a member of the Catholic church, and lives on the old homestead. Mr.
He
;
:
Edmunds
left his
family a fine farm of 300 acres well improved.
is justly entitled to
He was
county.
the respect of
all
a
be placed with the pioneer
man
settlers
He
of Henderson
of energetic and industrious habits and
won
who knew him.
Samuel Huntee, the
is a native of PennHis parents were William and Jane (Carr) Hunter the father of New York, the mother of Pennsylvania, where they were married. They emigrated to Muskingum county, Ohio, where they lived for seven years, when they moved about considerably. During these removals the father died, and his wife came with her son Samuel to Illinois, Henderson county, where she died in 1856. He was a cooper by trade. Samuel Hunter's early education was such as he could obtain in the district school. He went to work on a farm as soon as he was large enough to plow, which business he has since followed. He was married in 1851 to Lydia Heisler, of Ohio, born in 1833, and came to Henderson county with her parents, William and Hannah Edmunds Heisler, when she was five years old. By this union Samuel Hunter had twelve children Charles F. (deceased), Perry, Eliza A., John W., Joseph A., Mary M., Delia M., William, Harriet, Oliver E. and Lydia. A. (deceased in infancy). He has a nicely improved farm of forty-eight acres, fairly stocked with common
subject of this narrative,
sylvania, born in 1820. ;
:
grades.
Among the present business men of I'erre Haute, and those to whom I-Ienderson county is their birth-place and home, is James M. Allen. He was born in 1848, and reared on the farm. His early
^*^/^*i4;«^_
:
TEEEE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
1311
education was such training as he could get in the district school. He followed the vocation taught him by his father till 1881, when he engaged in the general mercantile business in Terre Haute, which business he still continues with a good trade. His father was Silas
and his mother Mary Allen, both of New York. They came to Illiand settled in Henderson county. The father died in 1851 the mother afterward married W. A. Eodgers, and now lives one mile south of Terre Haute. Silas Allen was a farmer, well respected by all in the community. He raised a family of five children, all of which are now living. J. M. was married in 1869, to Sarah Louisa Perry, a native of Wisconsin, born in 1851, and daughter of James and Lydia (Edmunds) Perry, both of Ohio came here with the early settlers. The mother died in 1856, aged thirty-two the father now lives in Wisconsin. They came to Henderson county from Wisconsin and returned. Mr. Allen has by this marriage three children Ida V. (deceased), James A. and Glide M. He and wife are members of the Methodist church. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge
nois in 1845, ;
;
;
:
at Terre
The
Haute. subject of this history,
in the State of Pennsylvania.
(Painter) Bryan.
The
William P. Bkyan, was born in 1825, His parents were John and Mary a native of Maryland, the latter of
father,
They emigrated from PennHancock county, where Henderson county, T. 8. E. 5, near
Pennsylvania, where they were married.
sylvania in 1839 to Illinois, and located in
moved
they lived one year, then
to
where the father died in 1879, at the the mother is now living, and is eighty-five
the south line of the township,
age of eighty-nine years
;
Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He held the office of justice of the peace for several years. He was a successful farmer all his life, a judicious and weU respected citizen.
years old.
He
reared a family of ten children, six of whom are now living. P. Bryan was reared on the farm in his native state, and received
Wm.
common
such educational training as the
schools of his neighborhood
In 1839 he came with his father to Hancock county, and in 1840 to Henderson county, where he has since resided. In 1854 he married Maria Justice, of Laurence county, Pennsylvania, daughter could Famish.
of Joseph and Maria (Eenols) Justice, both of Pennsylvania, and were and died in their native state the father died in 1878,
reared, lived
;
the mother at the age of thirty-eight. He was a hatter by trade, and engaged in the mercantile business in They were both members of the Methodist the latter part of his life. Episcopal church. By this union William P. Bryan has four children at the
age of eighty-five years
74
;
HISTORY OF MEROEE AITO HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1312
He has a farm of Joseph J. Louella, Laura and Mary (deceased). 160 acres, well improved and well stocked. Peter C. Baintee, subject of this sketch, is a native of Muskingum county, Ohio born in 1830, son of Peter and Mary Bainter, both of They emigrated to Illinois in 1851, and located in Pennsylvania. Hancock county. They now live in La Harpe. The father is eightyThey have been married sixty six years old his wife is eighty-three. years. He is a farmer by vocation. His father worked his own passage from Germany to America, and that of a sister. He was virtually a slave till the debt was paid. P. C. Bainter came to Illinois in 1853, and located in Hancock county, where he lived six years, when he came to Henderson county, where he now lives. He was married in 1852 to Emily Snoots, of Ohio, born in 1832, daughter of Henry and Nancy Snoots both died in Ohio, the father in 1870, the mother lived some time after. They were farmers. By this marriage he has fourteen children. Four died in infancy. The living are Nancy, Olive, Jane, William, Adda, Mary A., Allen, Allie, Arthur. He has a well improved farm of 360 acres, and twenty acres of timber. He keeps a good grade of farm stock. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Thomas McMuery, subject of this life history, was born in Kentucky in 1829. His parents were George and Eliza McMurry, both of Kentucky, where they were reared and married. In 1833 they emigrated to Adams county, Illinois, where they both died, the former in 1879, aged seventy-three, the latter in 1874, aged sixty years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The McMuiTy family is of Scotch-Irish descent. Two brothers emigrated to America, one of which was killed by an alligator, the surviving one came to Kentucky and located at a very early time in its settlement. Thomas McMurry was reared on the farm, which vocation he has made the business of his life. He came to Adams county with his parents, where he remained till 1854, when he located in Henderson county, where he now lives. He was married in 1850 to Nancy Griffing, of Kentucky, bom in 1831, and daughter of Lyle and Eliza Griffing, both of Kentucky. They came to Illinois in 1834 and located in Adams county, near Quincy, where they both died in 1848, within three days of each other. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and farmers. Mr. McMurry, by this marriage, has one daughter, Mary. Pie owns a splendid farm of 480 acres, well improved and well stocked with good grades. ,
;
;
;
:
William Bolton, subject of this history, is a native of Kentucky; born in 1832, son of John and Ann Bolton, the father of Virginia, the
TEEKE HAUTE TOWNSHIP.
They were married
mother of Kentucky.
1313
in Kentucky, where they
when their son "William was a small boy. They were farmers and members of the Catholic church. William Bolton was reared among his relative^ to the vocation of farming, which business he has
both died
He came Mound, where he lived
1857 and located near Gitwhen he came to T. 8, E. 5, where he has since jesided. He bought the farm of 160 acres, where he now lives, in 1861. He was married in 1853 to Sarah E. Neighbours, a native of Kentucky, born in 1832, daughter of "William and Malinda Neighbours, both of North Carolina. They emigrated to Illinois in 1860, and located west of Terre Haute, in T. 8, K. 5, where they yet own the farm. They now live at Burlington Junction, MisBy this marriage he has eleven children, eight of whom are souri. living: James W., Ann Eliza, Francis L., Malinda E., Mary, Clay, Artemesia, Kaymond and John H., his third child (deceased). Two The mother of these died in 1868. She was a memdied in infancy. ber of the Catholic church at Gitting's Mound, where repose her always followed.
to Illinois in
ting's
for four years,
remains. .0.
Mr. Bolton
P. LoviTT
is
is
a
member
of the same church.
a native of Ohio; born in 1831, son of James and
Catharine (Holstein, Farr) Lovitt, both of Ohio.
1862
;
the mother
now
The
live^ in Indiana.
The
father died in
father was a cooper
by
O. P. was reared on the farm, and brought up by a cousin after he was six years of age. In 1854 he came to Illinois, and located three miles west of where he now lives ; there he remained till 1857. trade.
In 1854 he was married to Lucinda J. DeBolt, of Ohio, born in 1833, daughter of "William and Barbara E. DeBolt, of Ohio. The mother of
whom died
in 1876, at the age of sixty-four years
;
the father
is
now
Mr. Lovitt by this marriage has six children: Mary E. (deceased), Christiana A., Sarah A. (deceased), He has a well im"William (deceased), Lucinda J. and Perry M. grades of cattle, with good stocked fairly 430 acres, proved farin of living
and
is
seventy-four years old.
hogs and horses.
N. Herbert, the subject of this sketch, is a native of New York, and was born in 1837. His parents were James G. and Catharine (Button) Herbert, both of whom were born and reared in New York, where they resided till after their son, J. N. was born. In 1839 they emigrated to Wisconsin, and lived there till 1850, when the latter came to J.
,
Henderson county, the former having died in 1848, in the forty-seventh year of his age. His wife now lives in Terre Haute, being cared for They were farmers, and members of in her ol'd age by her son, J. N. the Methodist Episcopal church
knew them.
J.
;
commanded
the respect of all
N. was reared on the farm, and brought up
who
to respect
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1314
His early educational training was such as In 1860 he came to Henderson county, where he has since resided. In 1861 he enlisted in the army, in the 7th .Mo. Vols., and served seventeen months in Co. F. The regiment during this time was not in any regular engagements, having been detailed to fight guerillas and bushwhackers in the State of Missouri. Mr. Herbert owns a good farm of eighty acres near Terre Haute, and keeps a good grade of farm Stoct. He is a member of the masonic lodge No. 195, at La Harpe, Hancock county, Illinois. William Finch is a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania; bom in 1820, son of Joseph and Hester (Reese) Finch, both of Pfennsylvania, where they died. William came to Henderson county in 1846. He labored for several yeai's by the month and bought his present, farm, where he located in 1852. He was married in 1866 to Ellen Penny, of Maryland, born near Baltimore in 1843, daughter of Josiah and Ann Penny, both of Maryland, and now living in Pike county, Missouri, where he lives a retired farmer. Mr. Finch has by this marriage six children: Mary, Sylvester, Anna, Alice, Samuel and Edith. He has a well improved farm of 320 acres, fairly stocked. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Joseph Beckett, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Indiana; born in 1834, son of Robert and Mary Beckett the father of Indiana, the mother of Virginia. They were married in Indiana, and came about 1836 to Adams county, Illinois, where they now remain. The father is seventy-four years old, the mother sixty-eight they are farm«rs and members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Joseph was reared in Adams county till 1868, when he came to Henderson county, where he has since lived. In 1862 he married Margaret McMurry, of Adams county, Illinois, who died in 1879, aged thirty-five years. She was the daughter of George and Eliza McMurry. By this marriage he has eight children Oscar, Ellsworth, Mary, Florence, George, Charley, Joseph and Olive. He has always farmed, and keeps good the vocation of his father.
the pioneer schools of Wisconsin furnished.
;
;
:
grades.
Jacob
S.
J^egley
is
a native of Pennsylvania
;
born in 1830, son of
John and Catharine Negley, both of Pennsylvania. In 1852 they emigrated to Fulton county, Illinois then to McDonough, at Bushnell, ;
where they both died, the father in 1870, at the age of sixty-nine years the mother in 1880, aged sixty-nine years. In Ohio he farmed and carried on a distillery in Illinois he kept hotel and engaged in the His wife was a member of the Methodist Epismercantile business. copal church. Jacob S. came to Illinois with his parents and remained in Fulton county till 1878, when he came to Henderson county and ;
:
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP. located is
E.
where he now
He
lives-.
1315
has a fine farm of 130 acres, which
He was
well improved and well stocked.
Pen'ine, of Ohio, born in 1834,
married in 1854 to Mary daughter of Daniel and Mary
New Jersey, and located in Ohio with tire early and afterward came to Fulton county, Illinois, where the father is now living, on the farm where he located about 1842 the mother died in 1876, at the age of seventy years she was a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Negley by this marriage has eleven children William, John G., Ellen (deceased), Mary J., Daniel, Albert and Elmer (twins), Joseph, Abraham and Absalam (twins, both deceased), and Henry. He and wife are members of the Baptist church.
Perrine, both of settlers,
;
;
BIGGSYILLE TOWNSHIP. For ages had the waters of South Henderson rolled on to join the great Mississippi, quiet and undisturbed save by the monotonous plash of the oars of the Indian as he guided his frail canoe over
and yielding
surface.
its
bright
Early explorers had perhaps passed by the
little
stream scarcely deigning to give it notice. But the actual settler, desiring to utilize the forces of nature that would give the quickest and surest return, looked to the stream first of all for the means of livelihood. So John Hopper and David Eobinson, who came to Henderson county in the spring of 1839, at once conceived the idea of building a mill on South Henderson creek at a point where it passes through the S.
W. i
That summer they built a dam across and in the winter of 1840 announced them-
of See. 16, T. 10, E.
the stream, erected the mill, selves as ready to
4.
do custom work
for the public.
This was the
first
Mr. active an and Hopper, who was a native of the State of New York, and energetic man, sold his interest in the mill in 1840, and removed He was a brother of Lambert to Olena, where he soon after died. flour mill in this part of the country
and
filled
a long-felt need.
Mr. Jerry Meachem, who Hopper, of Hopper's mills, near Warren. bought out Hopper, soon sold to Mr. John Birdsall, who, with Mr. Eobinson, carried on the business with fair success till the spring of little 1843, when they sold to one John Biggs, an Englishman of no Mr. here After parting with his mill property engineering skill. tosawEobinson removed to Wisconsin, where he turned his attention Mr. Birdsall, his partner in Ellison, the mill here, after selling out removed back to his farm on mijl, activelythe purchasing after Biggs, Mr. died. afterward where he engaged in making new improvements, and being a man of some conmilling.
He was
residing there in 1882.
HISTORY OF MEBOEE
1316
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
siderable means he bought lumber and obtained the services of Abel Jackson and Henry Canton to build a comfortable and substantial frame dwelling house to take the place of the board shanty in which He also the same year raised the dam lived the former proprietors. three feet higher and built a levee along the southwest bank of the stream, evidently expecting to hold at will the turbulent waters of this
treacherous
little
stream.
Through the seasons of 1843^ they ran well, and its proprietor flourished, and those who had made long trips to mill at Quincy and other distant points with ox teams, occupying days and even weeks of But imagine the surprise and consternatime, were greatly pleased. tion of not only Mr. Biggs, but
many
all
others living within a radius of
miles, when, during the unprecedented high water of June, 1844,
South Henderson got up in all its fury and, being apparently by dam and levee, succeeded in undermining the mill itself by washing away the foundation. All this was secretly going on and The mill toppled invisible to the eye till the mischief was complete. and fell, with all its store and contents, which were carried away by the torrent in its mad rush to join the already overflowed and raging the
little
confined
Mississippi.
Taking into consideration the new and sparsely
settled condition of
the country and the great need of bread by the pioneers, this loss was
most
disastrous, not only to the
defunct institution, but to
all
owner of the ouce prosperous but now
who had depended on
it
for the staff of
had stored within it about fifty barrels of flour and over four hundred bushels of wheat, which, with all its machinery and fixtures, were nearly a total loss. This catastrophe demonstrated the fact that building a mill on the sand or in the face of the waters on the prairie streams was decidedly uncertain, and gave birth to the idea of selecting a location for a mill more protected from sudden rises of water. Hence Mr. Biggs built a strong and substantial one on what has since been laid out and platted
life
;
for at the time of its destruction the mill
as lot 11, block
stands a
1,
in Rigby's addition to Biggsville.
monument
stantial appearance,
main
to his
and the completeness of
to do service for
This mill in 1882
memory, and judging from
many
years to come.
its
its
strong, sub-
machinery,
To
it
will re-
obtain water-power
was necessary to drift or tunnel through the bank and under Main street and build a dam across the creek, above the old one, which had entirely disappeared. To do this men were employed on the dam, and the work on the race was let by contract to and was done by Elton Catlin, and proved a success. Some years later steam-power was added, obviating the necessity of delay during a long term of dry weather
for this mill
it
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1317
and consequent low water. After the completion of his new mill Mr. Biggs did a good business up till the time of his death, when the mill passed into the hands of Mr. Robert Moir. Mr. Biggs was one of those
men whose
deeds live after them, as it is universally said of him was strictly honest and exact to a cent. He was a native pf England, and had come to America when quite young had been extensively engaged in business in a manufacturing line in the east and also in Mexico. He had come here with some means and spent it lavishly for the success of his pet enterprise. For a fuller sketch of him reference may be had to the history of Oquawka. As before stated, after Mr. Biggs' death the mill became the property of Robert Moir, and that he
;
subsequently passed into the possession of Smith, George Rigby, Samuel McDonald, Eli Beaver and Fort Kemp, respectively. Mr. Kemp died in July, 1882, since which time Mr. Fort is the principal
&
A
owner, while the mill is in care of Mr. Zach. Staley. little incident might here be related At the time of the freshet of June, 1844, the family of Paul D. Birdsall (who was then at work for Mr. Biggs getting out timber over on Ellison creek, was living in a small house near the mill and on the bank of the creek. Before his wife was aware of the fact the water had surrounded the house. After remaining there till the water was two feet deep (and still rising) she secured a passing boat and with her family escaped to the main land, leaving most of her house hold goods behind. The same day Mr. Birdsall returned home and was appalled to see the state of aifairs and the narrow escape of his family. Mr. Birdsall is still living, and resides in Warren county. He related with considerable enthusiasm all the facts in relation to the rise and fall of the first mill at Biggsville and the incidents connected therewith. A short sketch of him will be found in this chapter, Township 10, R. 4, or more familiarly known as Biggsville voting precinct, is the center one of the east tier of townships in the county bounded on the 6ast by Warren county, on the south by T. 9, R. 4, or Walnut Grove precinct, on the west by T. 10, R. 6, or South Hender:
son precinct, and on the north by T. 11, R.
4,
or Greenville precinct.
what might be called does in most places (except along the southern border) a rough and uneven surface, inclining to a bluflfy and broken appearance bordering the South Henderson creek. This flows
The physical
features
t)f
Biggsville precinct are
"rolling land," showing as
it
through the township from southeast to northwest, and enters the town Another branch of this in Sec. 36 and passes out through Sec. 18. stream (though of little importance except for drainage) enters the town from Warren county at a point on or near the line between Sees. 24 and High 25, and unites with the main stream in the N.W. J of Sec. 26.
HISTORY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1318 bluffs
and deep ravines on
either side of this
course indicate that in the ages antedating
now tlie
quite inferior water-
existence of the pre-
the rushing mighty waters or other works of nature
historic race
intended leaving their footprints unobliterable.
The groves and belts of timber (oak, ash, walnut, hickory, lime and other varieties) bordering this stream and its tributaries offered sufficient inducement to call to a halt the early pioneer who supposed that a
home
fathers,
could be
back
in
made only
old Ohio,
in the timber like unto that of his Indiana or Kentucky, and some even
amount of timber then here would not last to exceed The same party now (1882) asserts that the supply has
predict that the ffve years.
rather increased than diminished, and experience has taught that the
most beautiful homes and greatest wealth could be made on the prairie. Those who settled in and about the timber have only to look upon the
homes
to see that they not only equal but surpass those they behind in the old eastern States. In fact, it is asserted by the oldest settlers (now living), that they believed the prairie would remain unoccupied and unsettled and as a range for stock for many generations. But forty years closed up every prairie
left far
foot of the available prairie land in the county.
EARLY SETTLEMENT. There is no doubt but that to John McKinney belongs the credit of making the first permanent and successful settlement in this township. He was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, in 1801, and at the age of nineteen left his native state and went to Ohio, where he became assistant clerk in the office of his uncle, John Riley, who was clerk of the supreme court of that state, also court of common pleas. He afterward studied law under the Hon. John Pope, once senator of the state, representative in congress and the
first territorial governor of Arkansas. Finding the bar crowded with young aspirants and without patrimony, Mr. McKinney turned his attention to farming, the vocation to which he was raised. Having a liking for the west, he came first on a prospecting tour, and in the spring of 1832 emigrated with his wife and two children to Warren, now Henderson county, Illinois, settling on Sec. 25, on the northwest corner of which he built a cabin and began to make and improve a farm. This was formerly military land, which he purchased for $1,000 of one Romelus Rigg, an eastern speculator. He also bought
of G.
Mann,
and later entered a piece of Perhaps it was the beautiful known as McKinney's grove, and now (1882) as Salter's for $500 the E.
land in Sec. 30, gi'ove after
all T.
10
f of
IST.,
Sec. 26,
R. 4 "W.
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
grove that induced Mr. McKinney to
1319
settle so far east of
the river.
However, in addition to the advantages of plenty of timber of the leading varieties, he also located in what was destined to be as good a ferming district as could be found in the country, a beautiful rolling prairie and well watered. At the time Mr. McKinney settled here his nearest neighbor was Amos Williams, who was then settled on Ellison Creek,
some four miles
distant to the south.
Living near to Williams
was Abram Hendrick, who was formerly from near Lexington, Kentucky. Ezekiel Smith also lived in the same neighborhood, and of whom Hendricks bought his first land.
Though
conceded that to McKinney belongs the credit of who remained on his first purchase and growing up with the county, it is nevertheless the fact that the honor of fii'st settler should be acknowledged to belong to one James Richey, who settled on section 7 in 1829, for in that year, when John C. Jamison came here, Richey was the only man living in that part of the country. Mr. Richey, with his family, had emigrated from Indiana, and during the summer of 1829 raised a small crop of corn. The year following wheat raising was also a part of his agricultural industry. This crop was cut with the old-fashioned reaping-hook, or handDuring his first year or two sickle, the Shorts and Jamison assisting. here Mr. Richey was so straitened in circumstances as to be actually compelled to take the weeds commonly called nettles and have his it
is
being the permanent pioneer
wife manufacture a lint irom
from
flax),
and from
them (by the same process
this she
as
it is
made
clothing for herself and the
made rude
children.
Uncle Abner Short informs the writer that Mr. Richey was a church member and a Seceder of the strictest sort, and that on a certain Sunday (having forgotten the day of the week) he put a grist on his horse and started to mill. Meeting Mr. Jamison near his cabin, his memory was corrected. He stopped and prayerfully returned home. Prior to 1840 Mr. Richey left here and moved beyond the Mississippi, still glorying in the
name
of hardy pioneer.
In the days of those earliest pioneers (Richeys and Jamisons) their nearest postoflBce was Peoria, a distance of over eighty miles, where they occasionally sent for mail by a neighbor, though he should live ten miles distant.
In the
fall
of 1835
Samuel McDill and Andrew
Graham came from Preble county, Ohio, and made' claims on Sec. 7, T. 10, R. 4. The former brought with him a wife and small family, the latter
was then unmarried.
Biographies of these worthy pioneers George McDill, whose son John
are found elsewhere in this chapter. visited this part of Illinois in the
summer
of 1835 on horseback,
came
.
HISTORY OF MEECEK AND HENDERSON COUNTTES.
1320
He was a native of Chester county, South had resided many years in Newton county, Georgia, his advent into Illinois. He is also mentioned in the
here in the following year. Carolina, but
previous to
biographical part of this work.
Going back
Thompson
He was
to
McKinney's Grove in 1835, we
a Kentuckian by birth,
early pioneers.
He was
early elected sheriff of
position he creditably filled for a
who
find
Benjamin
perhaps on Sec. 36. and became very popular among the
settled a little southeast of the grove,
number
of years.
Warren
county, a
Dykeman
Shook,
on the N. E. J of Sec. 34 in the spring of 1836, was another of Mr. McKinney's nearest neighbors. He was also from Kentucky and a man of sterling worth. He lived on this farm till the time of his death. Mention of him is made on another page. Mr. McKinney and Mr. Shook, both having families and living near neighbors, united in building a log school-house, and engaged as This school was kept up for some teacher a young man named Bell. time, or till McKinney's children became far enough advanced to send away to boarding school, during which time a new system of schools settled
sprang up. McKinney was, during his residence here, both school and treasurer, and after his removal to Oquawka in 1842 or 1844, Mr. Shook was elected in his stead. Soon after the settlement of Shook and Thompson, the former a Canipbellite and the latter a Baptist, together with McKinney, who
director
was formerly a Cumberland Presbyterian, agreed to put forth an effort have divine worship at their cabins every alternate Sabbath. It was
to
also agreed that each with their families should attend.
closely in the footsteps of the pioneer is
truly a divine laborer.
comes the
Following
fi-ontier itinerant,
One Kev. Peter Downey was
the
who
first to
expound the gospel to these people. He was a Cumberland Presbyterian, and his first sermon here was at the house of John McKinney. He afterward founded the Cumberland Presbyterian church in the short settlement, afterward known as the South Henderson Cumberland Presbyterian church, and in 1846 settled permanently on a farm on the JS'.W. J of Sec. 16, where he lived till his death, which occurred in March, 1856. He left a family of five children, of whom Mrs. B. H. Martin is the only one now residing in the county. He was a native of Kentucky, and was an earnest worker in his Master's vineyard. Eev.
Yan Dorn,
a Baptist minister, also preached at the houses of
Thompson and Shook It is
for those
who were
settled about the grove.
with some degree of pride and satisfaction that the writer
speaks of the backwoods preacher.
pre-eminent virtues of his
activity.
Courage and industry were the His circuit embraced what would
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
now seem an all
incredible extent of country,
his appointments once every month.
1321
and he did well
To
if
he served
defy distance and weather
habit. He usually traveled on horseback, carrying in capacious saddle-bags a small bible and hymn-book, a clean shirt or two and a homely luncheon: Often he would ride thirty miles to
was a regular
preach a funeral sermon, and forty or fifty to marry a couple for three or four dollars. But he did not scorn privation and overcome obstacles
money ; it was a pleasure to be about his Master's work. He gi-ew strong in view of the great field and the waiting harvest, and his soul
for
was animated by the simple joy and hearty salutations which the warm hearts of the people always expressed at his coming. Bat before circuits were formed the zealous messengers of truth rode through the wilderness visiting the scattered settlements and carrying the news of the Good Shepherd. His arrival was the signal for word to go forth and summon together the hungry souls. Meetings were held in the cabins or in God's
first
temples, the groves.
At
this early period
denominations exerted no influence, congregations were composed of every sect and those who represented no sect, all feeling and acknowledging a
common
necessity for worship.
Then, the service over, the
preacher departed on his rugged journey refreshed with the hospitality of his full-souled entertainers and laden with the provisions which the
had prepared for his comfort, bearing on his head their blessings, and followed by silent prayers for his safety and return. As money was a commodity little seen, and for many years commanded 3 high rate of interest, the preacher usually received his pay in provisions, such as potatoes, beans, meat and flour. Among the many early circuit riders in this part of the state, and whose names have become household words, were Peter Cartwright thoughtful housewife
name
perhaps written in nearly every county history in this Eichard Hana and Henry Sommers, who still live (though far advanced in years) to look back over the great work they have accomplished. But to return to increase of settlements, which in 1840 had begun to spring up all over the township, perhaps a little later, say January
(whose
is
state as well as in Indiana),
1843, Mr. E. Marston
made
a settlement on Sec. 29.
This was decid-
He was from edly on the prairie and over a mile from the timber. Here he characteristics. peculiar "York State," and a man of very keeping tavern raising, stock farming, engaged in a mixed business of and
store keeping.
On
his farm
was
built the second school-house in
After Mr. Marston's death his family removed to Kansas and the farm passed into the hands of a Biggsville worthy citizen, Paul
this township.
D. Gibb.
HISTORY OF MEECER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1322
James Eankin in an early day purchased a quarter-section of land The same land is now (1882) worth $60 per acre, though
in Sec. 32.
when he bought
it he paid for it with a yoke of steers worth $35. but another illustration of the cheapness of land, stock and produce, and the deamess and scarcity of money. As another in-
This
is
stance of the
little
cash value placed on stock and labor, a reliable
tliat he tried to redeem his note for $4.25 in the hands of a neighbor by offering him a yearling steer, a good thrifty calf, a shoat weighing 126 pounds and two days' work. This offer was declined and he was obliged to raise the money. Another settlement was made on the prairie at an early date by His farm, which is now J. S. Harbison, on the S. W. J of Sec. 34. quite large and well improved, is entirely isolated from the public highway, and inaccessible only by a narrow lane. Some few years previous to 1840 Seth Oaks made improvements on Sec. 24, though he permanently located just in the edge of "Warren county. He came from the eastern part of the State of Vermont with one Abner Davis, a brother-in-law. They made the trip here during the summer of 1829 or 1830 with team and wagon. Mr. Davis settled near Olena, and Mr. Oaks, after working out a couple of years, settled as above stated, where he grew immensely rich in land and cattle, owning at the time of his death, besides a large amount of stock, nearly 4,000 acres of valuable land in this and Warren counties and Milo county, Iowa. His sons now own and occupy the land and well sustain their father's good name for thrift and industry. It might here be stated that to Mr. Oaks is due the credit of owning and running the first reaper in Henderson county. The S.W. corner of Sec. 31 in the township was settled in an early day by Dr. William McMillan and Arthur McQuown Sr. the former from Kentucky and the latter from Virginia. Portraits of these two estimable citizens appear in this work and stand as monuments to their memory and evidences of the high esteem in which they were held by their relatives and friends. Though the doctor had no children of his own, yet others who enjoyed his fatherly care stand ready to do honor to him as loving sons and daughters, and
old citizen declares
,
a grateful people
many
will,
while
life lasts,
hold sacred his
memory
for
While the country was J'et new and undeveloped he rode almost constantly day and night visiting the sick (poor as well as rich), carrying with him healing words of kindness as well as trusty quinine. His sleep was usually obtained while riding along on horse or mule back and at other times where no time would be lost, unless perchance he fell into a sound sleep while tying or untj'ing his horse, as he once did at the residence of Mr. Galbraith, where he was once years.
BIQGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1323
discovered an hour after he went out to go, standing asleep where his
torse was hitched to a post.
Bj
untiring industry and good managemodel home which immediately attracts the attention of the passer by. His fine substantial brick residence, which stands a little elevated and back a distance of about thirty rods from the public road, is approached by a beautiful drive, either side of which is adorned by lofty pines and other varieties of evergreen in great profusion. To the right as you enter is an extensive orchard covering many acres and filled (in the season) with most of the leading varieties of fruit. But the doctor is not there. Find a brief sketch of him on another page. Mr. McQuown, whose home is on the S.W. J of this section, emigrated from Washington county, Yirginia, to this county in 1842, with three horses and a wagon containing all his worldly goods, and one horse and carryall (light square-box buggy) containing his wife and small children. He started from the place of his birth and the home of his fathers for the Far "West, and after a journey of six weeks arrived Mr. McQuown at once with his characterin Biggsville on October 3. istic industry went to work, and is now enjoying the sure reward of a life well spent. So guarded has been bis every act, and so scrupulously honest in all his dealings with men, that now, after nearly half a century's active business life and relations, none have but the highest words of praise to offer in his behalf. John Eezner, who owns a large amount of land in the northeast part of this township, and resides on Sec. 11, where he has recently erected a costly residence, has been a resident of Henderson county since 1845, though as early as 1840 he emigrated from Washington There he engaged in county, east Tennessee, to Warren county. He is now a large stock raiser and farming, as a renter for a start.
ment he made on the
prairie a
and turns all his attention in that direction, rather than giving Not so, however, with his time to anything of a literary nature. brother, Eli Kezner, whose home is always provided with the current farmer,
newspapers, secular and religious periodicals and publications of the day. He is the youngest of the two, and remained with his widowed mother till 1847, when he turned over to her all he had but $5, with a promise to work while his clothes were good. He then came direct to Henderson county, Illinois, where he has since resided, made good his promise, and is now one of this township's wealthy and prosperous farmers and stock raisers, mentioned on another page. William John Hutchinson, whose portrait appears in this work, and whose personal history is briefly given in the history of T. 10, R. 5, settled in this (T. 10, E. 4) township on Sec. 9, S. i, as early as about
HISTOEY OF MEKCEE
1324
AJSTD
HENDKE80N COUNTIES.
He owned a farm of 400 acres there, and as a farmer, stock and shipper was a decided success. He did not live to be defeated in what he undertook, and seemed to easily accomplish what most men would hardly dare to undertake. In his early death the town lost one of its most valued and active citizens, and his children an honored father. Thomas Eecords settled on and owned for many years the farm now owned by Dr. Nelson, in the N. i of Sec. 8. He and his brother Spence came to Oquawka with their mother and step-father. Judge Pence, prior to 1840, and after selling his farm to Mr. Nelson removed 1842.
raiser
to California.
Levi Bebee, Miles Gordon, Isaac Van Tuyl, John Jamison, Samuel C. Jamison were all old settlers in the north part of the township, while in the south part Samuel' C. Douglass, Andrew Douglass, David Mundorf, John Worden, Stephen Holmes and uncle Jacob Akerman had settled and were known among the quite G.
Plummer and John
early on the prairie.
Up to the year 1850 no doubt many had come and gone, some perhaps whose names were familiar to those with whom they associated, but have since quite passed out of memory. As in almost all other early settlements so it was in this. Not a few of the first to come were also the first to go, and no doubt the writer of the pioneer history beyond the Mississippi would find names once familiar here, but that they had moved on toward the setting sun, following in the footsteps of the noble redman and glorying in the name few, it is to be presumed, growing disheartened of hardy pioneer.
A
by the hardships and
privations of frontier
their old eastern homes, carrying with at
and contempt
ferring a
life
for a life
on the
life,
them an
made
their
way back
to
everlasting indignation
prairies of the far west, foolishly pre-
of servitude than to crack corn for bread in a mortar or
it in a coffee mill for a season, and finally become rich and independent in a home of luxury, and be able to call it their own, to be honored and respected by their friends and feel a just pride in themselves. But perhaps the largest number of those who early settled here now rest beneath the sod, here and there in little groves or beside some little brook, with scarcely a head-mark to their almost unknown
grind
graves.
A few atfirst buried their
dead for convenience on their own claim,
with the intention of later transferring their remains to cemeteries,
when such should be
organized.
At
the southwest end of the point in
the bend of the creek southeast of the village of Biggsville
is
yet to be
seen two lonely graves with small rough stones at their head, on which
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1325
no names inscribed. Many others may exist in this township, of which the writer has no knowledge. But to come down to the days of later improvements, we find outare
side of the thriving little village of Biggsville (the prospective county many beautiful farms, the result of continued application and
seat)
long years of patient
toil.
Paul D. Salter, Robert A. McKinley, Samuel C. Douglass, Samuel Stewart, Stephen Staley, William Rankin, Arthur 0. McQuown, Isaac McQuown, G. H. Cowden, James A. Graham, Paul D. Gibb and James Gibb, might he mentioned as taking the lead in agricultural pursuits in the south part of the township, and John H. McDougall and Dr. J. G. Stewart as giving their attention (in addition to farming) to the introduction into this part of the county of a better grade of stock. Mr. McDougall has recently purchased and imported a thoroughbred Cleveland bay or English coach horse for the improvement of that class of horses in this section.
To Mr. McDougall much
early step in the right direction, as fine stock
building of the
up and
successful growth of a
credit is
due for an
is
as essential to the
community
as is the cultivation
soil.
The thoroughbred short-horns of this country have been long known most successful competitors of the best American herds; A herd of these valuable bovines has been lately purchased by and can as the
now be found in
the pastures of Mr. Stewart's stock farm.
part of the township. Dr. Nelson, R.
M. Hutchinson, W.
In the north B. Graham,
Jamison, Eli Rezner, John Rezner and Wm. Weigand are among the largest agriculturists, and John R. Foster is giving some attention to fruit growing and the raising of nursery stock, and the present indications are that in the near future Larch farm will
Robert McMillan,
J.
W.
be an attractive feature in this part of the township. Reader,
let
us
now
ask your attention for a short time to a further
review of the habitations of your honored dead. As the country began to settle up more thickly and deaths occur more frequently, the
became in reality a need that whereupon John Worden and Michael Van Tuyl
necessity for a burial-place for the dead
should be satisfied
;
donated to the citizens in general five acres in the beautiful grove on the W. and 'N. E. comers of Sees. 35 and 36, T. 10, R. 4, which was to be known as Salter's Grove cemetery. This ground was, and yet is, free to all, but is the property of the Methodist Episcopal church
K
of that place, and
under the control of its officers. To this place buried were removed and are now taking their last is
many of the first long sleep with those of the later dead. some of the fallen heroes of our country
Here
who
are also the bodies of
lost their lives
on south-
1326
I-IISTOEY
OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
John Shook and Samuel Wilkins, who fell at the battle of Stone River, December 31, 1862, among the number. On this same ground a neat and substantial church was erected, in size 28 X 42, by a few members of the Methodist Episcopal faith and their friends during the summer of 1875, and was dedicated June 4, 1876, by Rev. Jesse Smith, who also The moving spirits in this enterprise were laid the corner-stone. John Worden, William Harbison, Adoniram Edwards, Rev. James Tubbs and H. M. River, though the credit of building and keeping up the church was largely due to Mr. Worden, who, with his family, had been prominent in church and Sabbath school work for many years ern soil while fighting for their country's honor and her flag.
It has, since his removal have They now a membership of about west, been on the decline. with Mr. Davidson as leader of the class and superintwelve, C. P. the school. It should be here stated that Mr. tendent of Sabbath in held meetings in his own house, and an early day, John Worden, in school-house the grove kept the class in a the at later preached and the Sunday school in good working order till state of prosperity then the interest died out and his removal to Bloomington, Illinois It was after his return to the wolf got among his scattered flock. his old home that he gathered together the few friends of the cause, established order and built, or was the means of building, the church, and has since, unfortunately for the society, moved west. This church is known as the Salter's Grove Methodist Episcopal church, and the appointment is supplied by the preacher in charge at Kirkwood. It is surrounded by a beautiful grove and is a credit to its members aiad the community to which it belongs. In about 1848 another cemetery was donated to the public by Mr. James Huss, on Sec. 31, T. 10, R. 4, containing two acres. The flrst The to find a resting-place here was Aunt Susan Wilkinson, in 1848. donor of the land is also buried here, as well as many others of the
previous to the building of the church.
;
;
county's early settlers.
The next important cemetery in this township was organized in by the state .government under the name of the
1877, and chartered
Biggsville Cemetery Association,
May
17,
1877, with the following
John Folmer, Robert Gibson, Jos. M. Michener, David McDill, Abner Graham and Eli Beaver, with R. A. McKinley, president John McKee, vice-president Thomas Bell, secretary, and John Folmer, treasurer. This year, 1882, the directors and officers are John McKee, president R. A. McKinley, vice-president Robert Gibson, secretary John Folmer, treasurer, and John E. Pearson. This burial-place is beautifully located on a slightly elevated piece of ground board of directors
:
;
;
;
:
;
;
^^^^i-^;.-**^
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
by the
on
1329
one mile north of the good taste and foresight of the authorities of the village in locating their graveyard well During the summer of 1882 a new fence made of pickout of town. and painted white was built along the road and in front of the ets inside ground, of which may be seen some substantial monuments, and on them suitable inscriptions to hold in memory departed friends. roadside,
Sec. 8, T. 10, K. 4, about
village of Biggsville,
and shows the
characteristic
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. The first road laid out through this township was the Monmouth and Burlington state road. It entered the township near the northeast ^corner, and passing through to the southwest left the township at Sec. Like all other roads 30, near the southwest corner of the township. in an early day, without any attention being given to lines, it passed fi'om one leading point to another, traversing the most convenient route The and fording streams in the. safest and most accessible places. South Henderson creek was usually crossed at a point where the wagon bridge has since been built, on the road leading out north of town from Elm street, and exactly where the bridge spans the railroad cut on the same street, passing through what is now the business part of Biggsville, over ground now known as lots 1 and 2, block 3, and left the village a little to the west and north of the residence of B. H. Martin.
a point near the stores of G. W. Holmes and John McKee, on lots 1 2, block 3, corner of Main and Johns street, once stood the forest," a massive oak, to which was "nailed guide-board of the "lord out the direction of Burlington and Monmouth, and the pointing
At
and
distance to either hamlet '
like
many
of
its
was given
But
in rude figures.
predecessors in older settlements,
and exists only in memory. In speaking of the roads of this county, nothing fiattering can be said.
is
this road,
a thing of the
past,
tovraship,
A few of
and
in
of the
fact
the leading roads on
the most travel are at times fairly passable, yet their extreme narrowness renders it almost impossible to ever make them what might
which
is
be called good, while in many places they are but narrow lines meandering from farm to farm regardless of lines or directness of route. The excuse generally offered for the poor condition of the country the "elements," which of course should be largely accepted, during a seaas it is impossible to keep bridges and culverts in place 1882. of summer son of rains and floods like that of the
roads
is
Nine schools have an existence wearing the appearance of neglect. 75
in this township,
The one known
many
them Grove
of
as Salter's
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1330
%
on the S.E. J of Sec. 26 is no doubt a relic of the old-time cabin school, erected and operated by John McKiney and Dykeman Shook. If so, it has not kept up with the rapid march of its sister institutions, as it has the appearance of a school abandoned twenty years ago. Dutch Row schocl-house, formerlj' located on Sec. 29, but recently removed to the northwest corner of Sec. 34, was, it is said, the second in the township, built in the fall of 1856 by E. G. Duncan, D. Eawhouser and Samuel Stewart, directors. The David Graham schoolhouse on the S.E. ^ of Se(3. 19, a neat little frame structure, needing the protecting influence of a few shade trees, was perhaps the third, while the fourth is said to be the Records school-house, located on the S.E. J of Sec. 5. It is of good size, is painted white, and at once attracts attention on account of its pleasant location on the cross-road and the few trees that adorn its yard. Fairview school-house on Sec. 2, southeast corner as its name would indicate, has a pleasant sightly appearance, but seems to lack the expenditure of a sufSeient amount of money to make the building equal to its surroundings. Situated on the N.E. ^ of Sec. 15 is the McLain school-house and is supposed to be the sixth in the township in the order of their building. It shows the appearance of being in the care of neat and careful hands, with its white coat of paint and green window shutters contrasting with the dark and frozen ground of our dreary fall and winter seasons. Paul D. Salters and Dr. William McMillan's school-houses, located on Sec. 21 and the S.W. J of Sec. 31, complete the list. Many changes have been made, many are being made, and changes will no doubt continue for some time to come before the school system of this township is considered complete; hence a detailed history of each country school would be superfluous. For a more extended pioneer school history the reader is referred to the history of Walnut Grove, where it"" is pictured in panoramic clearness by the able writer of that chapter and is withheld here to save repetition.
HENDERSON
COTOSfTY
AGRICULTURAL BOARD.
The first agricultural society of Henderson county having the appearance of organization met and held its fair at Oquawka, in the street, near the county court-house on October 24, 1855, under the management of the following board of oflicers Samuel Darnell, president Col. Samuel Hutchinson, Isaac Van Tuyl and John Curts, vice:
;
Hiram Rose, recording secretary E. H. N. Patterson, secretary W. D. Henderson, treasurer, and E. Chapin, John Cooper, IST. H. Davis, John Curts and John B. Fort,
presidents
;
;
corresponding
executive committee.
;
By
the time of the next annual meeting the
;
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIl'.
1331
executive committee had secured and enclosed suitable grounds a
little
southeast of the village of Oquawka, where the citizens of Henderson
county continued to meet and exhibit their stock and other intei-esting articles of their county's production up to and including the year 1866. The incompatibility of holding the fair so remote from the center of
had begun
to be felt and talk of removal freely indulged in, end the nevyly elected executive committee and official board, in session on the fair ground, resolved to meet at Biggsville May 25, 1867, to receive bids and hear arguments as to a more central and at the same time suitable location. Biggsville and vicinity was equal to the occasion and generously raised by subscription $1,684, which was used in fencing and fitting up in suitable shape the beautiful piece of land about one mile south of town, the use of which was
the county
and to
this
donated to the society free of charge by the enterprising Adam Sloan This oifer, it is needless to say, was accepted, for a term of six years. and the next exhibition of farm produce, fine herds and fast horses took place on the new fair grounds at Biggsville in October, 1867, and proved a decided success. The by-laws of this society require that on the last day of each annual fair the board of officers for the ensuing year shall be elected, and in accordance with this law the old board, which was composed of Eobert Gibson, president ; E. Hollingsworth and A. McDougall, vice-presidents; H. F. McAlUster, recording McAllister, corresponding secretary and treasurer Col. Samuel Hutchinson, Samuel McElhinney, O. W. Milliken, John H. Kice and William Tharp, executive committee, retired, giving Preston Martin and E. A. place to Samuel Hutchinson, president secretary
;
K.
S.
;
McKinley, vice-presidents A. E. Graham, treasurer E. S. McAllisH. F. McAllister, recording secretary ter, corresponding secretary A. McDougall, Jos. S. King, M. H. Mills, John H. Eice and John B. ;
;
;
Fort, executive committee.
of any importance to note, with reference to this This organization, was the expiration of their lease to the ground. at a Sloan Mr. of same was, however, arranged by renting ftie heavy too be found to rental of $160 per year, which was soon
The next change
a tax foot
on their
by the
citizens
W. I
and a movement was accordingly put on of the county to purchase the land, 15^ acres in This was a fortu21, T. 10, E. 4, of Mr. Sloan.
receipts,
of Sec. board, as a nate step, at least to the Henderson coimty agricultural secured to them, contract between them and the purchasers of the land arranged small cost, the use of a commodious and well
the S.
at
comparative
Biggsville, Since then, and in fact since its removal to It is now finances. the fair has been a success in display, but not in fair
ground.
HISTORY OF MERCER
1332
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
Paul D. Salunder the supervision of the following efficient board president Thomas G. Richey, vice-president and John H. McDougall, Elijah Beal, I. H. M. McQuown, James Duke, J. H. "Woods, Joseph Linell, Com. P. Davidson and Paul D. Gibb, executive committee R. A. McKinley, recording secretary Geo. W. Holmes, cor:
ter,
;
;
;
;
responding secretary Geo. McDill, treasurer. As above stated, a number of tlie citizens of the county, especially those having the interest of the fair at hearty purchased the land and ;
formed themselves into a joint stock company
;
was incorporated Jan-
uary 12, 1880, in accordance with the state laws as the Henderson County Agricultural Fair
Ground Corporation, and now
control $1,200 in
divided in shares of $10 each, on which they receive from the agricultural board ten per cent in gate tickets. They are stock,
which
is
under the guardianship of a board of directors, of
whom
A. L. Porter For the interest of the general readers it might be here mentioned that the official members of the agricultural board, after they had decided on removal to Biggsville, met and jjrocured men and teams to go to •Oquawka with a view to also removing the old fair ground outfit, but their return empty is evidence that they had no legal claim to the property. The friend of the Oquawka faction held a fair on the old grounds the season of 1867, which was the last effort to sustain a has been president since they became an incorporate body.
second institution in that line in the county.
A'lLLAGE OF BIGGSVILLE.
The
early settlers of this county, like those of the state, had no
thought that their solitude would be so soon invaded by the greatest of Yet such is the case, and to-day train all improvements, a railroad. hurrying past their doors with their many cars heavity after train goes vast productions of the then unknown country, far laden with the
beyond the Father of Waters. Though they waited patiently for the development of their country, and watched with pride and joy every phase of its onward march and improvement, yet few for a moment anticipated that soon would they be in communication with the great outside woiid by means of anything other than the old stage coach. But in 1852 surveyors and engineers, looking for a route for the Peoria Oquawka railroad, put in an appearance, and the talking of railroad by day and dreaming of cars by night was but an infantile anticipation of what was in waiting for these sturdy sons of toil. line was soon established entering this township from Warren county at the center of Sec. 13 and passing through the south half of Sees. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and leaving the township near the N.E. corner of Sec. 18, a route
&
A
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1333
which would seem to the minds of ordinary men the most inaccessible, as it followed the bottom lands of Henderson creek through Sees. 16, 17 and 18, necessitating bridging the stream in several places. The line being located grading was at once begun, and soon the great iron horse put in an appearance and infused into the inhabitants new life and vigor. But it was not until 1864 that the Peoria & Oquawka railroad was completed, that there was any marked change in this part of the county. In that year Andrew and Samuel C. Douglass platted the first lots in the town on the N.W. J of S.W. J-j-T. 10, E. 4, and named This plat it Biggsville, in honor of its early founder, John Biggs. consisted of one row of lots on the north and one on tlie south side of Main street, and from the depot on the east to the mill race on the Thus matters stood until 1856, when Solomon Essex, George ' west. and Smith "Wax came to the newly laid out but yet unsettled town. They each bought lots and built houses which are now occupied by The same fall Michael Sol. Essex, Wm. Bell and Jerome Fuller. of Main street near the west south side Parley built two houses on the from this poin£ and shipped bought at end of the new plat. Grain was was not until and it of Oquawka, by Eobert Moir and John MoKinney, commercial attracbecame a the summer of 1857 that the grain trade Henderson South the old tion. In that year B. H. Martin purchased United Presbyterian church and removed it to Biggsville, where it kept up its former reputation by doing good service as a grain warehouse. Here Mr. Martin actively embarked in the grain trade, which soon grew to large proportions. The first corn bought here by Martin was .
by hand, weighed in a flour barrel on a small pair of Fairbanks and loaded on the cars on track. The growth of business can be illustrated in giving the figures furnished by Mr. T. W. Dennis,
shelled scales
better
as the transactions of
one day
:
Three hundred and ninety-eight loads
of grain received, twenty-six cars of grain loaded, twenty-two cars of was stock loaded, making two full trains of twenty-two cars each, which side the on standing grain pulled out at night, leaving four cars of
The same day Mr. Crosthwait l-emoved the furniture from his his horses out parlor and filled the room with grain, and then turned of no such boasts and filled the stable. But in later years Biggsville track.
days of trade.
Grain, however,
is still
raised in large quantities
and
ware-
and steady market here. M. Belden, Martin and the enterprising James Montgomery up B. H. house of town are the buyers. Oquawka and Chicago, Burimgton Up to 1858 the Peoria great Chicago, Buriington Quincy railroads then operating on the now and only sold tickets at Monmouth, Kirkat the old
finds a firm
m
&
&
Quincy
line
had no agent,
&
1334
HISTOEY OF MEKCEE
AND HENDEE80N
COUN'HES.
wood and Oquawka junction,
carrying passengers between these points without stopping at Biggsville unless to take water at the tank, then The only passengers sure of located near the bridge north of town.
an accommodation were large shippers or those expert enough to get In the same year, 1858, one Noah Purcell oif of a moving train. removed a small shanty (called a store) and a stock of goods here from Kirkwood and in a small way engaged in merchandising in calico, tea, His stay, however, was of short coffee, soap, molasses and whisky. duration, and between two days for forgery he left the country, leaving After conthe constable asleep in the bed they wei"e both to occupy. siderable correspondence Mr. Martin induced Mr. H. W. Crosthwait, This was of Iowa, to come to Biggsville and put in a stock of goods. also in 1858. This stock was only such as was most needed, such as tea, coffee, sugar, molasses, and other groceries, and opened out to the trade in a corner of Martin's warehouse. It was the custom of Mr. Crosthwait to go to Burlington and purchase his goods by wholesale and bring them back in his arms. While on these trips Mr. Martin usually clerked for him.
happened that at one time the proprietor was away and Ben was behind the counter when a customer came in and wanted some molasses. On turning to the barrel Ben found the molasses slow to run, the weather being cold, so he pulled out the plug, set under the measure and continued to wait on his other customers. Adam Sloan, who was ever ready for a, joke, induced the molasses customer to go oft' for an hour or two, and he (Sloan) engaged Mr. Martin in talk on the fluctuating prices of corn and the uncertainty of the markets till he was quite sure Ben had forgotten the open bung, when he, with the others present, sauntered out, to await coming events. In the course of an hour they returned and found Ben sitting with both feet in the molasses busily engaged figuring on the profit and loss on grain. When he was apprised of his situation he "set 'em up all round," and never again went much on slow molasses. Notwithstanding all the difficulties that then presented themselves, Mr. Crosthwait did a flourishing business. He soon after buUt a house just opposite the depot, on the extreme east end of Main street, on the south side. The next to enter into the mercantile trade in town was Isaac Myerstine, who occupied the third house west of the east end of Main street, on the south side. He opened up a stock of dry goods, groceries, hardware, drugs and medicines. Between liim and Crosthwait, on the same side of the street, a hotel was built by A. Talcott, and occupied by him as such till the time of his death, in about 1866. His wife continued the business a year longer and then sold out to James It so
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP. Paul,
who
ran
it
up
its lost
when it passed into the hands of became the property of Eobert Martin, who
until about 1876,
other parties and finally built
1335
reputation.
In 1858 the place began to assume an air of importance as a commercial point, but no postoffice had yet made its appearance, and accordingly the people in this vicinity concluded to ask Uncle
Sam
to
grant them one, and thus obviate the necessity of going three miles south of town for a weekly mail.
After getting the required
number
of petitioner? that old distributor of postoffices quietly dropped a com-
who kept
mission as postmaster into the lap of B. H. Martin,
the
one corner of his grain warehouse, and the people congratulated themselves hereafter on a daily mail, and that in town. About the same time the useful Benj. H. Marian was elected and commissioned a justice of the peace, though up till this time there seems to have been but little need of a court of justice, as most all difficulties were settled, amicably or the pai'ties would adjourn to postoffice for a
few years
in'
some convenient place and knock the
difficulties oif
of each other's
face.
In 1859 John
McKee opened
a store in the building Purcell had
occupied, but soon after built a larger and
more commodious building
near the depot, north side, east end of main street, where he carried on a successful ti-ade till 1864, when he sold to David Bovee and bouglit three lots in Rigby's addition to Biggsville, on one of which
and there started a thriving business in drugs and Sloan Jr. also built on lot 5, block 2, the James and He groceries. McKim. These buildings were sold and Frank store now occupied by lot 4, block 2, and there run a drug buMness Mr. McKee built on After Mr. McXee left exclusively till his removal to Iowa in 1868. (now of the McKinney John Mr. depot the part of town near the and did a stand old McKee the occupied Aledo, Illinois, postoffice) years. Mr. John for several business large and flourishing mercantile he built a
fine store
McDill was also an early merchant in the town. In 1867 Jos. M. Michener bought the house John KcKee first built on lot 6, block 2, in Eigby's addition to Biggsville, and engaged in the hotel and restaurant business, and by strict economy and the aid of an industrious family has gathered around
him a goodly
share of this world's goods.
Subsequent to the laying off of the original town, additions have been B. H. Martin's three additions, 1861, 1866 and platted as follows 1882 Brown & Downey's, 1861 Van Tuyl's, 1865 Shoemaker's, 1866 Eigby's, 1863 Belden's 1870 McKee's 1878. Yan Tuyle and Shoemaker's additions are the largest and on these the residence part After McKee built his first business house on of the town is built. :
;
;
;
;
;
;
>
HI8T0EY OF MEECEE
1336
AND HENDEE80N
COUNTIES.
the hill in the west part of town, the business gradually left that part
Immediately after Mr. McKee had platted he built the large store on lot 1, block 3, and the following year another commodious store on lot 2, block 3, in his addition to Biggsville, the former now occupied by Geo. W. Plolmes as a general store and the latter by Mr. McKee as a drug Biggsville' had no resident physician up to 1865, or about that store. time, when Dr. David McDill came and permanently located here, where he soon built up and enjoyed an extended and lucrative practice. He built the first house in Shoemaker's addition to Biggsville, which ho sold to his successor in practice, Di-. Maxwell, in 1878, who in Dr. McDill turn sold out to Drs. Bailey & Mekemson in 1882. removed to Burlington and Dr. Maxwell to Keokuk, where they are more than sustaining their former reputations both as citizens and physicians. The first blacksmithing done in the town was during the building of Biggs' mill in 1844, by Paul D. Birdsall. This, however, was only a private affair and the earliest business of the kind was started in 1856, by one Patrick Shaw, whose business it was to mend forks, shovels and iron and steel plows, which had. taken the place of the pioneer's rude wooden implements, for it must be borne in mind that the first plow used on the prairie was made of wood, with a steel share and drawn by from four, to six oxen. Len Fuller was also an early manipulator of the hammer. They were followed by J. H. Wiley, whose anvil still rings under the muscular stroke of the hamof the
town near the depot.
his addition to Biggsville, in 1878',
Dixon & Rodman are also later blacksmiths. Samuel McDonald was also an important character for a time in Biggsville. While owner of the mill here he refitted throughout. B. H. Martin, Esq., who figured so prominently in the early history of the town, is still residing here, on his fine farm adjoining the incorporation. Crosthwait resides in Iowa. »The town since 1875 has made good progress, and now is quietly enjoying its hard earned
mer
;
reputation.
Below
is
given a
list
of the present business
men
of Biggsville,
and the year in which they came John McKee, druggist, 1859; James Sloan, boot and shoe maker, 1862; H. L. Kelly, hardware and agricultural, implements, 1874 Geo. McDill, general store, 1879 J. Montgomery, grain dealer, 1882 Geo. W. Holmes, their business
:
;
;
;
general store, 1876; groceries, 1878
butchers,
;
J.
J.
E. Pearson, groceries, 1872; J. C. McDill,
H. Wiley, blacksmith, 1872
;
McDill
&
Nesbet,
1882;. B. F. Dyson, harness and saddlery,
1881; A. G. A. Miller, barber, 1878; A. W. Gra-
Graham, postmaster, 1876; W. ham, general store, 1877 Frank McKinn, general ;
store,
1877
;
Dixon
;
BIGGSVILLE- TOWNSHIP.
1337
•&Eodman,
blacksmiths, 1880; M. M. Eowley, editor, 1875; E. J. Martin, Biggsville Hotel, 1878 T. W. Dennis, lumber and coal, 1864 ;
;
John Fulmer, furniture, 1866 John Henderson, physician, 1881 Bailey & Mekemson, physicians, 1882 B. F. Bassett, wagon maker, 1872 Eussell Graham, U. P. minister, 1873. ;
;
;
ACCIDENTS.
On December
24, 1844,
William Cowden was accidentally
while excavating dirt to be used in constructing the
killed
new dam
at
He was
one of the first half-dozen settlers in the county. October 10, 1862, Dennis Swords was killed by the falling of an embankment while grading ori the railroad, a few rods southeast of where the depot now stands, at the east end of Main street. He had been in this country three years, and his family were on their way here at the time of his death. The same fall James Kinchler was. An Englishman (name unkilled in the same place the same way. Biggs' mill.
known) was drowned near town, in Tom creek, while riding a horse after the cows. His horse mired down, threw his rider and plu-nged on to him. Isaac Shook, in the country, was killed by being thrown from a fractious horse. His nephew, Asa Shook, was killed by horses running away with the cultivator on which he was riding, on his way to dinner. James Harbison, a young man, was killed while attemptHe left a wife and three children. His ing to ride an unbroken colt. sister, Caroline Harbison, a young lady, was drowned while crossing The box tipped oif, coverEllison creek with a wagon, in high water. ing her in the stream her brothers and sister at the same time making their escape. .John Milliken was killed by falling on a butcher's Miss Eachel Salter was knife. It entered his head near the temple. drowned while skating on Peoria lake, while on a visit to that city. William Goff was drowned in South Henderson creek, on Sec. 25, near Salter's Grove, in 1879. A stranger by the name of Graham was drowned in the mill-pond one 4th of July. An unknown Swede ;
was drowned in the same place a few years previous. Thomas Sugart, a boy five years old, was drowned in the creek, below the dam, in 1876.
JOURNALISM IN BIGGSVILLE. The "Plaindealer," published stock company and moved over to being published under the name December 12 Ira D. Chamberlin, ;
at
Oquawka, was purchased by a
Biggsville in 1867, the first number of "The Henderson Plaindealer," editor
and publisher.
In about one
year's time the "Plaindealer" was turned over to Judson Graves, the At the end of the stockholders agreeing to pay him $1,000 per year.
HISTOEY OF MEEOEE AND HENDEK80N COUNTIES.
1338
year the receipts of the establishment not "panning out" satisfac-* the whole establishment was turned over to Mr. Graves with the agreement that he should take the office and ran the paper for his For a few months Mr. Graves published the paper on those pay.
first
torily,
Kirkwood (then Young America), and from is still published by Iram Biggs. The "Biggsville Clipper" was established by M. M. Rowley in 1875, the first number being published May 29. The
terms, and then
removed
to
thence to Galesburg, where the "Plaindealer"
"Clipper" has continued present time under institution, its
its
its
publication from
its
foundation until the
management, and, though not a paying more successful, stable and permanent than
original
has proved far
predecessors, and, with the continued
assistance of the liberal-
minded citizens and business men of the town, is likely to prove a permanent fixture of the town and county. Marellies M. Rowley, In 1846 his editor, was born in Attica, Indiana, February 12, 1842. Rev. Rossiter Rowley, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Young Rowley's life Illinois.was without events up till the fall of 1857, when he had completed an apprenticeship as printer on the "Fulton Democrat" at Lewiston, Illinois. His parents then removing to Peoria were accompanied by
father,
church, removed to the northern part of
our subject, medicine.
who there turned his attention for a time to the stildy of After a short time spent in the practice of medicine at
Monmouth Mr. Rowley removed
to Biggsville and started in business. he was united in marriage with Miss Drusilla Criss, They are the a native of Berlin, Ohio, born November 2, 1842.
August
22, 1862,
parents of five children, whose
names
are Rossiter
C, Samuel
F.,
Applonia D., Harr}^ and Philo.
VILLAGE SCHOOLS. With step,
by
the growth of the town and with
so also did the schools
grow and
its
advancement step by
prosper.
Theu' origin here
several years antedates the laying out of a railroad, the platting of a
town, or even the advent of to the log cabins of 1846,
many settlers, and dates its beginning back when Mr. Biggs and Jerry Meechim con-
structed a rude frame building of the material used for shanty shelters
by the Mormons employed by Mr. Biggs while building his mill in This antiquated school-house was built on what has since been 1 844. laid off and platted as lots 4 or 6, block 2, in Rigby's addition to Biggsville, and near a convenient patch of bushes which the children used to bend down and ride for horses, and probably some of them long remember the master's "hazel" and how easily it was obtained. The first school was taught there in 1847 by Prof. Joshua Hopkins. He
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1339
was succeeded, in the years 1848 and 1849, by the Misses Elizabeth and Frances Downey, who had acquired considerable of a reputation as pioneer school teachers in Warren county. They were the daughters of Rev. Peter Downey, the frontier preacher. This was all thei schoolhouse of which the place could boast up till 1861, when B. H. Martin platted his first addition to the town on lot 17, on which a school-house was at once built, size 22 X 28, with twelve^foot posts. This was quite a respectable building and added a new attraction to the newly started This building did service for church as well as school purposes
village.
for a
number of years.
nearly
all
As
the town grew and increased in population,
of which extended westward, the necessity for a larger house
and more central location presented itself, and accordingly the school board in 1869 built a fine two-story school edifice in the west part of town, on Shoemaker's addition. Here three teachers are kept employed directing the young minds of about an average attendance of 125 scholars. Of this their last effort the citizens of Biggsville have a just reason to feel proud, as
good schools bespeak future prosperity
to
any community.
CHURCHES. great cause of the remarkable prosperity, good order and high morality of this township may be easily traced to the fliree churches
One
The people heart to and hand of these organizations have always worked hand to and social order heart on all questions pertaining to the morality, good things rivalry are Sectarian jealousy and welfare of the community.
of Biggsville.
almost
Their influence
unknown
is
in their midst
not divided, but united.
;
while the
spirit
of proselytism
is
"A
monster of so frightful mien, as to be hated needs regarded as but to be seen." The Sabbath is really a day of rest and worship. The whole community, with but few exceptions, go to church those
—
—
members and those who are not, and the non-member is as welcome and feels as much at home in church as the member. The
who
are
churches have always worked unitedly in the cause of Temperance, and as a result not a drinking saloon has been in or near the town for many years. An intoxicated person is very rarely seen, and when
regarded by almost everyone with mingled feelings of pity and disgust. The churches make it a rule to help each other, "bearing seen
is
one another's burdens," and are also quite liberally supported by many These are some of the reasons why outside of all church connection. Strangers people love to live in Biggsville, and so regret to leave it. are always struck with the peace, quietness and good order and good society of the place
things
we
;
and among the prominent causes of
place our three churches.
this state of
:
1340
IIISTOEY OF
The
first
MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
services in connection with the
United Peesbyteeian
summer of 1859, in a grove east of town, bridge. The grove has since been cut down. railroad were conducted by Eev. J. A. P. McGaw, then pastor
Chuecii were held during the south of the
The
services
of the United Presbyterian congregation of South Henderson,
occupying
this field as a
mission point.
The congregation was organized January house which
is still
he
1866, in the school-
3,
standing in the east part of town, afterward
known
Cumberland Presbyterian chui-ch, now used as a lumber-room by Eobert Mickey. The organization was eff^ected by Kev. A. M. Black, D.D. Dr. Black took a deep interest in the young congregation, and watched over it witli great care for several years. The congregation was organized under the oversight of Monmouth presbytery. The original members came from the United Presbyterian congregations of South Henderson and Ellison, mostly from the former, viz B. H. Martin, Dr. A. C. McDill, J. B. McG-aw, Elizabeth McGaw, \A. E. Graham, Mary A. Graham, Mrs. E. McDill, Margaret McDillJ J. E. McClain, Frances McLain, Andrew McDougal, I. McDougal, Maggie H. Henderson, Mary Porter, J. S. Smiley, Mary M. Smiley, Jane Gilmore, Mary E. Graham, John H. McDill, Mary A. McDill, M. M. Douglass, Ellen J. Stanley, Robert McDill, Mary McDill, Robert Y. McDill, M. W. McDill, Margaret Young, William F. Campbell, H. M. Whiteman, Elizabeth Whiteman, A. G. Stewart, Jane Stewart, John Glenn, Margaret Campbell, thirty-four in all. Of this number as the
twelve are
still
members of
tJie
organization, viz
:
Elizabeth
McGaw,
Mrs. E. McDill, Marga)-et McDill (Mrs. Henry Clark), Mary Porter, Jane Gilmore, M. M. Douglass, Ellen J. Stanley, Robert McDill, Mary McDill, H. M. "Whiteman, Elizabeth Whiteman, Margaret Young.
For several years the congregation worshiped the rooms above Frank
McKims'
store,
then
in
known
what are now as Sloan's Hall.
Here a Sabbath school was organized in connection with the congregation. It was a vigorous plant from the first and its natural force has never abated.
It
has proved to be one of the most
agencies of the congregation, and
its
The
throughout the entire community. school, so far as
•human agency
few untiring christian workers.
is
efficient
influence for good has been felt
success and prosperity of the
concerned,
Among
may
be attributed
to a
the most zealous and faithful
superintendents we may mention Robert Gilmore, J. B. McGaw, A. W. Graham and George McDill, the present incumbent. It now has
an enrollment of over 200 scholars. house of worship 66x36, with twenty-foot story, was completed and
A
.
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1341
summer of 1869, at a cost of $6,000. Among those who were most active and instrumental in the work of building we may name B. H. Martin, H. M. Whiteman, Eobert McDill, Andrew McDougal, John Smiley, John B. McGaw, S. C. Douglass, John dedicated in the
Glenn and Margaret Young.
The congregation have always taken
pride in keeping their property in good repair, laying out at one time as high as $500 in this way.
room 33 X 24
In 1882, they built a lecture and Sunday
main building at a costof $1,000, with furnaces for heating the main building at a cost of $400. In 1875 a good parsonage property was secured. The congregation now has a property which is a credit to a small town like Biggsville and of which they may justly feel proud. school
On
January and Capt. J. B.
3,
at the rear of the
1866, on the day of organization, Dr. A. C. McDill
McGaw were McGaw was
elected ruling elders
;
and on February
ordained and installed and Dr. A- C. McDill was installed ruling elders, Dr. A. C. McDill having been 3,
1866, J. B.
previously ordained to the gregation.
December
installed ruling elder
;
1,
office
while in connection with another con-
1866, H.
also, at the
Andrew McDougall were
installed
M. Whiteman was ordained and same time, Richey Campbell and to same office, having been previ-
ously ordained to the office in other congregations elected to the office in this congregation.
;
On March
all
having been D.
30, 1875, J.
Cochrane was elected elder and on the 28th day of same month was duly installed, having been ordained to the
office in
another congrega-
In the winter of 1879, Dr. T. J. Maxwell and were elected and installed ruling elders, having been
tion in the year 1859.
Isaac
McQuown
members H. M. D. Cochrane and Isaac McQuown.
previously ordained in other congregations.
now remain,
Of
these, four
constituting the session of the congregation, viz
:
Whiteman, Kichey Campbell, J. The session has always been remarkable for their unanimity in counsel, and have been unusually successful in their spiritual oversight of .
the congregation.
Rev. D.
Began
W. McLane was
stated labors
August
become pastor April 30, 1866. and was ordained and installed pastor about six months and was Eev. John M. Baugh was health.
called to 21, 1866,
October 16, 1866. He labored as then released on account of failing
August 17, 1868, and was installed pastor October 7, 1868. Labored as pastor about one year and was then released to go and labor in a mission church in Chicago. Rev. D.- M. Thorne was called called
June
24, 1871.
tor for
soon after installed pastor. He labored as pasRussell Graham, present pastor, was called JanuWas ordained and installed pastor April 29 of same
one year.
ary 16, 1873.
Was
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1342
and is now in the tenth jear of his pastorate. All the ex-elders and jjastors are still living and laboring in other fields. Among the prominent characteristics of this people may be mentioned regular attendance on public worship, freedom from the spirit of strife and discord, the amount of money promised to benevolent and religious purposes, a commendable liberality, contributing during last year (1881) over $2,700 for religious and benevolent purposes at home and Over $400 are contributed annually to mission work alone. abroad. Beginning in 1866, with a membership of thirty-four, there has been a steady increase until there are now an actual membership of 200. It is the largest congregation in the county, and its complete growth is evidently not yet attained. After a long and fruitless search and many anxious inquiries, only a brief and fragmentary histoiy of the Methodist Episcopal church of Biggsville can be presented to our readers, and the cause can be justly Tradition has it laid to incomplete records and imperfect memory. that about 1860 a class of that faith was organized in Biggsville, composed of the following members, citizens of the little village and vicinity H. P. M. Brown (local preacher), H. W. Crosthwait (leader), C. W. Brown, C. W. Brouse, Matthew Douglass, H. Watson, Janies H. David Douglass, Humphry Alexander, and their respective They worshiped for a number of years in the school-house in wives. the east part of town, and not unfrequently in the beautiful grove of timber then standing on lots 35 and 36, Brown & Downey's addition to Biggsville Mrs. Jane Kelley's property. Soon after the organization of this class a Sabbath school was organized, and with varied success carried on in connection with the church, and was taken part in by all classes, regardless of sectarian interest. As the church and Sabbath school grew in interest and numbers, the need of a house in which to worship became apparent, and in the summer of 1866 the society elected a board of trustees with instructions to negotiate for a lot and year,
:
—
means for building a church. In 1867 lots 2 and 3, in block 9, of Shoemaker's addition to Biggsville, was purchased by the trustees at a cost of $100, and afterward
take the necessary steps to securing the
excavating for a basement was begun and finally completed.
This was
followed by the stone work, and walls were raised a suificient height
was designed to have a school-room under the main These walls were, after being finished, condemned or considered insufiicient, and were taken down to a proper height for There does not appear to have been any move made in a foundation. the way of raising money till the spring of 1868, when on March 21 a subscription paper was drawn up, circulated and well patronized. A for
one
story, as it
audience room.
BIOGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1343
building committee was appointed consisting of H. P. M. Brown, C. W. Brouse and Smith "Wax, who employed workmen, with Krow and
Monroe
as foremen, and early in the summer of 1868 work was begun and vigorously prosecuted till the building was completed. It was dedicated December 30, 1868, by T. M. Eddy, D.D., of Chicago, who succeeded in raising that day by subscription the sum of $2,184, besides a cash collection of $105, an amount equal to the indebtedness then standing on the church. As is generally the case, so it was here. Influenced by a power sermon, men subscribed sums of money they
afterward found
it difficult to pay, and the church was clouded with debt for some time with interest at the rate of ten per cent accumulating ; but the money was finally raised and the indebtedness canceled. The church, which is in size 36x60, with twenty-foot posts, on which was mounted a lofty spire, cost the incredulous sum of $4,400. The
board of trustees, H. W. Crosthwait, C. W. Brouse, Matthew and David Douglass, H. Alexander, PI. P. M. Brown and C. W. Brown were elected for five years, and all but the latter two (who had moved away) were re-elected at the expiration of their first term of office. The first
following tion
:
is
a
list
of the pastors in charge since the society's organiza-
James Tubbs, David Pershian,
the building of the church),
IST.
J.
A. Windsor
T. Allen, J.
W.
(in
charge during
Coe, U. Z. Gilmer,
Budd, D. M. Hill, D. S. Main, Wm. Merriam and C. B. Couch. The conference year, the last, was completed by Eev. N. T. Allen. The board of trustees in 1882 are: C. W. Brouse, G. W. Holmes, H. Watson, Peter Ward, C. Rodman and Wm. Van Tuyl. The society has a membership of about sixty, with H. Watson, leader; C. W. J. S.
Brouse
is
cial basis
superintendent of the Sabbath school, which is on good finanbut is not largely attended. In 1879 the forty-foot spire was
removed, leaving in its place only the belfry, thus lessening the danger from storms and avoiding repeated damage to the building. A congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, with twentynine members, was organized in Biggsville, Illinois, August 8, 1868. Rev.
J.
W.
Carter officiated in the organization.
The congregation sprung from
the South Henderson church of the same denomination, which worshiped four miles north of Biggsville, Illinois. This organization was efiected in a scbool-house which was in the extreme east end of town. The congregation immediately employed Rev. J. W. Carter, its pastor. They worshiped for several years in this school-building. The members of the church elected Geo. M. Jamison, A. H. McLain and A. C. Shoemaker its ruling elders, and Alford Burrus and Wm. H. McLain its deacons. Thos. B. Records, J. J. EflTort and A. C. Shoemaker were
HI8T0EY OF MEEOEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1344
by the congregation, October 23, 1869. Kev. J. W. Carwas pastor of this church about three years, and then resigned his pastorate. The pastoral services of Kev. J. L. Croiford were sought and obtained, and he began his pastorate April 21, 1872. Kev. Mr. Crofford served as pastor for the Sagetown and South Henderson congregations in union with that at Biggsville. Wm. PI. McLain was elected ruling elder by the Biggsville church October 5, 1872, being ordained according to the custom of the church. During the pastorate of Kev. J. L. Crofford the South Henderson, Sagetown and Biggsville congregations were united into one congregation by the Kushville presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, under whose care these churches had been from the time of their existence. This was done at the request of the members of the three churches, and also with the understanding that the name of the one congregation should be South Henderson, its place of worship Biggsville, Elinois, and that the officers of the three churches should be the officers of the one elected trustees
ter
church.
This was done by the presbytery convened at Abington, February, 1876.
The
J. L. Croiford, pastor
;
officers
of the
Abner
Illinois,
new congregation then were Kev.
Short, T. A. Kussell,
:
W.
B. Jamison, A.
H. McLain, ruling elders Alford Burrus and Wm. H. McLain, deaWm. H. McLain continued his office as deacon, instead of servcons. ing as ruling elder. Chas. A. Martin was elected and ordained a ruling ;
elder.
On
account of
affliction
the pastorate of this church.
of Lis eyes Kev. J. L. Crofford resigned .Thus closed a successful and pleasant
pastorate which was of about five years' continuance.
W. Mitchell were immediately began his labors for the congregation January 1, 1877. During his pastorate, which continued about five years, the beautiful church edifice which stands on northeast corner of Main and Church streets, Biggsville, as an honor to Cumberland Presbyterians in the town and its vicinity, was erected. This building is 36x56 feet in size and cost $2,300. The church bell weighs three hundred pounds and cost $108. The church was dedicated January 26, 1879. Rev. J. B. Mitchell, D.D., of Kirksville. Missouri, preached the dedicatory sermon. J. J. Effort and Jonathan Gee were elected deacons by the congregation, and were ordained as such April 6, 1879. K. A. McKinley and F. H. McLain were elected ruling elders by the church September 6, 1880, and J. W. McClinton was elected deacon on the same occasion. These. officers were aff;erward regularly ordained in October, 1881. The
pastoral services of Kev. J.
obtained.
He
BIQGSVILLB TOWNSHIP.
The pastoral labors of Eev. November, 1881. Eev.
Dickens
vras
1882.
The
J.
W.
1347
Mitchell for this congregation closed
unanimously called to the pastorate of this call was accepted, but on account of disa8, bility resigned September 11 of the same year. The church has now ninel;y-three members. The following are its officers Eev. J. L. Dickens, pastor Abner Short, A. H. McLain, C. A. Martin and E. A. McKinley, ruling elders J. J. Eifort, A. Burrus, J. Gee and J. W. MeClinton, deacons B. H. Martin, A. H, McLain and A. Short, trustees. flourishing Sabbath school has been connected with this congregation from its organization until the present. Wm. H. McLain was its superintendent until January 1, 1881. Eev. J. W. Mitchell was. superintendent from January 1, 1881, until November of the same year. The Sabbath school at the present has eighty-five members. The following are its officers Frank McKin, superintendent Jerome McLain, assistant superintendent Mrs. Mahala Martin, secretary and treasurer Miss Ada Martin, assistant secretary. There are seven church
J. L.
May
:
;
;
;
'
A
;
:
;
;
by
classes in the school taught
The church and Sabbath
efficient teachers.
school are out of debt and in good finan-
cial condition.
out
The history of Biggsville township would some mention of a queer and antiquated
scarcely be complete withstructure
now
standing on
the farm of Paul D. Gibb, the erection of which has been often attributed,
on account of
its
strange appearance, to the Mormons,
To the "educated
frequented this section.
ing is a wonder and a puzzle.
Built to
over a quarter of a century as a ance of it is
its
' '
who
formerly
architects of to-day this buildit has stood for energy and perseversize is 34x26 feet, and
outlive the ages, "
monument
to the
supposed builder, Ery Marston. It The foundations are wonderfully
built of stone.
solid,
being four
stones composing the walls were seemingly hoisted to their positions in the order of their arrival from the quarry and not with regard to any special order of arrangement. Some of feet in thickness.
The
these stones are very large; four of
them extending. the
entire length
one slab eleven feet The door jams are long, two and a half feet wide and one foot thick. the top are huge Across square. foot one bottom, solid from top to of one side of the building.
On
the west side
is
stones fitted with a precision equaled only in the temples of the ancient Aztecs. The inside of the house is finished in cherry, and presents a rather comfortable but primitive appearance.
The Hon. David Eankin and Judge Preston Martin very tough
subdue and pulverize 76
state
:
The
prairie sod in this county stoutly resisted all attempts to it.
The scouring
steel
plow had not yet been
hiStory of meecee
1348
and hendeeson
couNxrES.
invented, and the only dependence was the old
wooden moldboard
plow, to which the dirt clung tenaciously, and could only be removed
with the heel of the plowman's boot or a wooden paddle carried Improvefor that purpose and was done with commendable patience.
raw land was a tedious process. After the owner had he had any to spare he would gladly let it to another to use the following year for the crop. If the tillage had been thorough the sod was now usually subdued, but not always so, particularly in low land, where the excessive moisture kept the grass roots alive. The •characteristics of the prairie-grass are peculiar, and the most singular thing about the prairie is, that the native grass which was found growing here when man came, and which for ages had maintained itself against all the natural elements ol extinction, has neither seed nor any other organs of propagation when once killed, or subdued in any way, it could not again by any means spread. It was not merely comparatively, but positivelj', impossible to spread it. Nature does not seem to have furnished another case of actual absence of the quality of propa-
ment
of the
broken the
sod, if
;
gation.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
John
C. Jamisox, retired farmer, Biggsville.
of Henderson county sketch the 1829.
He was
life,
it
is
In writing the history
rarely the privilege of the biographer to
of one having a continuous residence in the county since
Nevertheless that
man
is
found in the person of Mr. Jamison.
3, 1811, on the same day which gave birth to the veiierable Horace Greeley. His father, Samuel Jamison, was born in Pennsylvania, and his grandHe, witb his parents, father, James Jamison, was a native of Ireland. emigrated to America about the middle of the seventeenth century, being then but a boy. He, with his son Samuel (the father of our subject), emigrated from Brownsville, Virginia, via the rivers, to where Louisville, Kentucky, now stands, though at that time the place could Here Samuel married Sarah Rowland, boast of only one log cabin. by whom he had born to him three sons. Lost his wife by death remarried, and in 1819 removed to Perry county, Indiana. His second marriage was with Mrs. Melinda (Richards) Short. Hig mother, before marriage, was Miss Elizabeth Ewing, a lady whose family were noted In 1830 he emigrated to for their rare moral and intellectual worth. Henderson county, Illinois, where he died August 20, 1845. Having spent the greater part of his life in the tall timbers of Kentucky and Indiana, he attained to a great degree those characteristics and great Of ])hysical powers so honored and loved among the true pioneers.
born in Grayson county, Kentucky, February
;
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1349
John C. may be mentioned as the pioneer of the family Henderson county. His father sent him here in 1829 prospecting for a suitable locality, with a view to settling the family, which was done the following year. He was married in this county September She 15, 1836, to Miss Sarah Stice, a native of Montgomery, Illinois. died August 8, 1879, where she so long lived and reared her family. The children are Martha (wife of Wm. Bell), James W. and Tabitha, living; Caroline, Thomas and William H., deceased. By industrious labor and good management Mr. Jamison has secured a competency of this world's goods, owning, besides his residence in Biggsville, a fine farm of 250 acres, in Sees. 6 and 7. James W. Jamison, son of John C. and Sarah (Stice) Jamison, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, August 17, 1845. Was reared on April 7, 1872, his father's farm, where he is now engaged in farming. he married Miss Nancy J. Luten, of Lee county, Iowa. She was born They are the parents of three children: in Ohio, March 16, 1850. Nora C, Estella T. and Thadius. His brother, William H., was born Served in the late war, in the 89th 111. Vol. Inf. in 1841, August 30. Was wounded and died October 18, 1868. Geoege M. Jamison, farmer, Biggsville, was bom in Henderson His parents, James and Mary county, Illinois, May 17, 1835. October (McKinney) Jamison, were born 7, 1805, and April 28, 1798, March 8, 1827, and reared marriage united in They were respectively. order of their birth were the names in a family of five children, whose E. and George M. They Margaret Samuel, Sarah A., Mary J., August, in 1843, and he in she died in Henderson county, Illinois,
his three sons, in
October of the same year.
They emigrated
to this county in
1830
was the eldest son of Samuel and
from Perry county, Indiana. He Sarah (Rowland) Jamison, and brother of John C. Jamison, whose biography appears elsewhere in this chapter. George M., the subject of this notice, was reared on a farm with only the advantages of a common school education, completed with six months at Abingdon College. His education, however, in the way of economy, industry and integrity was full and complete. January 10, 1861, he married Miss Sophia Van Tuyl she was born near Dayton, Ohio, May 8, Her 1839, and came with her parents to Henderson, Illinois, in 1854. mother still her and father died October 8, 1880, in Warren county, HI. Vol. 84th K, In 1862 Mr. Jamison enlisted in Co. resides there. service on account Inf., from which he was discharged after one year's ;
.
of disability.
In the
of 1878 he bought a residence in Biggsville, stocklives, though he is engaged in farming,
fall
where he now (1882) He raising and feeding.
is
now
in comfortable circumstances,
owning
:
1350
HISlrOKY OF
MEECEE
AITO
HENDEE80N
COTJNTIES.
two farms containing 360 acres of land besides his village residence. His children are Alfred L., Sarah B., Herbert and Howard. William R. Jamison (deceased), another of the first pioneers of Henderson county, was born in Grayson county, Kentucky, in 1808. In 1819 he removed with his father (Samuel Jamison) to Perry county, Indiana, and in 1829 emigrated to Henderson county, Elinois. In Indiana he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Findley, by whom he has two sons living. Rev. John C. Jamison and F. M. Jamison. His second wife was Miss Margaret Giles (now deceased). By this union he has four children, viz: Porter, Henry, Ewell and Fannie. A few years ago he went to Jacksonville, Florida, with a view to improving his failing health, and there died, June 17, 1882. He was the second son of Samuel Jamison, elsewhere mentioned in this chapter. John Jamison, son of James and Elizabeth (Ewing) Jamison, and only brother of Samuel Jamison, emigrated to this county from Grayson county, Kentucky, a few years later than the other members of the Jamison family. He settled on See. 6, T. 10, E. 1, the first one on the prairie in that neighborhood. His bones now rest in the Smith Creek cemetery. His wife was formerly Miss Ann Beatty. His children were Joseph (now dead), Elizabeth, Margaret, William, Jane, Sarah (the three latter dead), Nancy and Samuel (living). His son Joseph's family are the only representatives of his
now
living in this county,
and are worthy representatives of the name. Wilson B. Jamison, farmer, Biggsville, son of Joseph and Sarah (YanTuyl) Jamison, and grandson of John Jamison, was bom in Henderson county, Illinois, January 12, 1852. His grandfather John was an only brother of Samuel Jamison, mentioned elsewhere in this work. The subject of these few notes was born and reared on the farm where he now lives, on Sec. 31, T. 11, E. 4, and received the best education that could be obtained in the common schools, besides two years at Monmouth College and one year at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. After completing his education he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. December 1, 1874, he married Miss Christena Wiegand, daughter of William Weigand, of Biggsville. After his marriage he at once went to Bedford, Iowa, where he engaged in the grain trade, but one year later returned to his farm, satisfied to be content in the humble vocation of a farmer. For the last three years he has been in feeble health, caused by being overcome with heat in 1879. His father died March 5,
1855,
leaving four children,
three
of
whom
are
now
living
Michael V., Anna J. and Wilson B., the subject of this sketch, who has two children, Harry F. and Jesse Joseph. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1351
The subject of this sketch, Eobeet M. Gilmoee, was born in Eockbridge count}', Virginia, on June 30, 1823. When he was three years of age his father, who was a physician, removed from Pennsylvania to
Preble county, Ohio, where he passed his early youth and manhood.
Here Mr. Gilmore received his intellectual and religious training, and in this county he was married on March 8, 1848, to Miss Jane Porter, daughter of Hugh Porter, of Preble county. After residing several years in Ohio, in 1853 they removed to Henderson county, Elinois, settling first near Coloma, but afterward on Sec. 22, T. 10, E. 4, where Mr. Gilmore died November 17, 1873, leaving a wife and twelve children to mourn his loss. Mr. Gilmore was a brother of William J. Gilmore, judge of the supreme court of Ohio^ and also of Judge James Gilmore, of Preble county, in the same state. He was a son of Eli
and Clarissa (Clayton) Gilmore. Wlien about three years of age a white swelling appeared on his left limb, below the knee. This' caused him great pain all his life and finally resulted in his death. He died respected and loved
by all, enduring his sufiering with great patience. Mr. Gilmore was a staunch member of and believer in the tenets- of the United Presbyterian church, and used largely of his means in its behalf His estimable wife is now living with the youngest of her children.
The names of
Emma
now
I.,
the children are William E., Frank
wife of William C. Dougless, Eli W.,
G, Anna M., now
M. Graham, James A., George E., Charles W., John E., Nora E. and Eobert E. Much credit is due to Mrs. Gilmore
wife of John
Mary
E.
,
for the training in industry and thrift her children
county,
have received.
Maxwell, M.D., Keokuk, Iowa, was born in Harrison Ohio, March 6, 1837. In the spring of 1844 his father, Mr.
Thomas
J.
John Maxwell, and famUy, emigrated to Washington county, Iowa, and settled in the town of Crawfordsville, where he died in 1869. He was bom near Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1798, of Scotch parents, whose ancestors came to America prior to the revolutionary war, in which they took an active part, one of whom was at the battle of Brandywine, and was wounded at Germantown. Dr. Maxwell's education was received in the common schools, to which he added an academic course, .
having a desire for the study and profession of medicine,- and accordingly turned his attention in that direction, graduating from the college In of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, with the class of 1861. 1862 he enlisted in the service of his country, and was commissioned as assistant surgeon of the 3d Iowa Cav., where he remained till July 1, 1865, when he was transferred to and commissioned surgeon of the 138th United States Colored Troops, from which he was discharged at Atlanta, Georgia, with the regiment, in January, 1866.
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND IIBNDEE80N COUNTIES.
1352
Pe
then returned to Washington, Iowa, where he engaged in the prac-
but soon after removed to Plenderson county, and located at Olena. During his practice in this county Dr. Maxwell has been flatteringly successful, and has performed some remarkable surgical operations. Among them may be mentioned that of Mrs. Alexander Main, of Olena, this county, of whom he extracted an ovarian tumor weighing ninety pounds, or in bulk about nine gallons. Feeling confidence in his ability to compete with the best physicians in the west, and choosing city pi-actice rather than the country, in the spring of 1882 he removed to Keokuk, Iowa, where he is now already building up a prosperous business. October 30, 1866, he was tice of his profession, Illinois,
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Riley, a native of Jeiferson county, Ohio, by whom he has four children, as follows: John K., Mabel C, Maud B. and Hellen J. The doctor's mother still resides in
Washington, Iowa, and is now in her seventy-ninth year. Her father, Robert Orr, was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and bom of Scotch parents.
Andrew W. Maetin,
farmer, Biggsville,
is
the son of Judge Preston
Martin, of this place, and was born on the old farm in T. 10, R. in this county^ June
7,
1838.
He,
5,
like the rest of the judge's chil-
was reared on the farm, with the best privileges of the common He served, with the rest of his brothers, in the war for the Union, as a member of Co.. K, 84th 111. Vol. Inf., till discharged on account of disability. February 27, 1861, he married Miss Mary M. Graham, the daughter of Andrew Graham, who was once a citizen of this county, but early removed to Missouri, where Mrs. Martin was bom April 15, 1846. Mr. Martin has children as follows wife of John Mcintosh, Annie B., Samuel P., John B. and Ida M. He is now engaged in farming at the old home. Among the leading farmers of Biggsville township, and worthy of special notice, is Samuel C. Douglass, who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, October 24, 1825. His parents were William and Jane (Wallace) Douglass, natives of the same, while his grandparents were of Scotch and Irish extraction. Mr. Douglass, like his father, was reared a hardy tiller of the soil. He was to a limited extent educated in the common schools, to which has been added, by practical experience reading and observation, that more useful knowledge which has dren,
schools.
:
led to a
life
of success.
At
the age of twenty-one, with seventy-five
cents in his pocket, he started in
life for
himself,
and
for the six follow-
ing years engaged in boating on the Pennsylvania canal.
In 1852 he and cropped the first year on In 1853 he purchased 160 acres of land, the N.E. J of Sec.
emigrated to Henderson county, rented land.
Illinois,
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHir.
1353
In the same year, in April, he bought a piece of land end of the callage of Biggsville now stands, and platted Jwne 7, 1856, he married Miss Jane A. Stewart, a part of the town. died in March, 1880. His second marriage was with Miss Mary who daughter of Edwards, a Thomas and Anna (McBride) Edwards A. native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, born April 24, 1843. she is a Mr. Douglass is the father of seven children, whose names are Armintha J., wife of August Weigand, Anna E., now Mrs. Edward Claybaugh, Ulysses G., Sarah L., Collins S., Angeline F. and Claudias C. Mrs. Weigand -is the only child by his first wife. Mr. Douglass has added to his old home farm an adjoining farm of ninety-iive, besides thirty His fine property is the result of his personal industry acres of timber. and careful economy. He and family are members of the United Presbyterian church of Biggsville, a church he has aided much by his
28, T. 10, E. i.
where the
east
;
:
liberality.
Isaac C. Shoet, son of Gabriel and Sarah (Purcell) Short, was Being one of the in Henderson county, Illinois, June 30, 1838. sons of this county, born and reared before the county's development into
bom its
present school system, his educational advantages were limited. twice married first to Miss Kutha J. Burrus, February 24,
He was
:
She was born March 11, 1838, and died November 15, 1868; his second marriage was with Miss Martha A. Smith, a native of Ohio; she was born August 4, 1835, and died August 1, 1879. Mr. Short has children living, as follows: Sarah F., Samuel B., Wilson D., John N. and George N., by his first wife, and Martha E. by his second wife, and three deceased. In March, 1875, he purchased and moved onto his As will be seen by reference to present farm in Sec. 31, T. 11, E. 4. 1859.
the history of Gladstone township, his father, Gabriel Short, settled in He was born in Washington county, Kenthis county in an early day. tucky, in 1810, and in 1819, with his mother and stepfather and their removed to Perry county, Indiana, and to Henderson county, He served through the Black Hawk war as a volunIllinois, in 1830.
families,
teer.
In 1835 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Purcell, an by whom he reared a family of eight children. He is
old school-mate,
a resident of Biggsville and is a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. John A. Wilson, son of John M. and Eliza (Duffield) Wilson, was
now
his born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 14, 1833. Soon after grew to A. John where county, Franklin to birth his father removed an secure usually boys that years the During manhood on a farm. did pretend to education, with him schools were few, and the few that gain an e'ducato Hence, principle. exist were on the old subscription
HISTOET OF MEEOEE XST) HBNDEESON COUNTIES.
1354
In 1856 he came at once went to work as a common laborer, and persistently applied himself to work wherever and whenever he could earn a dollar or a shilling. October tion
was a thing almost impossible
to Illinois, arriving in
to a
Oquawka July
poor boy.
17.
Here he
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Thompson, the She was daughter of William and Margaret (Wilson) Thompson.
28, 1858, he
born in Brown county, Ohio, July 3, 1838. His first farm was sixty bought in Warren county. To make his first payment on this he borrowed the money. In 1865 he sold this and bought of A. Y. Graham ninety-three acres in S. W. J of Sec. 14, T. 10, E. 4. Some time after he added to his first purchase an eighty-acre tract adjoining him on the east. His home, farm and surroundings have an appearance of neatness, industry and thrift, and his entire time is devoted to the care His five interesting children, of his farm and agricultural pursuits. named in the order of their birth, are Rosetta, Elizabeth A. James A., Sarah E. and Hiram. Mr. Wilson and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Wilson's parents were natives of The latter were among Ohio, and his grandparents of Pennsylvania. His grandfather Wilson the early pioneers of the Buckeye State. He permanently served with energy throughout the war of 1812. acres,
,
:
settled in Fairfield county, near Lancaster, Ohio.
,Paul D. Biedsall, son of John and Lucretia (Fowler)
Birdsall,
New
York, in
farmer, Kirkwood, was born in Westchester county,
when but a mere
removed with his parents into the Province of Ontario, Canada, whence they emigrated to Illinois in 1838, leaving home in Canada June 12, with team and wagon. When near Niles, Michigan, his sister died, and when they reached Joliet the mother was stricken with fever and died also. The rest of the family reached Ellison, Plenderson county, on October 18. The family setPaul D. was here in an tled here, and here the father died in 1863. early day, and was early connected with the improvements of Biggs1816, and
lad
father purchased an interest in the first mill built here. January 19, 1841, he married Miss Fannie Ryder, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Denyke) Ryder, who was born in Genesee county. New York, in March 1823, and emigrated to Henderson with her parents in 1839. In 1844 Mr. Birdsall removed to Oquawka and remained there -till 1853, when he removed to Warren county and engaged in. farming till 1869, when, for the purpose of educating his family, he went to Abingdon, where he continued to reside till 1880, when he returned to his farm in Warren county, in Tompkins township, where he is now comfortably located. He and wife are members of the Methodist ville, as his
Episcopal church.
Their children's names in the order of their birth
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP. are
:
Charles E. Senica,
who was killed
at the battle of
1356
Lookout Moun-
during the war of the rebellion, Mary E., wife of William E. Toll, Nancy, now Mrs. S. J. Moose, Alexander Jacob, George, Frank, Flora and Fannie. Tiie publishers of this work are
tain, in Georgia,
under obligations to Mr. B. for valuable information furnished. James Gibb, farmer, Biggsville, was born in County Antrim,
Ire-
Before the age of twenty he had learned the trade of a weaver, but soon after was engaged by Lord Templeton as overseer and time-keeper on his large estate near Belfast. In the winter of
land, in 1817.
1849 he canceled this engagement, and on March 9 of the same year, with wife and four children, left Liverpool for New Orleans, in the sailing ship ''"Waldron."
The
trip
was made without incident
to the
port of destination, and they soon after embarked, via the Mississippi, for Biggsville,
and when opposite
St.
Louis his wife and three childreji
died with cholera and were buried there.
He, with one remaining months worked by the month at farm labor. He purchased an outfit (a yoke of oxen and wagon) and started for an overland trip to California, and there engaged in mining. After two years' successful labor he returned to Biggsville and bought a farm of 160 acres, in Sec. 28, T- 10, K.. 4, and at once began to make improvements. But in a few years he grew tired of a lonely life and determined to visit the land of his birth, and accordingly, in November, 1858, shipped for the city of Belfast, and was soon after united in marriage with Miss Jane Stevenson. In May, 1860, after a full and satisfactory sojourn among kindred and friends, he, with his young wife, again sailed for America and landed safely in Biggsville in due season and permanently located 4, where he is now spendon his present home farm in Sec. 28, T. 10, ing his declining years in comfortable circumstances, which is the sure reward of faithful labor and honest industry. Though Mr. Gibb began child, arrived in Biggsville
May
12,
and
for the next eleven
R
himself without means, yet he looked forward to a comfortable He has an interesting family of eight children: Eliza H., now the wife of Mr. Paul Keed, of Kingston, Canada, by his first wife, and Agnes, William J., Annie J., David A., Rose, James life for
home
in old age.
and Mary.
The parents and
three of their children are
members of
Mr. Gibb's parents were John and The former died in Ireland and the latter
the United Presbyterian church.
Agnes. (McMasters) Gibb. in Biggsville. i
John McDill (deceased), one of Henderson county's early pioneers, was born in Chester county. South Cai'olina, November 8, 180Y. Early in life he removed with, his parents, George and Margaret (Duglas) McDill to Newton county, Georgia, where they resided for many years.
1356
l-IISTOEY
OF MEECEB ANO HENDERSON CODNTIES.
made a trip on horse to Illinois, prospecting witli Being favorably in this new but growing country.
In 1835 Mr. McDill
a view to settling impressed with the land and advantages in Henderson county, the following year the family, consisting of his parents, brothers, Kobert and James, sisters, Jane Kerren H. and Nancy, and himself emigrated
here and settled in T. 10, R.
5,
where the parents lived
the time of
till
April 24, 1842, Mr. McDill was married to Miss Christen Soon S. Gordon, who was born in North Carolina, January 21, 1815.
their death.
after his
marriage he moved upon land he had purchased in Sec.
4,
T.
where he continued to reside till the spring of 1876. He then, with his daughter Nancy, went back to Georgia with a view to improving his already impaired health. For a time he apparently grew better, but in the spring of 1881 it became visible that his days were about numbered, and his son at Biggsville accordingly notified by telegraph. Pie at once went to his side to take care of him, and if possible return with him to his old home, which he did late in April on May 9, J 881, he died. He was buried in the United Presbyterian church cemetery at South Henderson. His wife died December 12, 1864, and were buried in the same place. They had born to them one son, George, born in Henderson county, July 31, 1843. His educational advantages were confined to the common schools of this county's early history. Though he was reared on the farm, he was a boy of very delicate health. In 1865 his father purchased a stock of goods and engaged in merchandising in Biggsville, and George was called in soon after to take charge of the store. This he did but a short time, .when ill health compelled him to return to the farm. In 1879 his father sold the farm and the son again turned his attention in a mercantile direction, first as a clerk, but in the spring of 1882, with Mr. A. W. Graham, embarked in a general mercantile business in Biggsville. December 17, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda D. Bell, daughter of Mr. She was born in 1849, S. W. Bell, of Biggsville, a native of Georgia. and came with her parents to this county in 1855. They have one child living, Clara B. and Minnie (deceased). They are -members of the United Presbyterian church. Prominent among those now living who had an early residence in Henderson county may be mentioned Robert McDill. Mr. McDill was born in Chester county. South Carolina, September 20, 1803. In 1809 his father and family removed to the State of Ohio, and settled in Preble county. He took an active part in the war of 1812, and died in 1813. His wife in 1845 removed to Bloomington, Indiana, where she died at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. Growing up in a new country as he did, Robert was favored with only a limited means of 10,
R.
4,
;
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1357
education, which, however, did not hinder his providing for himself a competency before being overtaken with old age. In 1825 he married
Miss Mary Porter, a native of South Carolina, who was born in 1806. After his marriage Mr. McDill gave his entire attention to farming on the old home in Preble county in Ohio, till 1844, when he decided to remove to Henderson county, Illinois, a move he had contemplated since he was here on a prospective tour in 1835. After looking around a short time for a location he finally located on Sec. 25, T. 10, E. 5, and actively engaged in farming and stock raising. This he followed till 1868, when on account of the loss of vision he removed to Biggsville, where he might spend his declining years in rest and quiet. Of his ten childi-en
union
but six are living
in"
two of his sons enlisted in the war for the the late rebellion, and suffered capture and imprisonment. ;
Mr. McDill and his noble wife are, their great age being considered, enjoying a good degree of health. They are members of the United Presbyterian church. James C, the son of the family, was born in Preble county, Ohio, in 1830, and came with his parents to this county in 1844. His educational advantages were only fair, but they were well improved. He followed farming till 1866, when he went into the grain trade at Biggsville. Soon after he sold out here and went to Iowa, where he extensively engaged in the grain ti'ade along the newly constructed line of the Burlington & Missouri railroad. In 1879 he permanently located in Biggsville and begun a mercantile business in the grocery, hardware and implement line. In 1853 he married Miss Elizabeth E. Pinkerton, a native of Preble county, Ohio. She died January 18, 1866. James Sloan, farmer, Biggsville, is a son of William and Margaret (Eea) Sloan, and was born in 1839, in County Antrim, Ireland. He was reared on a small farm, where his time during early youth was principally devoted to agriculture. At the same time he learned from his father the trade of boot and shoe maker, and improved occasional odd hours in the school-room. On April 26, 1857, with a heart full of hope for future plenty and\independence, he left the home of his birth and friends with a view to renew them in America, on the sailing vessel "Neptune," and landed at Castle Garden, New York, May 26 of the same spring. From there he went to Knoxville, Illinois, where he engaged to work on a farm for his uncle, John Sloan. He remained there on the farm till the fall of 1858, when he removed to Biggsville, Henderson county, Illinois, where he went to work at his "When the honor of his trade, which he followed till the fall of 1861. adopted country was assailed by traitors he offered his services to proand at once volunteered as a member of the 11th
tect the national flag,
;
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1358
Cav., at Peoria, Elinois, under Col. K. G. IngersoU.
He
participated
in all the battles and marches of that noble and heroic regiment veteraned with the regiment and was with them honorably discharged. In September, 1862, he was captured by the rebels, but by hiding in the cane-brake made his escape during the night, and after a walk of fifty miles joined his comrades near Corinth. October 30, 1868, he married Miss Elizabeth Tolcott, of Pike 'county, Illinois, a daughter of Albert and Ehoda (Daniels) Tolcott, natives of Massachusetts. She was born July 30, 1851, in Pike county, Illinois. After his marriage Mr. Sloan turned his attention to farming and stock raising. He now
home in Biggsville, 260 acres of land near Biggsearned during his few years' residence in this county,
owns, besides his ville,
and
all
besides over three years of the best part of his
life
devoted to his
country.
Thomas R. Edwaeds, farmer, Biggsville, was bom in Belmont November 29, 1820. His youth and the greater part of his life was spent in his native county on a farm beginning almost with the beginning of settlement in the Buckeye State. February 25, county, Ohio,
;
1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Cook, also a native
bom August 1, 182T. In the fall of 1860 Henderson county, Illinois, and four years later permanently located on his fann in Sec. 22, T. 10, E. 4, where he now enjoys the comforts of a pleasant home, and honored by six interesting children, whose names, in the order of their birth, are: John W., Orloff D., Stephen C, David B. and (twins) Charles H. and Emma F. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His parents were John and Prudence (Booth) Edwards the former born in "Wales in 1792, and when but a small boy was brought to the United States with his parents, John and Elizabeth (Watkins) Edwards. He died in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1880. The latter was the daughter of Edwin Booth, who was born and educated in London, England, and came to America as a British soldier during the war of the revolution, and of Belmont county, Ohio,
he removed
to
;
died here a true patriot to the colonial
Holmes
county, Ohio.
ca/us.e,
in his ninety-sixth year, in
Thomas P. Edwards
is one of a family of five Edwin, Elizabeth, Rachel and Rebecca. His father was one of a family of four sons, Walter, John (himself) and Thomas bom in Wales, and David born in America in 1803. The three eldest were born in 1Y90, 1792 and 1795 respectively. Their father was a prominent educator both in Europe and America. Oeoege W. Shook, farmer, Biggsville, was bom in Casey county, Kentucky, August 8, 1824. His parents, D3'keman and Mary (Conkright) Shook, were born November 22, 1800, and Augusts, 1799,
children
:
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1359
and were married May 17, 1821. In the fall of 1 830 tliey and emigrated to Hancock county, Illinois, where he entered land and lived till the spring of 1836, when they sold out and removed to Henderson county and entered a piece of land, the N.E. J of Sec. 34, T. 10, E. 4, and thus he became known as among the early pioneers. This farm they bought when it came in market and on it made their home and reared their family. They died November 12, 1876, and January 30, 1876, respectively. Major Shook, a name by which he was familiarly known, was a staunch member of the Christian churcb, tad a short time before his death willed $1,000 to further its financial interests. His name stands to-day in this county without blemish, which is more to be appreciated by his posterity than large endowments of bonds or gold. George W., the second son, was, like his father, reared on the farm, and early in life was trained more particularly to honest toil and industrious economy than in the district schools, which in his school years were of a very primitive character. November 4, 1858, he married Miss Mary A. Ikrtness, a native of Clark county, Illinois. They are the parents of six children, whose names in the order of their birth are Eliza J., Angeline, John. F., Cora A., William L. and Mary M. Mr. Shook is now the owner of over 400 acres of good land, including the old home of his father, and is residing on the N.W. J of Sec. 35, T. 10, E. 4. They are members of respectively left
;
their native state
:
the Christian church.
Dtkeman
He
Shook, farmer, Biggsville, was born in Kentucky in 1828.
Dykeman and Mary (Conkright) Shook, who were also natives of Kentucky. In 1830 emigrated to Hancock county, Illinois, where they lived till 1836, when they removed to Henderson county. They endured all the privations and hardships incident to pioneer life. Coming to this state as he did in an early day, young Dykeman was deprived of all the advantages of an education enjoyed by the young of the present generation. He was, however, thoroughly trained to industry and honest labor. December 14, 1849, he married native New Jersey, born in 1833. She Miss Sarah E. "Worden, a of the hardships of was also a very eariy settter, and well remembers They have an interesting family of seven settling in a new country. children: Charles, John "W., Daniel H., James A., Emeline, Sherman and Mary E. Mr. Shook moved onto his present farm in .
is
the third son of
They are member of the Christian church. Alexander P. Nelson, M.D., Biggsville, was bom in Eichlahd
See. 4, T. 10, E. 4, in 1878.
county, Ohio, April
5,
removed to the Illinois. While back
father
1828.
In 1836 his mother died, and in 1839 his
State of Missouri, and in 1844 to "Warren county, to Ohio, in 1860, he died of Asiatic cholera,
on
"
HISTOEY OF MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
board of a steamboat on the Ohio river. In 1850 Alexander P. went with Capt. Robert Pence, in his company of fifty-two men, seventy cattle, nine wagons, one horse and two dogs, to California. He there
engaged in mining, but only remained seven months, when he returned home and engaged in reading medicine and teaching school. In 1853 he entered the hospital and infirmary at St. Louis, Missouri, and was at the same time a student in the medical college at that place. In 1854 he began the practice of medicine at Terre Haute, Henderson county, Illinois, and three years later removed to Oquawka, where he continued to practice his profession. In 1859 he removed to Kirkwood, Warren county, where he was engaged in business as physician and surgeon at the outbreak of the late war. Soon after the call for men as soldiers he enlisted in Co. K, 8ith 111. Vol. Inf and on the organization of the company was elected first lieutenant. At the close of the Kentucky campaign was appointed assistant surgeon on the field. October 26, 1863, he resigned and returned home. Soon after his return he entered Hush Medical College, at Chicago, from which he graduated January 27, 1864. He then returned to Kirkwood and permanently engaged in the practice of his profession. In the spring of 1877 he removed to his farm on Sec. 8, T. 10, E. 4, Henderson county, which he had previously bought bf Thomas Records, where he is now (1882) engaged in farming, stock raising and practicing medicine successfully. September 26, 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Jamison, a daughter of James and Mary (McKinney) Jamison. She was born in Perry coimty, Indiana, January 28, 1830, and with her parents removed to Henderson, Illinois, in the spring of 1830. Their children are Delia J., William T. and Cora A. Dr. Nelson's father, William !N"elson, was a native of Pennsylvania, born of Irish parents, was in the war of 1812, under Col. Lewis D. Cass, and was present at Detroit when that post was surrendered by Gen. Hull. His mother was also of Irish ancestry and born in Penn,
:
sylvania.
RoiBEET J. Martin, son of Judge Preston and Elizabeth A. (Taylor) Martin, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, February 14. 1837.
He was reared on the farm and mon school education, to which
received during his youth a fair comhe added one term of studies at Monmouth College. Following this he entered the Galesburg " Democrat oflice and there learned the printer's trade. His health failing at this on account of confinement, lie turned his attention to outdoor life, and accordingly went to railroading. At the outbreak of the war he was engaged in farming, but at once took his place as a volunteer in Co. K, 84th 111. Vol. Inf A few months after enlistment he was
;
BIGGSVILLE TOVVNSIIH'. detailed for special career.
He
1361
duty in the engineer corps during his military in the pioneer and pontoon corps. When
also served
the time for which he enlisted was drawing to a close he re-enlisted as a veteran in the engineer department, where he creditably served his
country Corps.
till
honorably discharged from the 1st U.
Soon
after
his
return
S.
Vet. Engineer
home he made an engagement
as
engineer in the grain warehouse of Biggsville, where he was retained
In May, 1876, he entered into an engagement with a gentleman named Richardson to go to California and superintend the heading and threshing machinery on a wheat fiirm there of 3. 200 acres. On the fulfillment of this contract he went into the Sierra TSTevada mountains and put the machinery into the Blue Lead mines for Hepbun & Co. He then went to Mariposa county and Jjuilt a saw mill, which he soon after sold, and returned home in July, 1877. The following spring he bought the "Biggsville House" and engaged in the In the spring of 1882 (leaving his family to run the hotel business. hotel) he went to Dakota, where he is now improving a farm. December 19, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Mahala M. Campbell, a daughter of the Rev. William S. and Lorina T. (Hendrix) Campbell. She was born in Monroe county, Tennessee, August 1,
nine years.
1840, and emigrated with her parents to
Iowa
in 18il.
Here her
mother died in 1843 and is buried at Mt. Pleasant. In 1852 her father with his family removed to Oquawka, where he remained as Mr. and pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian church ten years. in the whose names, children, four parents of Mrs. Martin are the and Katie F. Mary C. Leila A., order of their birth, are: Luther S.,
They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Daniel M. Gordon, retired farmer, Biggsville, was born in North His father, George Gordon, was a native of Carolina April 15, 1809. the Scotch Highlands and emigrated to the United States prior to the He finally settled in North Carolina, where he revolutionary war.
was married to Miss Flora McKaskill, who was also of Scotch ancestry, and with whom he usually conversed in Gaelic tongue. They became the parents of a large family, with whom they removed to the State of Georgia in 1818, whence their son Daniel removed to Illinois in 1837 he first settled in Oquawka, where he remained about two years engaged in the business of his trade (that of tailor). While here, in The 1838, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane P. Magaw. only help and consolation of her companionship, encouragement lasted ten short years,
when she
died, leaving
him with
three children
unmarried the to finish rearing, which he honorably did, remaining In 1839 Mr. Gordon left the little trading following twenty years.
1362
HISTORY OF MEECEE
AND
I-IENDEE80N COUNTIES.
Oquawka and bought land near whore Caloma now. stands, and remained there farming till 1850, when he sold and again bought land, 4 "W"., and in sold and bought his present farm on Sec. 4, T. 10 N"., 1851 permanently located on the same, and continued to reside there till 1870, when he retired to his pleasant little home in Biggsville. September 1, 1868, he married Mrs. Eachel Graham, a daughter of David W. Davis, a native.of Augusta county, Yirginia, who emigrated Mr. to Ohio in 1820 and to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1833. Gordon's three children, John A., Sarah A. and Mary. E., are still Sarah A. is now the wife of John Millen and Mary S. is now living. Mrs. Harper Maley. post of
R
William McMillan, M.D. (deceased), of Biggsville township, was on July 6, i803, in York county. South Carolina. His parents were natives of this state, and there his father fought during the revo-
bom
lutionary war.
Inspired with an earnest love for knowledge, he spent
his early youth seeking to obtain a thorough education,
and having
chosen medicine as his profession he took one course of lectures in Charleston prior to his emigration to Henderson county in 1836. After remaining in this county one year he went to Cincinnati, where
he completed his medical course, returning to Henderson county in the spring of 1837. From this time Dr. McMillan continued actively in the practice of his profession for many years up to 1861, when he became deaf and partially blind through excessive labors and exposure in behalf of his fellows. For many years he was the only doctor for miles around, and he used to ride all over Henderson and WaiTen counties, and often into Mercer and Hancock. For a large amount of his work he received no compensation, doing it as a work of charity and labor of love. To many of his poorer patients who were sick and disheartened he used to bring medicine, accompanied it with some little gift, and on going away would leave a receipt in full for his services. During many years he was the only physician in the county, and as he was a noble, courteous gentleman and a thorough christian man, his influence for good is beyond all human measurement. His wife, formerly Elizabeth Graham, daughter of Marcus Graham, died in 1861. Though they had no children, yet their home was always filled with youthful faces, as they adopted two children and had for many years a brother's orphan children in their home. As a fitting reward for his labors, the people of the county once sent Dr. McMillan to the legislature, where he did the county good service. On May 27, 1836, at the second communion of that church, Dr. McMillan united with the South Henderson United Presbyterian church, in connection with which he remained up to the time of his
TF^ANKLIN GALBHA\TH.
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP. death,
wHch
occurred on
November
1365
His property was he had oversight for many years. As a self-made, genial man, Dr. McMillan was almost universally beloved. Further account of him may be found on another 20,
1881.
willed to his brother James' children, over
whom
page.
Prominent among the enterprising farmers of Biggsville may be mentioned Me. Samuel Stewaet. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, March
8,
1833.
His parents were James
S.
and Jane (Gibson)
York county, Pennsylvania, and born in 1808 and 1800 respectively. The former died in Belmont, Ohio, June 15, 1842, and the latter in Henderson county, Llinois, in March, 1860. Samuel, like his father, was reared a farmer, and early in life learned those principles of industry and economy so characteristic of his Scotch-Irish ancestry. He was the third son and favorite of the family, and after the death of his father on him devolved the task of managing the farm and caring for the family. In April, 1854, he removed to Henderson county, Illinois, bought land in See. 33, T. 10, K. 4, and Stewart, both natives of
there permanently located and successfully engaged in farming and ^stock raising. is
now
To
his first 80-acre purchase
he has kept adding
till
he
the owner of a fine farm of 320 acres, the most of which has
been earned by his own intelligent industry. March 26, 1856, he was married to Miss Eliza Eankin, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Brown) Eankin. She was born in Henderson county, Illinois, May They are the parents of eleven children, whose names, in 30, 1837. the order of their birth, are: James
C, who
died at the age of eight
Margaret J., Jane A., William A., Elizabeth C, John C, Mary They are memE., Francis M., Charles E., Ealph B. and Dulcie L. bers of the United Presbyterian church, and for many years Mr. Stewart has been officially connected with both church and school interests. His father and youngest brother are both buried in one coffin in the old Unity United Presbyterian cemetery, in Belmont county, Ohio. Samuel G. Plummee (deceased), who in his. lifetime was an honored citizen of Henderson county, was born in Pennsylvania, June 1, 1828. Early in life he was left an orphan, and in about 1838 came with Mr. Sa,rnuel Gordon to this county. He was married on September 18, 1851, to Miss Frances M. Martin, a daughter of Judge Preston MarShe was born in tin, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. had born to Plummer Mr. 1832. January Illinois, 5, county, Morgan years,
and interesting children, and enjoyed the full fruition of home and married life up till the dark days when treason and rebel-
him
six beautiful
lion threatened in
He
soon responded
common
the fair
homes of our beloved
to his country's call tor
men, and
enlisted
country.
on August
1366
HISTORY OF MEEOEE AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
23, 1862, in Co. flag of
freedom
K, 84th
till
shot
Yol.
111.
down
Inf.,
and
faithfully supported the
at his post in the battle of
Stone Eiver,
on December 31, 1862. His remains were brought home the followMrs. ing May by Judge Martin and buried at South Henderson. Plummer died September 27, 1878. Mr. Hummer's five living children are: Samantha E., w;ife of Chiles S. Harwood, Eva A., William S. Ida M. and Cora E. The two last named are prominent teachers and ladies of rare literary attainments. William S. is now on the old home. He was bom May 24, 1855. Sec. 6, T. 10, E. i, engaged in farming. Was educated in the common schools and at Davenport Commercial Was mai-ried on March 20, 1877, to Miss Harriet Francis, College. daughter of William and Margaret (Eankin) Francis, who was born in Henderson county, Illinois', May 6, 1853. They have one child Chiles In Mr. Plummer's possession is the original patent for their land P. The Plummers are, in faith, education signed by President Monroe. and membership. United Presbyterians. Among the early pioneers of this county, and deserving honorable mention, no name stands higher than James C. Hutchinson. Mr. Hutchinson was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in the year 1790. Came to America in 1811 and passed his twenty-first birthday on th^ Atlantic ocean. He first settled in the State of New Jersey, where he was soon after united in marriage with the noble and true Miss Sarah Dellamarter, who after became the mother of his six sons and two daughters, two of whom (William J. and Samuel) were born in the city of Paterson, New Jersey, five in Harrison county and one in Warren county, Illinois. From New Jersey Mr. Hutchinson removed to Harrison county, Ohio, in 1818, where he followed farming and ,
:
dealing largely in cattle
till
1833,
when
.he
with his family emigrated
Yellow Banks (Oquawka) on June 2. During the same summer he located a claim on Sec. 1, T. 10, E. 4, where he and his sons actively engaged in making hay preparatory to making a start in the stock business, which they finally succeeded in building up to immense proportions. During their first summer on the prairie the bread supply became exhausted, and finding hay-making with hand scythes and rakes without bread too exhaustive on the physical system, Mr. Hutchinson went with a team to Quincy and purchase4 a load of flour, which answered a good purpose for his family and the neighbors (three within several miles). In the fall of the first year of his settlement here he was induced by his neighbors to move his cabin from the prairie into the timber to avoid freezing to death the first winter, and his move was just across the line into Sec. 36, T. 11, E. 4, into a friendly little grove, where he lived and prospered to Illinois, landing at the lower
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSI-IIP.
1367
as a farmer and stock raiser
till the time of his death, in 1852. The and one daughter was laid near his grave. Samuel, his second son, was born June 28, 1811, and begun life as above stated. In 1842 he was united in marriage with Miss Martha A. Graham, a native of Todd county, Kentucky, and the eldest daughter of "William M. Graham, Esq., who emigrated to Henderson county, Illinois, in 183.5 she was born September 23, 1823. Mr. Hutchinson, since his advent into this country in 1833, spent his life up till the fall of 1879, on and near his first location in Sec. 1, T. 10, 4, and Sec. 36, T. 11, R. 4, actively engaged in farming and stock raising, and so well did he succeed that on retiring from the farm he was able to wisely apportion off to his family and set apart to his own use about 600 acres of good land. During his residence in this county Mr. Hutchinson took an active part in its business affairs. His great circular wolf hunt organized and carried out was the means of ridding the county and its early settlers of a number of these audacious and sneaky pests. On that occasion many more scalps might have been taken but for the excitement created over the twenty or thirty deer which were also surrounded. Mr. Hutchinson affirms that he brought into this county the first combined reaper and mower that did successful work (though the writer was informed that Seth Oaks was the first to -introduce that kind of a machine into this township if not in the county). In 1879 Mr. Hutchinson moved to his pleasant home in Monmouth, especially His children are Ellen (deceased), to secure needed rest for his wife. Sarah, now Mrs. in her lifetime the wife of Mr. John H. McDougall "William Firoved Elizabeth J., wife of Isaac "Woods; Samantha S., now Mrs. "William McCoy Mary A. wife of John C. Wallace, and Mr. Hutchinson and "William G., his only son, now on the old home. family are members of the United Presbyterian church, and he is a
same year
his wife
;
R
:
;
;
;
staunch
,
member of the old democratic party. McQuown, son of John Arthur and
Isaac
Harriet (Duff)
McQuown,
was bom on the 7th of September, 1821, in "Washington county, Virginia, of which state his parents were natives. His forefathers were in race His ancestors on his father's side Scotch-Irish, in faith Presbyterian. came over 'some one hundred years before the revolutionary war. Mr. McQuown's wife's forefathers came over from "Wales about the time of the Mayflower, and by many it is thought that the- family are descended from the immortal Hopkins who came over on the May"When Mr. McQuown was but flower, an honor possessed by but few. Yirginia to Fayette county, from emigrated two years of age his parents ;• after which they came years thirteen for Indiana, where they resided on Sec. 30, T. 10, settled and county in 1836 to what is now Henderson
HISTORY OF MEECEE AHD HENDEESON COFNTIES.
1368
At this time there was but one house between his home and Monmouth. Here Mr. McQuown passed his early youth, receiving He was married on June 1, his education in the common schools. 1848, to Miss Rhoda Hopkins, daughter of Jacob Hopkins, of Boone Of this marriage seven children have been bom, of county, Indiana. whom five are still living, two having died in childhood. One of his two sons, Willison, is married and resides in Harvey, county, KanThe other, Thomas H. is at home with his parents. Two of his sas. The daughters, Elizabeth Harriet and Mary Ellen, are now married. E.
4.
— ,
former to -Oliver Spisei-, a physician, of Evans, Colorado the latter The remainto Edward McCloskey, a merchant, of Walton, Kansas. ing daughter, Sarah F., is now (1882) at home with her parents. About seventeen years ago, in 1865, Mr. McQuown was made an elder of the South Henderson United Presbyterian church, which office he now ;
holds in the same denomination in Biggsville, where his family are
now
connected.
O. McQuown, Biggsville, son of Isaac and Ann McQuown, York county, Pennsylvania, was born on September 4, 1803,
Ae PHUE natives of in
Washington county, Virginia. His family, probably of Puritanical was of Scotch-Irish race, and emigrated to America at a very
descent,
early period i» the history of the country, his grandfather
McQuown
having fought in the battle of the Brandy wine. It might almost be said that Mr. McQuown began life without an education, as he never went On the 30th of to school, save a few days, befoi-e leaving Virginia. September, 1824, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy S. Smith, daughter of Henry and Mary Smith. Of this marriage nine children were born, of whom only two are now living. ITis daughter, Mary A., is now the wife of A. R. Graham, who resides near Winterset, Iowa. His only son, Isaac M. McQuown, is at home and has charge During the late war he was in the 84th HI. of the old homestead. Vols. Co. K, his captain being L. H. Waters. His first experience of During the the horrors of war was at the battle of Chickamauga. campaign against Johnson and Hood he was on continual duty up to On the 24th of July, 1846, the battles of Nashville and Fi-anklin. Mrs. McQuown died, and two years later, on April 11, 1848, Mr. McQuown maj-ried Miss Sarah Allen, of Warren county. To them was born but one child, which died in infancy. Mr. McQuown's forefathers were of the old Presbyterian stock' and his family are now in connection with the United Presbyterian church at South Henderson, of which church he has been an elder for more than thirty-two years. The writer is able to say of his own personal knowledge that to Mr. ,
BIGGSVILLE TOWlSSHrP.
McQuown
is
1369
largely due the credit of the moral success and prosperity tlie county.
of this part of
Geoege Heney Cowden, farmer, Biggsville, was born in Olena township, in Henderson county, Illinois, May 5. 1849. Going back to a period in the history of this county when Phelps, of Oquawka, and McNeil, of Monmouth, were about the only actual (white) settlers here. The Cowden family came from Ohio and settled in what is now T. 9, E. -5, two miles east of Olena. The family consisted of William and Elmira (Day) Cowden and their children, one of whom was George W., born in Preble county, Ohio, April 10, 1827. He was united in marriage with Miss Eunice M. Signor, on October 20, 1847. She was born in Lawrence county, New York, Ji^ly 13, 1830, and came to Henderson county when it was but sparsely settled. At the outbreak of the war, in 1861, he was among the first to rally in defense of his country's flag and enlisted in the 10th HI. Vol. Inf and was discharged on account of disability. After his wound was healed he again enlisted, this time in Co. K, Sltli 111. Yol. Inf, and was killed in battle at Eesaca, Georgia, August 20, 1864. His remains were brought home and interred in the Watson cemetery, east of Olena, where all the rest of the deceased of the family now repose. His wife preceded him to the grave in April, 1855. George H., our subject, is the only representative of the family now living in Henderson county. His education was principally obtained in the Soldiers' Orphans' School, at Fulton, "Illinois. April 6, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie J. Graham, the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Brown) Graham, now of Monmouth, Illinois. She was born in Biggsville township, Henderson county, Illinois, February 8, 1849, and graduated from Monmouth College with the class of 1870. Their children are: Clara G., Maggie L., George Glenn, David H. and Elizabeth. Mr. Cowden is now actively engaged in farming on 4. his fine farm on Sees. 19 and 30, T. 10, In about the year 1843 Mr. Paul Salter and family emigrated to Henderson county from the old oyster bay of New Jersey, where he had up till that time in his life followed the vocation of fishing and At the time of his arrival in this county he bought a oyster raising. tract of 800 acres of land, of John McKinney, in and about what is now known as Salter's Grove, locating in the cabin first built by Mr. McKinney, on Sec. 25, T. 10, E. 4. To his first purchase he kept adding till he became the owner of 1200 acres of land. This honorable and energetic citizen was born on Staten Island September 11, 1788 was a soldier in the war of 1812. After his eight children were born in New Jersey he, with his wife, Elizabeth Cubberly, and their children, ,
—
—
R
;
HISTOEY OF MERCEE AND HENDKESON COUNTIES.
1370
removed
to Ohio,
and soon
after to this county.
After growing, old in
years he divided his large estate with his children and retired to priJohn vate life in the village of Kirkwood, where he died in 1863.
Saltee, his second son, was born in New Jersey August 24, 1815, between Bergen Point and Jersey City, where he spent the greater life, as did his father, engaged in oyster culture and fishing. In 1839 he married Miss Jane Vreeland, also a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of Henry and Lucinda (Jerolman) Yreeland, of HolIn 1855 they removed to Henderson land and English ancestry. county, Illinois, and settled on the home of his father, where he still
part of his
having since become the owner of that part of the old home on He has since settling here carried on the busiHe also owns a home in Kirkwood, ness of farming and stock raising. where he contemplates moving in the near future. Of his eight chilEliza J. (now Mrs. Jacob Akerman), dren seven are still living Henry, Lucinda, Mary A. (wife of Thomas Salker), John, Sarah (wife of Isaac Mundorf), Emma (wife of John Shook),, the one deceased was Rachel 0., who was drowned while skating on the lake at Peoria when thirteen years, old. Mrs. Salter is a worthy member of the Methodist resides,
Sec. 25, T. 10, K. 4.
:
Episcopal church.
Eli W. Smith, now a resident of Biggsville, is Mary (King) Smith, and is a native of Fayette
the son of
John and
county, Ohio
;
born
October 19, 1830. His father was a native of Virginia and his grandfather a native of England. He emigrated to America when young, and participated in the great struggle for independence from the first
He was wounded at and lived to the ripe old age of one hundred and four years. Eli W. was reared on a farm and was early taught that industry and honest labor were essential to His first lessons in school were studied in a log cabin into success. which light was admitted through greased paper pasted over an open space made by leaving one log out. The seats were made of logs split in two with the flat side turned up. Not discouraged, however, with the meager advantages that surrounded him, he pursued his studies and had, by personal effort, quite early in life secured an education sufficient to teach school, and began at a salary of $16 per month. May 7, 1857, he married Miss Alice Holmes, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Worden) Plolmes, a native of Fayette county, Ohio, born May 6, 1836. In 1865 he, with his family, removed to Henderson county, Illinois, and settled at Biggsville. Since his residence in this county the people have elected him to the position of county assessor and treasurer. In the spring of 1882 he was elected battle
till
the close of the
war of the
revolution.
the battle of Yorktown, but recovered
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP. police magistrate of Biggsville.
He
is
1371
the father of eleven children,
and six daughters. Judge Peeston Maktin, a retired farhier of Biggsville, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, October 25, 1804. Judge Martin emigrated from Kentucky to Morgan county, Elinois, in 1828, and to what has since been organized as Henderson, Illinois, in 1836. Mr. Martin was one of the members of the first board of commissioners elected in
five sons
this county after its organization.
He
was, twice subsequently elected,
and has served tlie people in that position eleven years, reflecting credit on himself and on the good judgment of those who elected him. It should be here said, that during the judge's connection with the county as commissioner, the question of reissuing the old surrendered railroad bonds issued by the county in aid of the proposed (but never
Warsaw & Eockford railroad, was brought before the and ably advocated by the friends of the humbug enterprise and as ably opposed by Mr. Martin. He is a son of William and Ann (Hopper) Martin his grandfather Martin was a native of Ireland and emigrated to the colonies of America before the revolutionary war, in which he took part, and was present at the surrender qf Cornwallis. The latter part of his life was spent in Kentucky where he died. Our subject's home in this county, and where he spent the greater part of his life, was on the S. W. J of Sec. 25, T. 10, E. 5. In 1872 he rented out his farm and retired to spend his declining years in Biggsville. He married on March 28, 1828, Miss Ann Taylor, a native of Alexandria, Virginia; she was born February 28, 1803, and died at Biggsville, December 16, 1880. They were members of the United Presbyterian church. Their children are: Benjamin H., John T., Frances M. (deceased), William F. and Charles A. (twins), Eobert J., Andrew W., Mary A., wife of John N. Bruen; Margaret J., wife of John H. Eice Sarah A., wife of John A. McDill. EoBEET A. McKiNLEY is another example of the success of poverty. The young man's life was obscure, but passing years presented opportunities which, seized and improved, has made life a success. Eobert A. McKinley was born May 6, 1831, in York county, Pennsylvania, his parents, Stephen and Jane (Andrews) McKinley, were natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Scotch descent and the latter the daughter Stephen McKinley served of a Scotchman both were born in 1801. He as county auditor and also a term in the Pennsylvania legislature. died in 1879 preceded by his wife in 1876. They were members of the Their family was seven children. Eobert A. Presbyterian church. was raised amid rustic scenery and inured to country toil. His educaIn 1855 he came to Henderson tional advantages were limited. built) St. Louis,
boai'd
;
;
;
HISTORY OF MEECEE
1372
AJSTD
HEKDEESON COTJNnES.
and engaged to work by the montli near Gladstone. then in 1866 in his toil began threshing the business permanently. In 1857 he rented a farm. embarked In 1863 or 1864 he purchased eighty acres south of Biggsville. This has improved and enlarged into his present farm and pleasant home. He was married January 21, 1858, to Mary M., daughter of Samuel Michener she was bom in York county, Pennsylvania, April 25, Their children are IMettie E., wife of "Willis Gilmore Luella 1838. M., Maggie I., Ella M.., Alice A., Lizzie M., Robert W. and Laura B. Mr. McKinley has not confined his labors to his own farm, but has been active in public affairs. For several years he has been prominent
•county, Illinois,
He was
industrious
;
;
m
;
:
in the fair association
;
;
has served as county commissioner,
is
now
in
and was elected to His career has been one of credit to
the thirteenth year of service as justice of the peace,
the state legislature in 1880.
himself and satisfaction to his constituents.
Hon. Patjl D.
Sai.tee,
Kirkwood.
Perhaps no name in Hender-
son county can justly lay claim to so remote antiquity as that of the
During the reign of Henry VI, in 1423, there lived one William Salter, who was possessed of good estate, and whose ancestors had resided at, and were the Lords for over two hiindred years, of a manor called Bokenhamis, in Bbgland. Walter Salter must have lived during the reign of Richard III, in 1482, as a tablet is erected to his memory at the upper end of the south aisle in the church of Totengen, in the county of Norfolk. In 1524 Henry Salter was one of the sheriffs of Norfolk. In 1655 John Salter was mayor of Norwich, and 1663 the charter of the said city of Norwich was renewed by Charles II, and John Salter was one of the twenty-four aldei-men appointed. December 31, 1670, Bridget, the wife of Mathew Salter, died, and the writer is able to say on the authenticity of history that she became According to well authenticated the mother of twenty -two children. Salters.
tradition three brothers, shortly after the accession of Charles II to
the throne of England (probably in 1664), for political and religious
came to this country. They landed at or near Boston, where one remained while the other two went to New Jersey. Of these one The other brother, settled in Salem county, and died without issue. Eichard Salter, the youngest of the three, settled at Middletown, in Monmouth county. New Jersey, and became the founder of the branch from whom sprang a long line of noble posterity who have since been prominent in American history. Also back to this illustrious ancestor can be traced the lineage of Hon. Paul D. Salter, of Henderson county. He is the seventh son of Rev. David B. Salter who is now (1882) living in Saltersville, Hudson county, New Jersey, in the 84th year of reasons,
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
His
1373
and the mother of Paul D. Salter, was a cousin of Her maiden name was Abigal Parker. Paul D. was born in Ocean county, New Jersey, but was reared on a farm in Hudson county (same state) near Bergen Point, a few miles from the city of New York. Though reared on a farm, much of his time was occupied in oyster raising and boating,— becoming an expert in the latter to the extent that he was retained as a pilot in New York Bay for some time. January 1, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte J. Matthias, who died July 24, 1855, and was buried in New York Bay cemetery. She was a sister of the noted African missionary, John J. Matthias. Mr. Salter's second marriage was with Miss Sarah E. Edwards, a daughter of David and Eliza J. (Bell) Edwards, a native of Belmont county, Ohio. In the spring of 1866 lie came to Henderson county, Illinois, and soon after permanently located on his 480-acre farm in Sec. 24, T. 10, E. 4, where he has since resided, engaged in stock raising and farming. Since his residence in this county he has had the honor of being elected by the people to the twentyninth .general assembly, where he well sustained the good name already established by his worthy ancestors. It is a fact worthy of note that while in the legislature he introduced and had passed a bill for the improvement of the road law of Henderson county. He was also appointed and served on the following committees: mines and mining, fees and salaries, and roads, highways and bridges. For many years Mr. Salter was the president of the county agricultural society, and is now and has been for a number of years vice-president of the Kirkwood First National Bank; in fact takes a prominent part in all matters of a public character in the county. He has an interesting family of seven children, whose names, in the order of their birth, are: William E., David P., Abbie B., Jolm N., Harriet C, Ernest W. and Chalmer N. liis
age.
wife,
the Hon. Joel Parker.
David Geaham,
retired farmer,
Monmouth,
for
many
years a pros-
perous and influential farmer of Biggeville township, was born in
His parents, Mathew and ] 821. ancestry, were bom in Scotch were of who Graham, Jane (Wilson) in about 1806, removed marriage, after their soon South Carolina, and In 1828 they were born. children ten to Kentucky, where their remained till and they settled where removed to Preble county, Ohio, they permawhere county, Henderson 1836, when they emigrated to death. Their time of their nently located, and remained until the David, cemetery. honored dust now reposes in the South Henderson the subject of this notice, by coming to this county so early in its settlement, was necessarily deprived of the advantages of much school-
Todd
county, Kentucky, in April,
'
HISTOEY OF MKECEE AKD HENDEE80N COUNTIES.
1374
and had to be content with what he could obtain in the Colona His first purchase of real estate was a quarterschool on rainy days. section in Sec. 32, T. 10, E. 4, to. which by years of industry and honest toil, aided, by the sound judgment of a prolific mind, he kept adding now and then another tract, till he is now the independent owner of over 800 acres in Henderson county and 400 acres in "Warren county, He also oayhs a pleasant home in all valuable and well improved. Monmouth, Illinois, whither he removed in 1867 for the double purpose of seeking needed rest and educating his family. In 1846 he married Miss Elizabeth Bi-own, a daughter of John Brown, Esq., of Little York, Warren county, Illinois, who has been to him a valuable advisor and noble helpmate. They are the parents of five interesting children, of whom they liave a just reason to feel proud. Their names, in the order of their birth, are: Elizabeth J., now the wife of Mr. G. H. Cowden, Clara C, now Mrs. A. G. McCoy, James A., Minnie L., wife of William Brison, and Miss Fannie Mabel, who yet remains at home, surrounded with all that wealth and refinement can furnish. James A., who now resides on a farm just west of Biggsville, was born in this county, May 16, 1854 was principally reared on the farm, and received a classical education at the Monmouth College. KoBEET Mickey, though not an early settler here, dates his permanent residence back to spring of 1 861 In that yeai-, on February 14, he married Miss Jane Caldwell, a native of McMinn county, east Tennessee, and the same year bought a farm, ceased traveling and ing,
;
.
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits but only for a short time, for as the dark cloud of rebellion and treason thickened in the south there was a call for men to form the 84th 111. Yol. Inf and Mr. Mickey responded to his country's call and became a member of Co. ;
,
K
in that noble regiment.
home
After the close of the war he returned to his
to enjoy with others the fruits of a country saved.
In 1876 farm and returned to the scenes of his former days in California a desire he had long cherished, but things had so changed there that he almost immediately returned to Biggsville, bought back his farm and has so far contented himself as an humble tiller of the soil. He was born near Mansfield, in Ashland county, Ohio, June 7, 1833 came to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1853, and engaged with a Mr. Craig, who was then first introducing and cultivating in this county osage orange hedges. He also aided in the construction of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad grade through this township. In the spring of 1854 he engaged as teamster to a man by the name of Barns, then engaged in freighting goods from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Salt Lake in wagons. From Salt Lake to California Mr. Mickey with
he sold
his
—
;
,
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
13T5
made his way on foot, where, after six years of patient he was able to return to Illinois with $5,000 in gold as his reward. His return was via the Isthmus and New York. Soon after his return to this county he made a trip to Pike's Peak with the first stage through on the line in six days and eleven hours. His stay there, however, was short and his return was to stay. His seven children's names, in the order of their ages, are Dora A., Sidney A., Ida M., Louis P., Mary E., Ethel G. and Alice. His father, Kobert Mickey, was of Scotch-Irish parentage, while his mother was of German. They were natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and died near Mansfield, Ohio. In 1880 Mr. Mickey sold a part of his farm and purchased property in Biggsville, where he now lives. De. James G. Stewart, son of James S. and Jane (Gibson) Stewart, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 3, 1831. Though his educational advantages were not what might be wished for, yet they were sufficient and well improved. In the fall of 1850, having decided to take a medical course, he began reading with Dr. Josephus Walker, of St. Clairville, Ohio, attending lectures at the Ohio Medical College, oi Cincinnati, during the winters of 1852-3 and 1854, graduating from that institution during the latter year, and at once began the practice of his profession at Bridgeport, Ohio. The next year he went to Texas and after a year's practice on the frontier went to Keokuk, where he, in company with his eldest brother, opened and run a drug store about sixteen months. About this time Kansas was rife with red-handed crime, strife, treason and rebellion, known as "the Kansas war," and thither young Stewart went in the hope of being in some' way able to do some good for the cause of humanity and civil liberty while there he formed, one of the party of twelve men who rescued the noble Dr. John Doy from prison, where he had been incarcerated, convicted and a few others
labor,
:
;
condemned, and
finally sentenced to state's prison, for the crime ot
On
the day that came to Henderson county (where his nearest friends then lived and where he had been in 1860 with a view to settling), and soon after went to Burlington, lending, aid to
slaves
Kansas was admitted
in their efforts
to escape.
as a state to the Union, Stewart
Iowa, where he offered his services to his country, but not being accepted, went to Oquawka and enlisted in Co. F, 16th 111. Vol. Inf
and was mustered
into the United States service
second lieutenant. He battle of Mission Ridge,
May
followed the fortunes of war
when
disability
from camp
24, till
1861, as after
the
and hardships
life
him and he resigned with a first lieutenant's commission. November 9, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria L. Pogue, the daughter of John Pogue, Esq:, of this coimty she was bom prostrated
;
HISTORY OF MEECEK AKD HENDBB80N COUNTIES.
1376
February 20, 1842, in Walnut Grove township. In 1866 the doctor quit the practice of medicine and turned his attention to farming, which was more in taste with his feelings than the pi'actiee of his profession. In 1870 he bred and raised thoroughbred short-horns, principally of the Young Mary family. He is now residing on his comfortable farm on Sec. 22, T. 10, K. 4. Pie has iive children, as follows Henry "W"., Jane E., John P., Samuel F. and an infant. Andrew G. Geai-iam, Biggsville, postmaster, was born January 6, When he was about the age of 1847, in Clinton county, Missouri. three years his mother died, and when he was five years old his father went to California. His early education was of a necessity much neglected, though to some little extent he did attend a pioneer school in his native state. In 1858 Mr. Graham came to Henderson county, and in November, 1861, when a little less than fifteen j^ears of age, enlisted in Co. H, 11th 111. Cav., Col. E. G. IngersoU. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, second battle of Corinth, Grierson's raid, and the pursuit of Forrest but the most desperate contest ever engaged in was at the battle of Lexington, Tennessee, where the brave Col. IngersoU was captured. At the end of two years' service he came home on veteran furlough, and after a short stay returned to do fur:
;
ther service for his country
leader of the 11th is
111.
if it
not possible here to note
;
Under the
was required.
Cav. our hero did
much
active service,
suffice it to say that
gallant
which
he was honorably
it
dis-
charged on account of disability after faithfully serving his country nearly four years, and
is
now (1 882) in confined constantly to his bed from
the effects of ailments contracted while in the army.
home he
(in
After his return
a small way) engaged in farming, but in 1872, on account
removed to Biggsville, and was, March, 1876, commissioned postmaster. December 16, 1869, he was married to Miss Martha C. Francis, the daughter of Mr. Alexander Francis she was born in Ohio, March 16, 1849, and came to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1850. They have two children, Frank M. and
of his health entirely breaking down, he in
;
I. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. William B. Geaham, farmer and stock raiser, Biggsville, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, January 9, 1842. His father, Andrew Graham, was born in Kentucky, removed (when quite young) with his parents to Preble county, Ohio thence he emigrated to Henderson county, Illinois, and settled on See. 7, T. 10, E. 4, with his brother-in-law (Samuel McDill) in August, 1835. In 1841 he was united in marriage with Miss Eachel A. Davis, a daughter of David W. Davis, who came to this county in 1833. He procured the first marriage license issued in Henderson county. He died in 1848, at the
Charles
;
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1377
age of forty-one years.
His wife (now Mrs. Daniel Gordon) 'and three William E., the eldest son, is now on the old home successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. His education was mostly received in the common schools of this county's early history, though it was extended by a few terms at Monmouth and Oquawka. He has been twice married first, on August 8, ] 864, to Miss Martha McDill, daughter of Eobert McDill, who died October and again on January 17, 1878, to Margaret Wallace, the 18, 1875 daughter of David Wallace she was born in Ohio, May 23, 1839, and came to Henderson county in 1868. His children are: Mary F., Eobert A. and William W., by his first wife, and Koss W., by his second wife. They are members of the United Presbyterian church, and since 1870 he has been an elder in the same. On his farm he has erected a very substantial stone residence. James Montgomeey, grain dealer, Biggsville, was born in ]S"oble county, Ohio, August 18, 1 848. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth (McRoberts) Montgomery, the latter of whom died when James was scarcely three years old. At the age of thirteen he was left alone and an orphan by the death of his father. At the tender age of fourteen he packed his scanty wardrobe and alone started for Illinois, where he hoped to find a widowe^ sister, then residing in Mei'cer county, that On reaching Galesburg his money was all gone, and from there state. he continued his journey on foot, but was soon overtaken by night and Stopping at a farm house he was kindly taken in by the hunger. good farmer, who in the morning directed him on his way to Mercer Soon after reaching Mercer county county, where he found his sister. he found employment on a farm, making that his business summers and attending schools winters till the age of twenty, when he completed his children survive him.
:
'
;
;
,
After completing his education with a college course at Monmouth. education Mr. Montgomery devoted his time to teaching till the spring
when engaged in the buying and shipping of grain at BiggsOctober 5, 1875, he married Miss Celia B. Wallace, a native of Guernsey county, Ohio, born November, 1849. She came to Henderson county in 1870 with her parents, who settled on a farm two miles south
of 1882, ville.
of Biggsville
;
she was also a student for two years at
Monmouth
Col-
Emma
E. are the parents of three children David W., and Fannie C. ; a comfortable home is his reward for industry. William E. B. Van Tuyl, farmer, is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth
lege.
They
A. (Davis) September
:
Van 5,
Tuyl, and was born in Henderson county, Illinois, Like his father he was reared a farmer, and
1868.
during his early youth received a good common school education, to which he continues to add by reading and observation. January 9,
HISTOEY OF MEECER AHD HENDEESON COUNTIES.
1378
1878, he married Miss "Wilkins,
whose sketch
Jersey City,
New
Hannah M.
Wilkins,
daughter of Samuel she was born in
also appears in this chapter
Jersey, February
5,
1855.
;
To them
is
bom one
son,
has recently purchased a farm in S.W. J of Ilis parents, Sec. 11, T. 10, R. 4, where he is now engaged in farming, with their family of twelve children, removed from Dayton, Ohio, to Henderson county, Illinois, in the fall of 1855, and for many years Chester "W.
Mr.
Van Tuyl
engaged in farming, and became well known in this county as a man of A few years ago he true worth, honor and strict business principles. where he died in Warren county, near Kirkwood, in removed to His estimable wife still survives him and resides at the October, 1880. As the name indicates, they are of German ancestry. old home. R. Fostee, farmer and fruit grower, Biggsville, was bom in John county, Elinois, December 17, 1844, and is the son of Henderson His Jane (McDill) Foster, early settlers of this county. William and principally obtained in the common schools of his education was boyhood day, finishing with a few terms at Monmouth College and one term at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, at Chicago. His first start in business was at merchandising, at Biggsville, as a partner with Two years in this line was sufiicient to convince Mr. John McDill. farming him that was more to his taste and at the same time more cerand accordingly tain, he sold out and turned his attention in that direction. Aijgust 21, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Lorina Campbell, a daughter of William Campbell, D.D. She was born in Henry county, Iowa, August 31, 1842, and was left without a mother when three months old. They are the parents of three children, as follows: Mary A., William H. and Robert S. In^l875 he located on his farm, where he is building up for his family a pleasant and tasty home and it is only a matter of time when Larch farm will be one of the most beautiful in that part of the township. Thanks for the care and advice of an intelligent wife. Samuel Wilkins, another of our country's noble dead. Mr. Wilkins was bom in New Jersey, October 2, 1827. When but four years old his father died, and he was left entirely an orphan at the age ;
of eight years
by the death of
friend to the country
He
his mother.
and remained on a farm
He was till
then taken
by a
eighteen years of age.
then learned the trade of mason and principally followed the busi-
ness through
January
WorMarch 26, 1828. After his mai*riage Mr. Wilkins went to Philadelphia, where he resided tOl 1864, when he removed to N"ew York, and in 1857 to Henderson county, Illinois. Here he turned his attention to farming till 1862, when he life.
9,
1849, he married Miss .Harriett P.
den, a native of 'New Jersey, born
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1379
K, 84th El. Vol. Inf., where he faithfully served his he was killed, at the battle of Stone river, December 31, 1863. The May following his remains were brought home and interred at Salter's Grove. Besides his wife he left five children to mourn his early death. The children are: Worden J., now on a farm at Elliott, Iowa; Hannah M., now Mrs. WiDiam E. B. Yan Tuyl; Mary E. and Susan E., at home, and Abram, now an operator at Minneapolis, Minnesota. enlisted in Co.
country
till
John McKee,
Down,
Ireland,
druggist, Biggsville,
November
was born
in Hillsboro',
County
On
April 26, 1867, he left his native home for America, where he hoped by hard work aiid industry to gain what he has already realized, a comfortable home. His pas21, 1837.
sage occupied one month and was
commanded by
made on
the Sailing vessel Neptune,
New York, on May he came at once to Knoxville, Illinois, where he remained a few days with an uncle, John Sloan. He then came to Biggsville, Henderson county, Illinois, and engaged as farm laborer one year, the next year farming for himself. By this time, having saved a little means, he built a small store in Biggsville, near the depot, and for a short time engaged in business there then sold out and built the building on lot 6, now owned and used as a hotel by Mr. J. M. Michener. In 1878 he bought a tract of land and laid out what is known as McKee's addition to Biggsville, and the same year built the large store building now owned and occupied by Mr. G. W. Holmes, on lot The next year he built another commodious store and in 1, block 3. In 1882 he is enjoying a successful it engaged in the drug business. and prosperous trade, which is the sure reward of untiring enei*gy and September 9, 1868, he was mar.straightforward business principles. ried to Miss Mary Sloan, the daughter of James Sloan and native of Canada, bom March 19, 1850, on Amherst Island, and came with her Capt. Peabody.
After landing in
26,
—
;
They are the parents of six. children, as John W., Julia A., F. Frederick, Henrietta, Ealph and Jessie. His father, who was huntsman to Lord Downshire, died in 1865. His mother came to the United States in 1874 and is now (1882) living in Biggsville, Henderson county, Illinois. Me. Abner Short, one of the early pioneers of Henderson county, and who has had a residence here for more than half a century, was born In 1810 his father died, in Washington county, Kentucky, in 1808. husband Mr. Samuel second for her and in 1816 his mother married parents to Illinois in 1862. follows
:
In 1819 the entire family emigrated to Perry county, Indiana, where they resided till 1830, late in October, when they again, impelled with a pioneering spirit, moved westward. After a month's
Jamison.
HISTORY OF MERGER
1380
AND HENDERSON
journeying they landed in Henderson county,
COUNTIES. Illinois,
where they
at
about preparing a rude home. Our subject, Abner Short, was among those who worked at building a fort for the protection of the few white settlers from the merciless savages, who in 1831-2 were
once
set
He was marMiss Yirona Ewing, and soon after settled in T. 11, E. 4, on Sees. 30 and 31, where he at one time owned 320 acres of His wife died in land, earned by hard work and faithful industry. 1863. His second marriage was on October 28, 1867, with Mrs. Sarah B. Jamison, a daughter of Mr. Michael Van Tuyl, a native of Ohio, boi'n Mr. Short has but two children in Warren county. May 13, 1821. living: John E., now (1882) in New Mexico, and Mary E., wife of Dr. D. I. McMillen, of Sunbeam, in Mercer county, Illinois. He lost one son, "William G., who was in his country's service during the late war. Mr. Short and his family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian threatening a war of exteiinination upon the palefaces. ried April 26, 1833, to
church.
John
C.
Duncan, farmer, Biggsville,
Pennsylvania, and was born
May
is
a native of
York
county,
His early youth was spent on the farm. At the age of eighteen years he turned his attention to learning the trade of carpenter. In 1856 he came to Henderson county, Illinois, and for a number of years followed the business of his trade, building some of the best buildings in this and Warren counties, especially in Kirkwood. In 1863 he married Miss Margaret Duncan, who died in 1873. His second marriage was with Margaret M. Anderson, a native of York county, Pennsylvania. By this union he has two chileren John W. and Jenr ie M. In 1870 he permanently located on his present home, in Sec. 21, T. 10, K. 4. In addition to this farm of 80 acres, he owns 80 acres in Sec. 28 and 15 acres of timber in Sec. 27 of the same town. His father, John Duncan, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a son of John Duncan, a native of Ireland. The latter took part in the revolutionary war and the former in the war of 1812. Mr. Duncan and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, of Biggsville, where is also his postoffice. Samuel McDill (deceased) was born in Preble county, Ohio, August 18, 1807. His father and grandfather were American bom and his great-grandfather McDill was born "in County Antrim, Ireland. He was reared on a farm in the tall timbers of his native state, and early in life acquired all the characteristics of the true pioneer. He was a natural genius and well fitted to fill the place of 20,
1827.
:
new country. Of him his friends and acquaintances can truly say for truth and integrity his equals were few. His first marriage was on October 12, 1830, with Martha W. Graham, who died true neighbor in a
BIGGSVILLK TOWNSHIP.
1383
a few years after their emigration to Henderson county, Illinois, which was in August, 1835. His second marriage was with Miss Nancy
December 14, 1842; she is the daughter of Alexander Findley, and was born in Clark county, Indiana, December 27, 1816. Findley, on
Soon after his arrival in this county Mr. McDill bought land and permanently located on Sec. 7, T. 10, E. 4, where he lived till the time of his death, October 6, 1866. His widow and daughter, Lydia A., still reside on the old home and in the same house where the former has lived for over forty years. She was among the first settlers in this part of the county and was one of the first members of the Old Associate Eeformed church, organized in South Henderson. Mr. McDill has five children still living: Eev. Andrew T., now publishing a paper in Philadelphia, and Margaret E., a teacher in Monmouth, by his first wife, and John A., Lydia A. and Martha C, by his last wife.
Paul D. Gibb, son and stock
ary 25, 1829.
and
of
raiser, Biggsville,
He was
John and Agnes (Eobinson) Gibb, farmer was born in County Antrim, Ireland, Janu-
reared principally to the business of gardening means of gaining an education. On March
enjoj'ed but a limited
17, 1850,
he
left
the city of Belfast for America and reached his desti-
nation (Biggsville) on
May
25 of the same year.
He
at once, accord-
ing to a previous contract, begun work in the mill for John Biggs for a term of one year after completing his first year he engaged for three ;
years more, after which he begun farming on wild unimproved land he
bought in Sec. 28, T. 10, E. 4. This farm he sold and in 1870 bought the old Ery Marston farm in Sec. 29, T. 10, E. 4, for which he paid $60 per acre, where he now resides, engaged in farming and stock raising. December 29, 1863, he married Miss Mary Stevenson, a native of Belfast, Ireland, born in 1845 and emigrated to America with her parents
They are the parents of six children, as follows Agnes J., Elizabeth, Mary, Eosa B., "William J. and Ellen. Mr. Gibb is one of the prosperous farmers of Henderson county, and although he begun by working out at $14 per month, he is now the
in December, 1863.
:
independent owner of 260 acres of excellent farming land besides a
amount of stock and other securities. Since his eighteenth year he has been a member of the United Presbyterian church, fie is a man that is ever ready to aid in any enterprise that has in view the good
large
of society.
John E. Boyd (deceased) was born in Ireland in 1832. When he was but a small boy he emigrated to America and went to live with an uncle (James Eedman), with whom he remained till he grew to manhood. His parents, Eobert and Eliza (Eedman) Boyd, were also natives of 78
1384
III8T0EY OF
Ireland and lived there
MEECEE AND HENDBE80N COUNTIES. till
the time of their death.
April
185Y,
2,
lie
was united in marriage with Miss Mary A., daughter of Joseph and Annies Johnson, who were natives of County Tyrone, Ireland she was born in York county, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1840. In March, 1865, they came to Henderson county, Illinois, and soon after bought a small farm in Sec. 34, T. 10, R. 4, and actively engaged in farming. He was successful and soon after bought more land, and at the time of his a success death, August 28, 1881, he owned 168 acres of good land only attained by faithful labor, industry and economy, in such a few Besides his wife he leaves an interesting family of five short years. children, whose names, in the order of their birth, are: Robert J., His remains were interred Joseph, Eliza A., John A. and Maggie L. in the Biggsville cemetery, and is mourned as a true friend, a kind, generous father and devoted husband. Miles Goedon, farmer, Biggsville, was born in North Carolina in 1813. In 1819 his parents George and Flora (McKaskill) Gordon, removed to the State of Georgia, where they resided till 1840, when they emigrated to Henderson county, Illinois. Their remains now rest in the cemetery at Little York, in Warren county, Illinois. He was born in the Highlands of Scotland, and she (of Scotch parents) in the State They usually conversed in the Gaelic language. of North Carolina. Miles was first married to Miss Martha E. McLanahan, who died in 1850. His second marriage was with Mrs. Kerren H. (McDill) Their children are Flora J., John McCrariey, on February 16, 1854. E., Miles 0. and Robert R. On March 16, 1854, they moved on theiipresent farm in Sec. 5, T. 10, R. 4, where he is now engaged in farming. They are members of the United Presbyterian church at South Henderson. Mr. Gordon was early settled in this county and has lived to see its great growth and prosperity. Where once roamed the deer and wolf may now be seen fields of golden grain or herds of domestic animals, and in place of the howl of the wolf or screech of the ;
;
:
panther
is
heard the
toll
of the church bell or
shrill whistle of
the
locomotive.
John R. McQuown (decea,sed) was born in Washington county, March 16, 1828, and emigrated with his parents, Ai-thur O. and Nancy (Smith) McQuown, to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1836.
Virginia,
April 15, 1858, he married Miss Eliza Best, a daughter of John and Ellen (McCollough) Best. She was born in Albany, New York, September 7, 1834. Her parents were born, reared and married in County Londonderry, Ireland, and emigrated to America in 1832.
He
served as a soldier in the war of the late rebellion, as a member 111. Vol. Inf., and died of disease contracted in the
of the 91st reg.
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
He and
army.
He had two war: John, in Co. E, 10th 111. Vol. Inf., and Noble are they who give up their lives to the adopted country. Mr. McQuown through life
wife are buried in East Olena cemetery.
sons, also in the late
James
1385
in the 50th.
preservation of their
followed the humble but honorable vocation of farmer, and for many years previous to his death resided on his farm in Sec. 1, T. 9, R. 5, where his bereaved widow and family still live. He died July 20, 1881, and was buried in South Henderson cemetery. His children
R
Andrew G., Nancy E., Sarah F., Arthur O., Harry and E. To them and his devoted wife he left a farm of 250 acres. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church and a consistent are:
Mary
christian gentleman.
Adam Sloan (deceased), one of the early settlers of Biggs ville, bom in County Antrim, Ireland, October 22, 1825. He was
was:
the son of James and Mary (Beck) Sloan, who were also natives of Ireland. In 1847 he emigrated to the Province of Ontario, Canada,
fifth
and while there was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Scott. In the spring of 1850 they removed to Biggsville, Henderson county, and purchased a forty-acre farm, now within the corporate limits To this little home he kept adding till he owned 360 acres. In 1852 death claimed his wife and only child. His second marriage was on June 19, 1862, to Miss Jane Baggs, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, bom near Belfast in 1831. This marriage was contracted while she was yet in her native land, whence she came in the spring of 1862, landing in Biggsville June 8. Mr. Sloan bid fair to become wealthy, and was owing but a few deferred payments on his real estate in the winter of 1877, when he was taken with a severe cold, which brought on lung fever, resulting in death January Besides his wife he left six children, as follows Thomas ~W., 21, 1877. James, Henderson, Adam, Nancy and Mary J. Mrs. Sloan's father Illinois,
of the town.
:
(a poet of
mother,
some considerable
who emigrated
note) died at his
home
in Belfast.
Her
to Illinois, died in Biggsville in April, 1877.
Isaac Thomas, an industrious and successful farmer of T. 11, E. 4, was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, December 25, 1820. His parents were Eliezer and Ann (Garrett) Tliomas. The latter died of Asiatic cholera in 1832, and the former died in 1837 from the effects Mr. Thomas followed farmof poison at the hands of his physician. till state 1845, when he came to native in his flat-boating ing and After coming to this state Mr. Thomas for a number of years worked at anything that would make an honest dollar, sometimes splitting rails for thirty cents per hundred, or worked for even $4 per month. So he worked and so he saved till he was able to Illinois.
1386
OF MEBCEIt AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
IIISTOKV
purchase sixty acres of land in Sec. 31, T. 11, R. 4. On this he permanently settled in 1860. To his first purchase he soon after added more land, and is now comfortably settled on a good farm with his
Ann M.
whom
he was married in 1855, and his four Emma B., Anna M. and Laura JEva. Mr. Thomas and wife are members of the Baptist church, he having joined before he left his native state. Hugh R. Reynolds, farmer, Biggsville, son of Thomas and ElizaHis beth (Milligan) Reynolds, was bom in North Carolina in 1812. father being both a farmer and miller, he was reared and trained to both branches of these industries. Though his education was only such as the pioneer log-cabin schools would aifoi'd, he has by reading wife,
Winslow,
interesting children
:
to
"William N.,
and observation become well posted
now
of agriculture, whicli he
in all that pertains to the business
follows.
In 1836 he emigrated to
Warren county, Illinois, and for a number of years engaged as a hand at farm labor. He was married in 1845 to Barbara Gordon, a daughter of George and Flora (McKaskill) Gordon, who died Decern her 7, 1869. His second marriage was on April 25, 1872, with Mrs. Sarah McDill, formerly Miss Sarah McQuiston, who came to this •county in 1853 from Ohio, where she was born February 1, 1832. Mr. Reynolds ber 20, 1882.
lias
By
but one child, Margaret
daughter. Miss Martha E., father,
James
J.,
aged nine years, Octo-
her former marriage Mrs. Reynolds has an only
C. McDill,
who
still
resides with her mother.
Her
was the eldest son of Samuel McDill, whose
sketch also will be found in the history of Biggsville township.
He
was killed June 19, 1864, at Kenesaw Mountain, on the skirmish line. His remains were brought home and buried in the South Henderson cemetery of the United Presbyterian church, of which he was a memMr. Reynolds and family are members of the United Presbyber. terian church.
William Wiegand, farmer and stock raiser, Biggsville, was born Province of Hesse, Germany, August 15, 1828. During his early youth he learned the trade of blacksinith, and in the meantime to some extent attended school. In 1848, on September 15, he sailed from Bremerhaven (on the ship "Eliza," commanded by Capt. Kohk) for America, and in due time (without incident) landed in New York. He remained in York state till the following autumn, when he removed to Illinois, and after a short stay at Nauvoo went down the river to St. Louis, Missouri, and there worked at his trade till 1852, when he removed to Oquawka, where he for a number of years done In 1867 he came to his farm a very successful business in his line. Pliilipssthal,
on Sec.
16, T. 10,
R.
4,
adjoining the village of Biggsville, with a
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSIin'.
view
to
1:-],S7
doing a large business in farming, stock raising, feeding and making a success in that industry for several years, and only
sliipping,
when life,
disabled by a .broken limb, which rendered did he cease active operations in that direction.
him a
cripple for
August
18, 1850,
he was married to Elizabeth Goempler, a sister of Peter Goempler, of Oquawka, and native of Germany. They are the parents of four children, as follows: Minnie L., wife of Edward Fleigh Christena, wife of Wilson B. Jamison August A. and "William A. When Mr. Wiegand started in life in America he was entirely destitute of means, but his motto was to work for whatever he could get so he began by cutting wood for three bits a cord. In St. Louis he worked at heavy work in a shop for $14 per month, and finally attained to independence. Tn April, 1852, while working on a steamboat at Pekin, Illinois, the boiler exploded, killing every man (18) on board but himself He was thrown into the water, but swam ashore. William B. Wallace (deceased) was born in Kentucky in 1816, and emigrated to what is now Henderson county, Illinois, when this section of the state was but sparsely settled. He first located in Ellison, in T. 9, R. 4, vdth his father, where he resided for a number of years.. March 27, 1845, he married Miss Ann McFarland, a native of Ohio. In 1866 he bought a farm in Sec. 23, T. 10, K. 4, of A. Y. Graham, onto which ha moved, and there continued to reside till hU death in 1873. She died in 1880, on March 4. Their surviving children are William E., Nancy J., wife of Frank P. Morton Martha E., John M., Anson G. and George S., the second son, who was born in He was married July 19, 1871, to Miss Ellison February 16, 1848. ;
;
;
:
;
Elvira Brouse, a native of Ohio and daughter of Charles
W.
Brouse,
spoken of elsewhere in this work. To them since their marriage were bom four children William W., Florence M., Ralph A. and :
George
W.
With the
exception of four years spent in Iowa, Mi-.
His Wallace's residence in Henderson county has been continuous. hiin, is farming. father before his business, like that of James E. Kxox is another of those men who, although of humble birth and rearing, and with but very limiced means of gaining an
by industry, economy, and the aid of a faithful wife, not only succeeded in keeping the wolf from his door, but has made He was born in Wayne for himself a good property in real estate. county, Ohio, in 1833, and emigrated to Henders(m county, Illinois, in 1854. He brought with him to this county, as he supposed, a little education, has
monej', the savings of a few years' hard labor, but soon after his arrival learned to his sorrow that wildcat money in Klinois would not
even buy bread.
After working here
till
1856 he went to iMinnesota^
1388
IIISTOEY OF
MEBCEK AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
where he soon after bought 160 acres of land. In 1859 he retamed to Henderson county, with a view to bettering his condition as to On April 10, 1861, he enlisted for one hundred days, but climate. was at once enrolled in Co. F, 16th HI. Vol. Inf., for a term of three years. In 1865, in Henderson county, on January 5, he married Miss Catharine Caldwell, a native of east Tennessee, born August 17, 1840.
After his marriage Mr.
Knox
followed fanning, as a renter,
Nathan Jamison,
in Bald Bluff townwhich he bought land in T. 11, K. 4, where he now owns 480 acres. Besides buying and paying for this fine property, he suffered the loss of $1,000 worth of fat cattle, stolen out of his
eight years, on the farm of ship, after
pasture.
Heney L. Kelly, hardware and agricultural dealer, Biggsville, was born in "Windsor county, Vermont, June 26, 1837. In 1843 his parents, Henry H. and Susan (Cox) Kelley, removed to the- State of New Hampshire, where they engaged in hotel keeping till 1851, when they emigrated to Illinois. They first settled on land in La Salle county, which they afterward sold, and removed to Warren county, bought a home and permanently located in Cameron, where they still reside. They are Henry L.
also natives of first
began
the grocery line,
Vermont and
are of Scotch-Irish ancestors.
merchandising in and adding dry goods to his of 1874 he removed to Biggsville and
for himself in the fall of 1856,
—building a large
store
In the fall opened up a hardware store, soon after adding to his trade a full line of agricultural implements and farm machinery. July 4, 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Miriam Parker, a native of Warren county, Illinois. Their children's names, in the order of their birth, are: Edmond, George, Emma, Lurena and Clark. Mr. Kelly has, since the organization of the \'illage, been identified with its interests and government. Among those who deserve special credit from their fellows on trade in 1868.
account of the struggle
made
to attain their present position in life is
His parents were Nicholas M. and Mary A. (Miller) Kezner. He was born on April 25, 1825, in Monroe county, Tennessee. He was reared on a farm until 1847. When he was eighteen years of age he I'emoved to Henderson county, Illinois, where he began life by working out among the farmers, continuing until he settled down on Sec. 14, T. 10, E. 4. November 8, 1854, he was married to Miss Jane J. Stanley, daughter of John and Lureny (Poe) Stanley. She was born in Gilford county, North Carolina, on November 11, 1S2S. To them were born six children, only three of whom are living, namely, Ijurena, Leroy and .John N. Mr. Pezner's family are Presbvtei-ians Eli Eeznee.
,
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1389
in faith, being prominent
members of the Cumberland Presbyterian congregation at Biggsville. Although Mr. Rezner was left an orphan at the age of five years, his father having died at New Orleans from
injuries received
in
making
on a
boat, yet
by untiring industry he has succeeded
He now gives his attention chiefly to stock raising, on his farm of 530 acres, near Biggsville. for himself a large competence.
Robert K. N. Gi,Eim, farmer, Biggsville, son of James and Nancy (McDonald) Glenn, was bom in Monroe county, Indiana, August He was reared on a farm, with only the advantages of the 10, 1839. subscription school for education. At the age of ten years he was left fatherless by death, and at the age of fifteen on him devolved the care of his mother, the younger members of the family and the farm. In March, 1861, he came to Henderson county, and for a year worked on the farm for Mr. John McDill after which he worked with George McDill for a fifth of the crop. The summer of 1863 he spent in Indi-.
J.
;
ana, on the farm of his mother, she being without help on account of her other sons being in the army. It was while here that he took part
Morgan out of Indiana with his band of .guerrillas. The he returned to Henderson county and again engaged in farming, as a renter. February 9, 1865, he married Miss Esther McCrery,daughter of David and Kerren H. (McDill) McCrery. She was born in Warren county, Illinois, August 24, 1845. In the fall of 1868 he removed to a new farm he had previously bought in Ford county, this state, but only remained there two years, when he sold out and came back to this county and bought a farm in Sec. 32, T. 11, R. 4, where he permanently settled and now (1882) lives. His "children are James A. David O., William P., Flora A. and Robert S. They are members of the South Henderson United Presbyterian chnrch. William A. Foster (deceased) was born in South Carolina, November 16, 1816. In 1838 he emigrated to Illinois and settled in Warren April 28, 1841, he married Miss Jane county, near Little York. McDill, daughter of George aud Margaret (Douglass) McDill, who was bom in Chester county. South Carolina, September 16, 1816, and with
in driving
same
fall
:
her parents came to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1837. The spring following his marriage, or in 1842, Mr. Foster permanently located on Sec. 32,T. 11, R. 4,
and there lived, engaged
in farming and stock raising,
Mr. Foster lived a contill the time of his death, September 1, 1855. lost an estimable settlement death the in his and sistent christian life, father. Three indulgent an husband and kind citizen and his family a children
survived their father, only two of
The
whom are now (1882) bom August 11, 1855,
John R. and George C. was reared on a farm, where he received a common school
living,
latter,
education.
1390
HISTOEY OF MEKCEE AND HKNDEESON COTJWTIES.
He was married
JSTovember 29, 1876, to Miss Sarah E. Cochran, daugh-
John D. and Sarah P. (McGaw) Cochran. She was born in They have two children, John A. and HerIndiana, April 18, 1851. man C. Mr. Foster is engaged in farming. His mother, Mrs. Jane Daugherty, after the death of her first husband, was married to Mr. Samuel Daugherty in 1857, by whom she reared one child, Nancy J., now Mrs. Thomas Moore. Mr. Daugherty died April 15, 1868. Mrs. ter of
Daugherty's home
is
with her son.
The present practicing physician of Gladstone, Harrison Beedsfoeu, M.D., was born in Miami county, Ohio, March 16, 1836. At the age of sixteen he began reading medicine with Dr. G. V. Dorsey, one of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of Ohio. During the terms of 1856, 1857 and 1858 he attended lectures at the Michigan Universitry From 1859 to 1867 he practiced medicine in Missouri, at Ann Arbor.
then removed to Malcom, Iowa, where he practiced eight years
;
after
which he spent a short time in Iroquois county, and in 1880 removed to Gladstone and permanently located, and here successfully follows his profession. In the summer of 1882 he was by acclamation unanimously nonainated by the republican party for the position of county coroner of Henderson county. September 1, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy A. "Whitsitt, a native of Miami county, Ohio, by whom he has reared an interesting family of five childi-en. John E. Pearson, son of Pear and Kaisa (Olson) Erickson, was born August 29, 1844, in the town of Torp, county of Langserud, state of Wermeland, Sweden. He was partly reared on a farm, but in youth, besides attending school, learned the trade of boot and shoe maker. On May 8, 1871, he left his native home for America in the steamship "Virginia," and after some delays on account of storm and From fog landed in New York, being nineteen days on the ocean. New York he went direct to Iowa, and soon after engaged in working at his trade in Burlington, and followed his business there till January 4, 1872, when he removed to Biggsville, where he permanently located and continued in the boot and shoe manufacture and sale. In 1877 he quit the mechanical part of, the business and placed in stock a full line of groceries, and immediately added to his growing trade a fiill assortment of all the leading sewing machines in the market. He also deals in foreign exchange and sells tickets to all points in Europe. September 5, 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary S. Erickson, a daughter of Erick Anderson she was born March 17, 1850, in the town of Stenarsbohl, county of Gillberga, state of Wermeland, Sweden. At ;
the age of twenty years a spirit of independence induced her to leave the pai'ental roof and
become
self-supporting.
She accordingly engaged
BIGQSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
L391
as a servant in the house of a millionaire, where she remained till August 7, 1874, when she sailed for America on tlie steamship Egypt to meet her affianced husband. Mr. Pearson has now four children,' whose names, in the order of their birth, are: Albert W., John E., Laura S. and Herbert H. George W. Holmes, son of Jacob and Sarah (Worden) Holmes, was bom in Fayette county, Ohio, March 3, 1846. He was reared on a farm, where he enjoyed the advantages of a fair common school educa-
In the fall of 1864 he enlisted in Co. A., 2d O.N.G., but was discharged wichin one year. In the fall of 1865 he came to Henderson county, Illinois, and engaged in working out by the month, first on a tion.
farm but later in lumber business, then being carried on at Biggsville. In the spring of 1871 he returned to Ohio and engaged in farming till 1875, when he again came to Biggsville and permanently located. He first worked as clerk a year for Mr. R. C. Graham in a general store. In 1876 he, in company with A. W. Graham, bought out the store, which Mr. Holmes in 1880 purchased and became sole owner. He has now (1882) the best arranged general store in Biggsville if not the county, and is enjoying a good degree of prosperity. November 10, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Catharine L. Baxter, the daughter of James and Mary (Smith) Baxter, a native of Maryland, born October 26, 1845. They are the parents of four children living, Sarah E. John A., Yiola and Minnie L. and Mary E. (deceased). Mr. Holmes and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was one of the first town board elected, and served till the spring of 1882. Mr. Holmes is one of those men who is ever ready to aid in any enterprise which tends to the mutual improvement and building up of the com,
munity.
John A. Bailey, M.D., practicing physician, was born in Jeiferson August 17, 1853. His parents, Benjamin and Dorothy (Patterson) Bailey and their parents were early pioneers of Ohio, and his grandfather Bailey was of Scotch-Irish blood and a soldier in The doctor's mother died in 1861, and in 1862 the revolutionary war. his father with his children removed to Washington county, Iowa, where he died in 1873. In 1872 the doctor came to Henderson county,Illinois, and began the reading of medicine witli Dr. T. J. Maxwell at During the winters of 1875, 1876 and 1877 he attended lectures Olena. at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Keokuk, Iowa, graduating county, Ohio,
February 13, 1877. He then engaged in the practice of his profession In October, 1881, in order to at Olena as a partner with Dr. Maxwell. perfect himself in the science of medicine, he took a post graduate course in that study at Jeiferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where
1392
IIISTOKY
OF MEECEIt AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
he received a second diploma March 30, 1882. In the same spring he formed a partnership with Dr. Mekemson, bought out the property "and practice of Dr. Maxwell at Biggsville, and entered on the duties of his profession. The doctor is a member of the United Presbyterian church.
Hezekiah Watson, florist and gardener. Biggsville, was bom in Albany county, New York, November 29, 1822. He was reared on a farm and enjoyed only the educational advantages of the common schools. In the month of September, 1837, his father, Elisha, with his wife and four children, left theiii native home, Owego, New York, for a home (to be made) in the Far West. The trip was made via lake and canal to Buifalo thence by steamer to Cleveland, by canal to the Ohio river, where they took steamer via the Ohio and Mississippi to Oquawka. Mr. Watson Sr. bought near Olena, in T. 10, K. 6, where he ;
lived
till
the time of his death, 1859.
His venerable pioneer wife
is
Her maiden name was Marilla Johnson. They were zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their home was always the home of the early pioneer preachers. They always left the latch-string hangstill
(1882) living, at the honored old age of eighty-seven years.
ing out.
Their four sons were
:
Lewis, Hezekiah, Elisha and Lambert.
Lewis, the eldest, was drafted and sent South during the late war and since. He left a wife and family of small chilHezekiah, the second son, was married in Henderson county, 30, 1850, to Miss Sarah A. Jackson, a daughter of the celebrated
was never heard from di'en.
May
She was born in Kentucky in 1833, and emigrated to Henderson county, Illinois, with her parents in 1842. After his marriage Mr. Watson engaged in farming and improving land up till about 1867, when he removed to Biggsville and turned his attention to his present business. Their own three children are deceased, and they are raising an adopted daughter, Leota. Mr. and Mrs; Watson are
hunter Abel.
devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
The parents
William Bell,
of Biggsville, were both born and His father was born October 15, 1809, and his mother on October 14, 1805. They were married at Kelsey, May 29, 1834. Soon after their marriage they emigrated to the United States, first settling in Vermont, but soon after removed to north Argyle, in Washington county, New York, where they resided till the time of his death in 1848. They reared a family of five children George, born in Vermont, and Jeanette, Thomas, William and James S. born in the State of New York. William, the third child and second son of Thomas and Margaret (Tinline) Bell, was born at north Argyle, Washington county. New York, January 1, 1842. In 1857 he came to of
married in Scotland.
:
,
,
BIQGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1393
Henderson county, Illinois, and spent the first summer in attending school. Being a careful and industa-ious student he early in life had acquired a good education, and in his fifteenth year commenced teaching school.
when he engaged his services In 1870 he began business for himself as a general storekeeper. Sold out in 1873 and went as traveling salesman on the road. July 1, 1880, he was appointed as assistant railroad postofiice clerk on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, between Chicago and Burlington. August 11, 1864, he married Miss Martha S. Jamison, daughter of Mr. John C. and Sarah (Stice) Jamison, of Biggsville. She was born in Henderson county, Illinois, August 27, 1843. Their children are Caroline F., William C, Charles H., Harry, Olive L. and Oscar C. His two brothers, George and Thomas, were soldiers in the late war of the rebellion. The former was wounded severely at the battle of Sione Eiver. Geoege W. Matheks, son of Samuel and Jane (Greer) Mathers, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, July 5, 1840. In 1842 his parents emigrated to Henderson county, Illinois, and settled in T. 9, R. 4. notice of them the reader will find in the history of that town. Finding themselves in a new country, and with but very little means, the family assidously devoted their time to agi'icultural rather than educational pursuits, and accordingly George's education was of a necessity much neglected. His training, however, in the way of industry and economy was ample and has been well improved, inasmuch This he followed
till
1863,
as clerk to a Biggsville merchant.
:
A
as he
is
nftw the owner of a very pleasant
home
in the village of Biggs-
ville, and a farm within eighty rods of Earkwood, in Warren couiity, Illinois. The latter, for which he paid cash $7,875, was purchased in Mr. Mathers has not, however, devoted all his the spring of 1882. life to money making, as he spent three of the best years of his youth in the service of his country as a member of Co. K, 84th 111. Vol. Inf during the war of the rebellion. He was married on May 7, 1868, to Miss Sarah J. McMillan, a native of Henderson county, Illinois. Aaeon H. McLain is the third son of John and Elizabeth (McCartney) McLain, and was born in McMinn county, Tennessee, November 23, 1828. Moving, as did his parents, from one county to another, his early education was of a necessity much neglected, though by much reading, close observation and careful home study he has gained a good business knowledge, and has made up in this way what was denied him in school. In 1838 he (with his father and family) emigrated to Monmouth, Warren county, Illinois, and in 1841 removed October 11, 1849, he was united in marriage to Henderson county. She was to Miss Lydia W. Curry, the daughter of Samuel Curry.
,
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
1394
born in Somersetshire, England, September 29, 1826. Their children are: Mary E., wife of Stephen P. Holmes; Martha M., wife of Fletcher Marston Frances E., wife of Albert Brouse; Lydia E., wife ;
of Daniel Shook; George, married to Miss Ella Staley; Hattie J., In January, 1855, Mr. wife of James D. Baird, and three deceased.
raw prairie the S. i of the IS". W. i of Sec. 14, by industry, good taste and hard work he made into a pleasant home. He is engaged in stock raising as well as farming. He, his wife and family are members of the United Presbyterian church, and his family were industriously raised and educated. His father, John McLain, was born near Knoxville, Tennessee, May 22, 1803, and was married in 1824 to Miss Elizabeth McCartney, also,
McLain bought on
the
T. 10, R. 4, which
a native of Tennessee.
In 1834 he loaded
all
his worldly effects, with
wagon, and left McMinn Indiana, and settled in Gibson county, which
his wife and family of six children, in a
county, Tennessee, for
he
left for
Warren
county, Illinois, in 1838.
Joseph H. Milligax. operator and agent, Biggsville, is the son of William and Mai-y (Kiernan) Mulligan, and was bom in Kentucky September 7, 1855. In 1856 his parents removed to Warren county, Illinois, and settled at Monmouth, and one year later to Kirkwood, where they still reside. They raised an interesting and intelligent family of three sons and four daughters, who are now living lives to cheer them in their old age. Of their three sons, John W. and Peter, the youngest, are night operators at
Kirkwood and Biggsville
respec-
while the subject of this brief sketch, the eldest,' is agent, operator and express agent at Biggsville, and all on the Chicago,
tively,
Burlington
ife
Quincy.
Mr.
J.
H. Mulligan worked his way up
to his
present position of trust by prompt and careful management, being
man
He was
married DecemWiley Dixon, of Biggsville, and has now two children, Frank H. and Charles E. They are all members of the Catholic church of Monmouth, while Joseph is a young man whose prospects promise a bright future. John H. McDougall, farmer, Biggsville, is the son of James and Ellen (Bain) McDougall, and was born in Washington county, New York, May 4, 1829. His youth, till the age of seventeen years, was spent on a farm, after which he engaged in steamboating on tlie Hudson river. In 1856 he came to Henderson county, Illinois, and went to work on a farm as a day laborer. After three years thus engaged he was able to purchase an outfit, which he did, and rented land and begun farming for himself Being successful in renting, in 1860 he bought a farm east of Biggsville, where he actively engaged in farming foimd to be a
ber
5,
of honor and integrity.
1879, to Miss Marilla Dixon, daughter of
liI(iOSVII,[,E
till
E.
TOWNSHIP.
1395
when he sold, and bought his present farm iu Sec. 19, T. 10, onto which he moved and where he is now (1882) engaged in
IS 74, 4,
fanniug and stock raising. As the result of thrift and industry Mr. McDougall has advanced from a day laborer to be the independent owner of a farm of 140 acres, well improved and well stocked. He has beeii twice married: first, in 1861, to Miss Ellen Hutchinson, the daughter of Col. Samuel Hutchinson, late of Henderson county. She died in 1863, leaving one child, a daughter, Louettie, now the wife of David P. Salter. His second marriage was on May 10, 1866, to Miss
Maggie Thompson, a native of Brown county, Ohio, born in 1843. They are members of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. McDougall is of Scotch and Welsh ancestry, his grandfatlier, John McDougall,
being a native of Scotland.
Eeank McKiM, one
of Biggsville's^ most active and thorough busi-
ness men, was born in Henderson county,
Illinois, December 15, 1842. His parents, Noble and Abigal (Edmonds) McKim, were among the earliest settlers of Henderson county. The former, still a citizen of this county, resides at Dallas City the latter died in 1856. Frank was reared on the farm and thereby acquired a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits. While on the farm he also attended the common district schools, and being an apt student gained a good start for an education, which he completed with a year's training at Monmouth College and one term at Bryant & Stratton's Business College of Chi;
In the spring of 1864 he secured a position as salesman in a large and remained in that business eight years. The following four years he engaged as traveling salesman in the drygoods line for wholesale houses in New York and Boston. In 1877 he came to Biggsville and embarked in a general mercantile trade. His extensive experience and strict business principles are building up for him a large and permanent trade. June 24, 1875, at Burlington, he was married to Miss Jessie Aflleck, a daughter of John Affleck she died in Biggsville June 5, 1880. Mr. McKim has one child, Charles, cago.
store in Burlington, Iowa,
;
born October
28, 1877.
He
is
a
member
of the Pi-esbyteiian church,
and holds his membership at .Burlington. John Campbell, with his wife, Jane (Eitchey) Campbell, and their family of nine children, emigrated from Scott county, Indiana, to Henderson county, Illinois, in the spring of 1829. Their first summer in this county was spent in South Henderson, near where the church
and then removed to removed to Jack's then again and Shockakon, remained one summer Warren county. in Little York, Mill near Oquawka, and soon after to He died in church. They were members of the old Associate Eeform
now
stands.
Here they
raised a small crop,
::
inSTOKY OF MEKCEK AlTD HKNDEB80N COUN-nES.
1396
1867 and was buried in the Smith Creek cemetery, and she in 1851, Warren county. Thus ends the mere mention noble pioneers. Eitchey Campbell was born in this county's of two of
buried in Henderson,
Scott county, Indiana, October 4, 1817.
Coming
to this county as
he
did, when but about twelve years old, his educational advantages were extremely meager. He helped to cut and, haul the logs and build the first school-house which he attended in the county, and there, by the
light received through greased
old Webster's spelling book.
paper window, studied his lessons in the In 1837 he was united in marriage with
Miss Mary S. Reynolds, by whom he reai'ed a family of four sons John E., William L., James B. and Francis M. She died in 1879 and was buried at South Henderson. Mr. Campbell's second wife. Miss Sai-ah A. McNeal, was born of Scotch ancestry in Argyle, ITew York. He is now residing on his farm in Sec. 19, T. 10, E. 4, where he They are members of the United Presbyterian located in 1867. church.
Chaeles W. Brouse, farmer, Biggsville, is the youngest son of Lewis and Mary (Einer) Brouse, who were natives of Virginia and Maryland respectively. They Were married in Virginia, and in 1815 removed to Ohio, Highland county, where they resided till the time of Charles W. was born in Highland county, Ohio, August their death. He was reared 31, 1826, and was the youngest of eleven children. on a farm, where he enjoyed the advantages of about three months' school during the winter seasons. He was twice married first in 1847, :
.
to Elvira Smith, a native of Ohio,
marriage, leaving an infant child.
Mary
E.
Holmes
in 1853
;
she
is
.
who
died eleven months after their
His second marriage was with Miss the daughter of Stephen and
Mary
(Worden) Holmes, and was born in Highland county, Ohio; In October, 1865, Mr. Brouse removed to Henderson county, Illinois, and. in the winter of 1856 bought a 160-acre farm, the N.E. J of Sec. 22, T. 10, E. 4, where he has since resided, engaged in farming. Politically he is a republican and was formerly a whig. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has two children Elvira, wife of George S. Wallace, by his first wife, and Albert L., who is now married to Miss Frances E. McLain, by his second wife. EoBBET M. Hutchinson, farmer and stock raiser, Biggsville, was born on the old home where he now (1882) lives, August 25, 1856. He is the son of Capt. William J. and Nancy (Tyler) Hutchinson, whose history is briefly mentioned elsewhere in this work. Eobert M., like his father, was reared a farmer, but more especially devoted his time to the care of stock. His education principally obtained in the country schools and Galesburg Academy. December 20, 1877, he •
:
BIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
1397
married Miss Agnes Sloan,
a daughter of William and Margaret (Eea) Sloan, a native of County Antrim, Ireland; she was born June 14, 1857. Mr. Hutchinson is extensively engaged in stock raising and farming on his fine farm just north .of the village of Biggsville.
of
James Sloan, Sr., boot and shoe maker, Biggsville, is the third son James and Mary (Beck) Sloan, and was bom September 12, 1821,
in Country Antrim, Ireland.
In 1846 he emigrated to the Province Canada, and settled on Amherst Island, where he earned on the business of his trade till 1862, when he came to Biggsville, Henderson county, Dlinois. "February 24, 1849, he married Margaret Finley, also a native of County Antrim, Ireland. They are the pai'ents of three children Mary, now Mrs. John McKee, Martha, wife of John Tharp, and Julia. Mr. Sloan is a man whose strict integrity has made for him many true friends. Silas W. Bell, Biggsville, was bom in South Carolina in 1823. His parents were of Scotch and Irish ancestry, and by occupation farm•
of Ontario,
«
:
He
ers.
followed that vocation, together with attending school,
till
twenty-three years of age, and then turned his attention to learning the trade, of
wagon and
carriage maker.
In 1845 he was married to Miss In 1855 he, with his family,
Flora Gordon in the State of Georgia.
removed to Henderson county, Illinois, and permanently located in Sec. 10, E. 4, where he resided for many years and then removed to the His children pleasant little town of Biggsville, where he now resides. are Winston L., Amand D., wife of Mr. George McDill, Nancy C, His family, he and wife are all Cornelius S., Georgia S. and Ella L. consistent
members of
Hugh Began
the United Presbyterian church of Biggsville.
(deceased), late of
County Down, Ireland, in 1829.
Henderson county, was born in principally reared on a
He was
common school education. On March 16, 1851, and sailed for America in the ship Corinthian, home he and landed at Oquawka April 8 of the Dyer, Capt. commanded by
farm, receiving a fair left his
native
once set to work vrith a view to making for himafter bought a farm of 160 acres, the N. W. i soon self a home, and of Sec. 28, T. 10, E. 4, where he lived till the time of his death. May He left, besides his wife, Eosa (Gibb) Eegan, six children 1877.
same
year.
He
at
Agnes, wife of John Gibb, Eliza J., wife of David Gilliland, Mary, They are an wife of Frank Mathews, Annie, John G. and David G. interesting family.
the honored and respected citizens of this township is Stephen Holmes. He was born in New Jersey November 8, 1801. His rearing and occupation in early life was rather mixed, as he alter-
Among
IIISTOKY OF MERCJCK
13_98
AND H3JNDEE80N
COUNTIES.
May 16,
nately followed milling, boating, oyster fishing and farming. 1824, he married Miss .Mary
who was born
in 1808.
Worden,
Some few
also a native of
New
years after his marriage he
Jersey,
removed
Highland county, Ohio, where he followed farming till 1855, when he came to Henderson county, Illinois, bought and permanently located on Sec. 27, T. 10, E. 4. His honored wife died August 1, 1882, leaving him to close up life's journey alone. Prominent among the young farmers 'of Biggs ville precinct maybe named David A. Whiteman. He was born in Henderson county, Illinois, March 14, 1865, and is the second son of Hon. H. M; and Elizabeth (McDill) Whiteman. He was reared on the farm, where he to
not only received a thorough training in agricultural pursuits, but obtained a good common school education, by attending at the Burlington Business
to
which he added
College.
1882 he purchased a 160-acre farm in Sec. 19, T.
liberally
In the spring of 10,
K.
4,
and
for
himself embarked in the business of farming.
Joseph M. Michenee, proprietor of the American Hotel of Biggswas born in York county, Pennsylvania, December 20, 1836. He was principally reared on a farm, receiving in early life a good common school education. April 16, 1863, he was united in marriage Avith Miss Lydia C. Rhodes, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, by whom he has three children: Eebecca M., Ellen E. and Jessie M. In 1866 he removed. to Henderson county, Illinois, and started, in a small way, a confectionery business. .By industry and close attention to business he is now in comfortable circumstances, owning, besides his hotel, a farm of 163 acres two miles north of Biggsville. Mr. Michener and family are examples of industry and ville,
thrift.
Eev. Eussell Geaham, present pastor of the United Presbyterian church of Biggsville, became pastor of the church in 1873, and will next spring complete his tenth year of active service. Under the ministration of Mr.
Graham
the church has become the largest organ-
Henderson county.
Mr. Graham was born in Franklin county, Ohio, February 34, 1847, his father being a farmer. When he was three years of age his parents moved to Illinois, and settled in De Ivalb county, near Sandwich. After completing the studies of the ization in
common
Monmouth College, where he graduated in In accordance with his plan to enter tlie ministry, lie then went to the theological seminary, attending one year at Monmouth, and after its removal to Xenia, Ohio, two years there, where he graduated in 1873, and at once began his labors here. October 8, school he went to
the class of 1870.
1873, witnessed his marriage to Miss Elizabeth
Thomson, a daughter
CAJKMAN TOWNSHIP.
1401
Hugh L. Thomson, a prominent citizen of the county and for some time clerk of circuit court. As the result of this marriage they have three children Ealph, Sarah Frances and JRoy. William F. Maetin (twin),, son of Judge Preston and Ann (Tayr^ lor) Martin,, was born in Morgan county, Illinois, February 13, 1833. of
:
He was
reared on a farm, where he early in life acquired habits of industry and economy. He was one among the first to respond to the
men in the hour of the country's need. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Co. F, a6th 111.. Yol. Inf ; serv.ed his full time
Pi-esident's call for
without being absent from the conimand a day. or, missing a m^rch or battle never was wounded or in hospital. January, 11, 1866, he w^s united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Brown, a daughter of Eobert ;
and
Ann M.
Brown, of Preble county, Ohio. She was bom are. Carrie, Luna A. and' -Nellie FHe now resides on his farm on See. 19, T. 10, R- 4. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. (Lee)
April 11, 1839.,
.
Their children
CARMAN TOWNSHIP. Carman The
sippi.
precinct is a fractional, township bordering on the Missis-
greater portion of
yet a portion of
it is
it is
arable land.
sloughs and almost barjcen sand,
Considerable of
the drifting, semi-nomadic, thriftless charaQter,
along thp great natui;al highways of
its
population
^ifhich ig
all countries,
so
much
who gain
is,
of
fo.und
a meager
hunting and pilfering from those who gain a living by honest and manly means. Though this section has teemed with these rough, rude, wild characters, there are some as fine people here as may be found anywhere.. The Babcooks,, the Carmans, the subsistence
by
fishing,
.
,
Cisnas, the Curts, the Andersons,, the Marsdens, the, ,Vaughns and
many
Henry tft do people, came and settled since, in near some years 1836 Babcook, who moved into T. R. 6. and soon after where Lomax now is, 9, William Marsden, an Englishman by birth, came here in 1842 and helped to make the county what it is. A year later his son Henry came. The village of Carmto was surveyed and platted at the instance of Joseph Carman, a man of much worth socially, morally and in a busiDuring the same year the Cisna brothers,. Zelile ness way, in 1870. and Enoch, moved their business from Shokokon, where they had This was the.first located in 1866, here and opened in block 4, lot 1. Enoch Zelile sold to Enoch- in 1872, business house in the place. others are highly respectable and well
died
79
,
i
HISTORY OP MEECEB AND HENDERSON COUN'nES.
1402
and Abraham Babcook Mr. Cisna retired opened a store of general merchandise firm is now Babcook The in 1875, succeeded by Elisha Babcook. opened a stock of Zelile Cisna In connection with his brother Bros. April block lot 21, 1878, and 6, 7, general merchandise in a room on since closed out the business.
Zelile Cisna
in 1873.
closed out the following year.
now occupies who had been
Mr. Cisna
thte
building as
in business at
Lahling and Cisna, Shokokon, moved their business to Carman in 1870. Soon after this Cisna retired and was succeeded by M. L. Crane. Crane retired The Cisnas, Zelile, "William, Lewis and Enoch, with their in 1873. father, John, came here in 1843, and have done much to develop a billiard hall.
the neighborhood.
Conducted by Mr. Lahling, April 16, 1877, Kichiard Hassel opened He is now doing a thriving business. On July 2, 1875, "W. C. Walker opened a general stock of merchan-
a harness shop here.
on lot 1, block 7. He is yet in business^ There is a substantial church building here owned by the Methodists, which was built in 1876. The first school-house was built in 1878. It is commodious and There are two departments and two teachers are well furnished. dise
employed.
THE CISTERN TRAGEDY. The early history of this neighborhood is blackened with crime and stained red with blood. For yesirs it has been believed by the public at large that but
place
had come This
details.
is
little
of the dark deeds perpetrated in this
One murder only can be
to light.
known
substantiated in its
as the cistern tragedy, receiving this
name
from the fact that the body was thrown into a cistern after the murder had been committed. In the month of August, 1863, a well-dressed man entered the State Bank at Burlington, and there had a large
moneyed
transaction.
ferry-boat,'
the bank.
way on
In the afternoon
on which was a
man who had
lie
crossed the river on the
witnessed the transaction at
After landing on the Illinois side the stranger pursued his
The day was hot and sultry. Overcome by the heat, he home of Mr. White and there asked for a drink of water. Mrs. White, who was favorably impressed with the genteel appearance of the man, asked him to sit down and rest himself. During the conversation which followed, the stranger made known the fact that he was from a war state, and, on account of the interferencie of the war with his business, he had determined to purchase a home in Henderson county, where he would be free from all molestation. Rising to go, he asked where he could stop all night, and Mrs. White foot.
stopped at the
CAJEIMAN TOWNSHIP.
1403
him to a wayside inn near by. What occurred after this up when the murder was discovered can only be known from partial confessions of some of the parties implicated. For the
referred
to the time
the
greater portion of the following the reader is indebted to Mr. A. L. Porter, to whom one of the mui-derers made a confession. After leaving Mr. "White's, the stranger passed on to the public house and
The man who had passed on ahead of the southerner had reported the man's wealth. The after
there engaged lodging for the night. facts
show
put the
that this plot
was formed.
The
proprietor of the hotel
was
man
out of his house, so that he would have to* go on to another lodging place. horse was then to be brought from some
to
A
near by and the pretense set up that the stranger was a horse thief. The plan was then to hang him and obtain his money, giving out to> lot
the public the story that he was a horse
thief.
In accordance with
this plot, the landlord, in great pretended indignation that the stranger
was a southerner, drove him from his house, first charging him fivedollars for his supper, and then sent him on to the other house, by whom he was received as if to spend the night. One of the parties died about a year afterward, and who made a full young lady on his death-bed, stated that about ten o'clock one of them went to a pasture and took therefrom a horse, and placing upon its back some sort of a pack, tied it in the brush. About eleven o'clock a party of men surrounded the house, and having dragged the man from his bed, carried him to a point between the two stopping places. It seems that he was then whipped brutally to elicit a confession as to the theft of the horse and then hung until it was thought he was dead. His hands were then cut oft" and the body implicated,
who
confession to a
thrown into the
Uttle creek near by.
One
of the murderers afterward
morning the man was found on the side of the bank, where he had crawled, and here he was shot to death by one of Some time elapsed, when one day a young fellow went to an the party. stated that the next
old cistern about three-quarters of a mile west from Wafren, to get Having gone down into the fill out a chimney.
brick with which to
he found there the body of a man, and greatly frightened hurAt the news of a dead man found in the cistern, a load of nearly twenty men at once repaired to that point. Mr. William Kemp went down into the cistern and from the rubbish and dry sand unearthed the body of a man. His clothes were nearly rotten; his boots were examined and found to be No. 7; his hair and whiskers were of a reddish brown mixed with gray; his weight cistern
ried back to the little town.
One of his hands was gone. An examination were gone, and that they were cut and not hands showed that both about 140 pounds.
1404
IirSTOEY OF
MEECEE AND HENDEESON COUNTIES.
was carefully examined but no trace of the Before taking the body from the cistern the An inquest was held. justice of the peace, Warren Park, was sent for. Dr. Daniel M. Marshall was made foreman of the jurors, among rotted
The
off.
cistern
hands could be found.
R
K. Ward whom were William Kemp, Mr. Cook, Wesley Hopper, and Joseph Gibson. The jury brought in a verdict that the man came Some to his death at the hand of some unknown person or persons.
One
of the parties suspected were afterward tried for this murder. of them turned
On
nothing.
state's evidence,
but when brought On the stand told
account of the lack of proof to establish the fact that this
was the body of the man murdered by them, they escaped the stem justice that the public desired
Many
them
to receive.
of the details of this ghastly crime will never be
day when every secret thing iron fingers of conscience shall wring a of the participants. that great
shall full
known
until
be unraveled, unless the confession from some one
BIOGEAPHICAL. Isaac F. Haetek, M.D., was born in Hancock county, gust
6,
1851.
He
is
Illinois,
Au-
the son of Joseph and Susana (Dodd) Harter.
They are natives of Virginia, and are of German descent. His parents came to Illinois, and settled in St. Mary's township, Hancock county. He grew up on his father's farm, and got such an education as the
common
schools afforded, and from there went to the gra,ded school
He taught for awhile, and took a three years' course at Abingdon College. From here he went into the office of J. J. EeaHe took a full course of lectures at the Colbun, M.D., at Danvers. lege of Physicians, Keokuk, Iowa, graduating February 18, 1877. He located at Carman the October following, where he has an extensive and paying practice. December 30, 1879, he married Mary HugenThey have one child, schutz, daughter 'of J. H. Hugenschutz, Esq. Henry Virgil, born October 14, 1881. He is a member of Carman lodge of Masons, ISTo. 732, and of the Hancock County Medical at Danvers.
Society.
Wm. T. Hopkins was born May 20, 1829. His parents,
in Ainsbury, Gloucestershu-e, England,
Joseph and Mary Hopkins, when he Monmouthshire, Wales, the mother's His father was a native of Gloucestershire. In 1830 native place. our subject and his brother Joseph emigrated from the land of tyranny, England, to the home of liberty, America, and lived for awhile at Sharon ville, Ohio, where, November 16, 1859, he mai-ried Miss Hachel Morris, a native of Sharonville. They are the parents of four children: Ellis, born -November 8, 1860, died November 22, 1877;
was four years
old,
moved
to
;
CAEMAN Foster, born
August
T0WN8HI1'.
H{)f>
1863 an infant, and Ellen, born November Mr. Hopkins is liberal, voting fbr the men. He is a member of the Methodist church. He came to this county iu 1865, and moved on the farm on which he now lives. William "W. Anderson was born in Ashtabula county, December His father came from New York^ his mother was a nativi; 10, 1822. of Connecticut. He was raised on a farm and received a common school education. In the fall of 1837 his parents came to this county, and in the year following they settled in T. 10, E. 6. In 1840 lie went to Natchez and rafted to New Orleans for awhile. For some time he was mate on a Mississippi steamer. In 1846 he married Miss Louisa Hout. They have twelve children, ten girls and two boys Anise S., Emma J., Luna 0., Nevada, Mary, Lillie, Hattie, Belle, Jessie, William H. and Mark M. In 1850, in company with two of his brothers, he started across the plains to California; one of them died and was buried at Fort Laramie. He went through to California and remained one year, returning via Panama. In 1854 he went with his famUy to California, remaining three years, returning $15,000 in pocket. In 1874 he made a trip to New Mexico, where he owns some mining stock. 27, 1869.
In
10,
;
politics
:
Walker was born in Caldwell county, Missouri, DecemHe is the son of W. C. and Rachel Walker. He grew manhood mostly on a farm and received a common school education.
William
C.
ber 14, 1843. to
In September, 1861, he enlisted in the service of the State of Illinois, as a private of Co. F, 50th III. Vols. In the month followhig he was mustered into the service of the United States. He was with his regiment at the siege of Forts Henry and Donelson with Grant on his raid through Tennessee and Kentucky was at the siege of Corinth was in the battles at Buzzard's Roost, at Pittsburg Landing, at Peach Creek ford, at Altoona pass, and at Eesaca. He never missed a roll-call during his term of service except when absent on duty. He was in the drug business at Dallas City, and since July, 1875, has been in February 17, 1876, he a general merchandising business at Carman. wedded Miss R. Jane Sparks, daughter of Thomas and Mary Sparks, of Dallas City. They have four children Mary, born February 8, ;
;
:
1877; Evalina, March' 22, 1879; Clara, October 11, 1880; Charles, March 16, 1882. Mr. Walker is a member of Dallas City lodge of masons No. 335 and of Hurlbut post G. A. R. John Evans, born in Crawford county, Ohio, June 13, 1830. His His father was born parents were John and Nancy (Parmer) Evans. From Ohio the in 1796, in' Pennsylvania, and was of Welsli descent. elder Evans moved to Henry county, Indiana, 1830, and from there
1406
HISTORY OF MEECEE
AND HENDERSON
COUNTIES.
Mr. Evans' 9, E. 5. common He received a school ednca^ was spent on farm. toyliood a Sarah Y. Davis, daughter of to He was married April 3, 1857, tion. early settlers in T. K. They were 6. Abner and Lucy Davis, who 9, have one child, Marion L., born June 30, 1859. He is now living in Iowa. Mr. Evans is a member of the Baptist church. William W. Marsden, who is now one of the leading men of the vicinity in which he lives, was born in Kirtland, Ohio, March 26, His father, Henry Marsden, was a native of Yorkshire, Eng1838. land, and his mother, Sarah, was born in Bedfordshire. The father emigrated to America in 1834, and settled at Toronto, Canada. Here he met the woman he married. Having an antipathy to the manner in which tile English conducted hymeneal affairs, they came to New York, and were there married. They went back to Canada, but soon moved to Dayton, Ohio, and from there, in 1843, to Henderson county Illinois. They first settled near Terre Haute. The principal subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. After his birth he went with his father in his removals. October 3, 1861, he married Rhoda, daughter of James and Catherine Yaughn. They have ten children, all living Mary, bprn August 26, 1862, Sarah, James, William, Reuben, Luella, George, Matthew, Frederic and Joel. Mr. Marsden is a member of Carman lodge of Masons, No. 732. ZiLiLE CisNA, one of the potent forces of "Carman, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, October 10,- 1828. His father, John Cisna, and his mother Polly were natives of the same place. His father was born in 1789, and lived to be more than ninety years old. In 1843 they came to this cOunty from Burlington, Iowa, but did not locate permanently until 1857. In 1866 Zelile and one of his brothers went into the business of general merchandising. at Shokokon. From here they removed to Carman in 1870 (see History of Carman). In 1853 he went to California for the purpose of mining, at which he was very successful, so much so that he acquired a thirst for more speedy gains, and to further his aims, in 1854 he went to Australia. While here he worked in the mines at Bendgoo and Balerette, but was to this county in 1837, settling in Sec. 33, T.
:
—
not successful.
He
returned to Illinois in 1855.
he wedded Miss Maiy Jane Parr, by
whom
November
2,
1859,
he has seven children, one of whom is dead. They are Fannie, Laura, Mary, Zelile, Joseph, George and Pearly. Mr. Cisna is a member of Carman lodge, No. 732, of Masons. Thomas Marsden, one of the early settlers and one of the most successful business men of the community, was born in York, Eng:
ADDITIONAL MATTEE.
1407
land, April 3, 1819.
His parents, William and Hannah (Bouker) Marsden, were farm laborers. His grandparents, Henry and Alice, followed the same business. His parents emigrated from England to America in September, 1841. Our subject had come two years previous and was located at Dayton, Ohio. From there he came to this county in 1844, settling near Terre Haute. Prior to coming to America, in 1838, he married Miss Elizabeth Hardman, who died at Dayton, Ohio, soon after their arrival there. By her he had one child, William, who lives in Honey Creek township. In 1841 he was married a second time, to Elizabeth Lamerman, who died in December, 1877. Mr. Marsden received a very meager education in his childhood, but. by business training and experience he has acquired a ready fund of practical knowledge. December 2, 1866, Mr. Marsden opened a lumber yard at Shokoken, where he is yet engaged in business. He also has. another at Blandinsville. In the two he does a business of more than $30,000 each year. He is a member of Carman lodge, No. 732, of Masons, and a republican in politics. J. B. McCltjn is a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, having been born there June 7, 1820. His father, Alexander McClun, was He in the war of 1812, and was in the engagement at Baltimore. Our subject was raised on a farm and lived to be ninety years old. received a
March
4,
common
school education.
In Cuyahoga county, Ohio,
1847, he married Miss Mariah Hazen.
She
is
a native of
Portage county, Ohio, and was born December 20, 1829. They came They have five children Louiza J., to this county in March, 1865. born June 11, 1848, died March 30, 1854; Susan L., bom June 28, Alice C, born January 1850 Mary E., born November 24, 1856 :
;
;
1862; and Minnie, born May 19, 1866. proprietor of the Carman House, Carman, Illinois.
16, 1859, died
He
is
now
September
15,
ADDITIONAL MATTEE. The following sketches were received too late to insert under the head designed for them, and necessarily appear in this place Solomon Hevenee, farmer, Oquawka, son of Jacob and Catharine (Trimpock) Hevener, was born in Montgomery county, New York, in Like most boys, his youth was spent on the farm. In 1832 he 1810. was united in marriage with Miss Harriett Orcutt, a native of Schoharie After his marriage he engaged in farming for county. New Tork. In 1864 he sold and removed to Oquawka, native state. in his himself :
1408
HISTOEY OT MEECEE
AUD HENDEE80N
COUNTIES.
and a short distance out of town, a farm where he and, his devoted wife are now in comfort spending their declining years. Their children, Helen L., now the wife of Mr. Frank Pike Adelaide, wife of Mr. Abram Boyd, and Jacob, are well educated and settled in life. They are in faith Methodists and of German ancestry. Jacob Poull, retired mason and contractor, was born in LuxemHe is the son of Andrew Poull, a prominent burg, Germany, in 1825. mason and builder in his day. During his youth Jacob thoroughly mastered his trade and began to feel the impulse of aspirations. October 22, 1844, he married Miss Marguretta Delles, a native of his Illinois,
;
own town, who shared
life
with
she died and was buried in the
him until November 1 6, 1879, when Oquawka cemetery. March 16, 1847,
Luxemburg for America via the river Rhine and ocean, and, voyage of forty-two days" on the latter, landed in Neiw York May 14, and at once pushed on to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they arrived June 16, 1847. Mr. Poull soon after locaJ;ed in Chicago, where he began the business of his trade, which soon grew to immense proportions as he turned his attention to contracting and building, having some years later erected some of the best buildings in and around
he
left
after a
Chicago.
As soon
as Ma;y
8,
1861, after the outbreak of the
war
of the rebellion, he espoused the cause of his adopted country, and as
a soldier identified himself with the 24th once commissioned as second lieutenant.
111.
Vol. Inf.
He was
at
After over three years
of active service he returned as captain of his company, of less than
a di>zen men, and was honorably discharged August fall
6,
1864.
In the
of the same year he bought a farm a few miles out of Chicago on
which he moved his family. In December, 1878, he sold out and to Oquawka, where he permanently located, at the same time buying near town about 250 acres of land. His six children are well educated and well settled in life. The sons are Peter J., Nicholas F. and Theodore and the daughters are Maggie, Katie (wife of William Alton) and Sarah (now Mrs. Charles West). Mr. Poull in early life being deprived of educational advantages, and since seeing the great need and advantage of proper school training, has seen to it that his children enjoyed all the advantages denied him. John Hanna, Oquawka, was born in Ohio. He became a resident of Indiana and in 1835 moved to Warren county, Illinois, two and a half miles southwest of Little York. He entered large quantities of land, owning at his death about 1,800 acres. He died in the fall of 1862. He had been twice married. He buried his first wife in 1851 or 1852. His second wife survived him a short time. Captain D. C. Hanna, son of John Hanna, was born June 8, 1836, to
removed
:
;
:
.
ADDITIONAL MATTEE.
1409
on the homestead in Warren county. He was raised on the farm. In 1860 he made a trip to Colorado, spending a year and a half there. He returned and enlisted August 14, 1862, in Co. C, 91st 111. Vols., as first lieutenant.
captaincy.
At
Brownsville, in 1863, he was promoted to the
He
fought at Mobile and many small battles. At Elizabethtown he with the whole regiment was taken prisoner by Morgan, but was soon paroled. He returned home in 1865 and devoted himself to farming.
held eight years.
In 1869 he was elected county
He
was
also
clerk,
mayor of Oquawka,
which
office
he
as the official
Mr. Hanna was married to Miss Mattie E. Heaton, September, 1866. Newton "Wood, Oquawka, son of Martin H. and Sallie "Wood, was bom in Ashtabula county, Ohio, Mai-ch 18,. 1825. With his parents he tables indicate.
came
Henderson county in 1838, and settled near jacks Mill on Sec. where he now lives. Mr. Wood is a miller by trade, but has farmed for the last quarter of a century. He received his education in the common schools of Ohio and Illinois. April 18, 1853, he was wedded to Miss Elizabeth Hants, who has borne him two children, Frank, bom August, 1856, and Laura, bom November, 1861 to
24, T. 11, R. 6,
He now
lives at the old
homestead.
James H. Woods, Greenville precinct, is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Witherspoon) Woods. Isaac Woods,, the father, was born in west Tennessee, March 14, 1783. He grew up to manhood there, when he removed to Indiana, settling in Gibson county. Just prior to this he had been married. Mrs. Woods was a native of west Tennessee. He was regularly enlisted and took part in the war of 1812 was at the battle of Tippecanoe. He settled and improved a farm of 160 acres, which was no small job. In 1841 he removed to Henderson county, settling in Greenville precinct, where he had bought a half-section of land, which he made into an excellent farm. He died August 30, 1872 is' buried in .Smith Creek cemetery. Was a democrat in politics, and was a member of Presbyterian church. James H. was bom January 20, 1827, in Gibson removed with his father to Illinois and lived with him as long as he lived. Was married November 15, 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Reed, daughter of John Eeed, Esq. Alfred Dehaven, Bald Bluff precinct, son of William and Elizar beth Dehaven, was bom in Fountain county, Indiana. While he was quite young his father died, soon after which, with his mother, he removed to Mercer county, Illinois. Here he grew up on a farm and May 1, 1864, received what education the common schools afforded. he married Melissa Ann dark, daughter of Heijry Clark, an early settler of Bald Bluff. Mr. Dehaven was elected a school director of his .
;
;
;
;
HISTOEY OF MEEOEE AND HBNDEESON COITNTIES.
1410
April election in 1880, and by his vigorous and energetic, measures has succeeded in reducing the formerly high-handed expendiThey are the parents of three children : tures of the district board. district at the
.
William H., born December 17, 1866 Alpha Lelia, bom November Eddie James, born July 28, 1881. They have an adopted 9, 1868 child, the son of William Newcourt, born September 16, 1879. ;
;
EEVOLUTIONAEY HEROES. There have died in Henderson county four soldiers of the revolution Samuel Chapin, born in Chicopee, Massachusetts, September 24, 1760 served under Ethan Allen at Ticonderoga died at Oquawka in 1842, and is buried in Oquawka cemetery, David Finley, born in Belfast, Ireland, September 8, 1848, and is interred in South Henderson cemetery Earl Frazell was born in Essex county, Yermont, December 13, 1764, and died May 5, 1850 he rests in Oquawka cemetery :
;
;
;
;
Jeremiah Hose
is
buried at Oquawka.
THE WAR OF It lias
1812.
been ascertained that at least
fifteen of the
heroes of the
war of 1812 have resided in Henderson county, most of whom lie in the soil of this county and awaiting the reveille of the great hereafter. They are Wm. Beatty, Thomas Curts, John Grose, Abner Davis, Robert Erwin, A. D. Frazell, Samuel Gordon, John Goodnight, John Hopkin, W. A. Morehead, William Morgan, J. McDermot, Erastus Rise, John Tweed and Samuel Watson. William Cousland served in the Black Hawk war, as also S. S. Hiram Rose was in the Aroostook war. Wm. Herberts was
Phelps. in the
war with Mexico.
SOLDIERS' MOlSrUMENT, OF
HENDERSON COUNTY.
While the war was even yet in progress a movement was started for the monument to the memory of those whose lives had fallen a sacrifice to their country, and a small fund was raised but the matter fell into neglect, the subscriptions were returned to the donors, except, perhaps, in Oquawka precinct, and nothing further was done until 1873. A meeting was called at the court-house for Saturday, July 19, at .which "The Oquawka Soldiers' Monument Association, of Henderson county, " was organized, and of both which (meeting and associar tion) D. Caswell Hanna was elected president, G. F. William Froelich erection of a
;
OF HENDEKSON COUNTY.
1411
secretary, and William H. Stockton treasurer. An executive committee of the association was chosen, consisting of James E. White, Jefferson H. Jennings and Thomas W. Kinsloe ; and a,nother on constitution and by-laws, composed of Robert Moir, J. H. Jennings and J. S. Linel.
Committees were appointed for each precinct to solicit subscriptions. Dr. Cephas Park, secretary of the old organization, presented a report showing the funds in the hands of the committee belonging to Oquawka precinct to be $688.79. It was reported that a certain fund was held by John McKinney, Jr., treasurer of the late association, to the credit of the same precinct, and the treasurer was directed to collect the amount. Messrs. Moir and Park were elected honorary members, and tendered a unanimous vote of thanks for their zealous efforts in behalf of the extinct society, and the fidelity with which they had protected, and by judicious investment increased, the funds confided to their custody. Subsequently bids and designs for a monument were received by a committee, and the contract was let to W. W. Webster, of Muscatine, Iowa. At the meeting of June 1, 1874, the following committee was selected to procure grounds Robert Moir, Dr. Cephas Park, H. F. McAllister, William C. Rice and Col. John B. Patterson. On Thurs:
day, October 22, the "Spectator" said: "On Friday last Mr. W. W. Webster, of Muscatine, designer and builder of the monument, completed the work, veiled the statue, and turned it over to the committee.
The monument
pure Italian marble, the design elegant and workmanship that of a master of his art. The base is eight feet square and four feet deep the die is four feet, on which are inscribed, on its four sides, 200 names of soldiers of Henderson county who fell in the field or died in the service of their country upon the die rests a fluted column nine feet high, on which stands the statue of a soldier, life size, finely carved the whole monument being twenty-nine and a half feet in height." On each of the four corners of the raised foundation is a trained cannon pointing outward. These pieces were procured through the efforts of Senators John A. Logan and Richard J. Oglesby, who secured the passage of an act of congress donating them (they being condemned ordnance) to is
built of
appropriate, and the
;
;
;
the association.
The inauguration took
and the address was delivered by Maj. R. the 118th reg.
111.
Vol. Inf.
liberality of the people
of the
;
place Tuesday, October 20,
W. McClaughry,
The monument was
subscrijjtions varied
monument proper was
formerly of
by the private The cost $50.
erected
from $5
to
$2, 500, but other expenditures brought
the outlay for this object up to $3,300.
The
location
is
in the center
of a beautiful enclosed park, planted to deciduous and evergreen trees,
comprised in
lots 1,
4 and
5,
block
4,
Swartz' addition, donated by
HI8T0EY OF MEECER ANB HENDEE80N COnNTIES.
1412
John McKinney, Sr. for many years a resident and business man of Oquawka. This handsome work is not more a monument to the gk)rious dead of Henderson county than to the affection, gratitude, generosity and patriotism of the happy and intelligent living. Following is a list of the soldiers whose names, with company and regiment, are inscribed on the monument, to which is added that of ,
Harrison Chrisman, Co. C, 91st Co.
M, 12th
Cav.,
111.
whose regiment
is
111. Inf., aud that of Charles J. Foster, whose surname only was engraved among those
unknown
:
Tenth Illinois Infantry^ Company E.
—
John A. Anderson, August Otho P. Craig, Albert C. Gai-rison, •Thomas Miller, Absalom Martin, J. M. Shoemaker, Francis P. Speck. Compamy G. Benjamin F. Bennett, William S. Beal, Edward M. Herndon, David F. Eoderick, W. "Wallace Rice, Americus Wyatt. Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, Company F. David Crutchfield, Thomas H. Davenport, Alvarro Gay, William Leonard, Jacob A. Laycraft, William A. Martin, David Montgomery, John H. Murphy, Edmund B. Owens, Cornelius O'Brien, Alexander Peterson, Warren Patterson, Joseph A. Snick, Thomas Whicher. Seventeenth Illinois Infantry, Company B. S. A. Mills. Compamy C. Peter Corzatt, William Thompson. Company I. James Arrickson, John
W.
Bolthoff,
—
—
—
—
—
M. Phelps.
—
.
—
Twenty-eighth Illinois Infantry, Company C. Alonzo Curry. Company D. Arion Painter. Company II. William Cook, Andrew Cargill, Henry Davis, Ira Simmons, Perry Wilber. Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, Company A. John J. Burrus. Company K. Martin R. Fordyce, Thomas Mellerbarg. Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, Company E. Jason L. Watson. Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, Company C. Elisha L. Atkins,
— —
,
—
— — John Shook, Ezra Shotts. Forty-second Illinois Infamtry, Company E. — Lewis Watson. Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, Compam.y F. — James T. Morse.
— FraAcis M. Caldwell, Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry, Company G. — William W. Clark. Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry, Company — Charles H. Magie.
Fifty-^inth Illinois Infantry,
Company B.
George W. Evans, Sylvester Pace.
C.
Company Z?!— Joseph Bierman, Edward McKini, Isaac M. Shaw. Eighty-third Illinois Infantry, Company ^1.— David Endicott. Company Joseph I. Francis. Company F.—io\\n C. Allison. Eighty-fowrth 'Illinois Infa/)itry, Company 6^.— Thomas Armstrong, Peter Augustus, Thomas Biggs, Ezra L. Camp, George W.
C—
Caldwell John G. Curtis, Richard Chipe, James A. Ooburn, William
soldiers' monument, op HENDERSON COUNTY:
1413
M.
Duvall, George D. Davis, George W. Gordon, Fleming Gowdy, Albert Hoskinson, John tiensley, Henry Hess, Gillam Harris, Charles Kaiser,
Thomas
James
C. McDill, "William E. Pinkerton, Levi B. Wilkinson, C. Pinkerton, Richard Parrott, Benjamin C. Pierce, .William
Reynolds, Orson Rose, Benjamin F. Smith, Samuel L. Spence, Charles Spanier, George
Andrew Jackson, AUaman, Charles
W.
W. Tompkins,
Malaclii
Oliver R. Personius.
Titus. Campcmy H.— Company ^—William J.
W.
Berggreri, David B. Beebe, Archibald Beal, George Coroden, James R. Ewing, William P. Foster, James F. Fryrear,
Rodolphus J. Hovey, John C. Harrali, John F. Jamison, Michael Jackson, .Thomas G. McDill, Thomas Mclntire, Joseph T. Parnell, Samuel G. Plummer, William S. Stanley, William Short' John F. Tinker, Samuel Wilkins. Eighty-eighth TlKnois Infantry, Ninety-first Illinois Infantry,
— —
Cmnpany I. John Segar. Compamy B. Robert J. Brown,
John Hixenbaugh, William Jacobs, William Moore, John J. Mchols, Merit W. Paul, George W. Roberts, Nathan J. Stewart. Company C. John N. Barnes, C. Harrison Coon, Green Fullertoh, William B. Hopkins, George A. Monteith, Martin Reesei, James M. Stock, William J.
—
White, Harrison Chrisman. One Hundred amd Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, Company G.^— John F. Bryan, Provine Burch, Lewis Cargill, *Boone Crenshaw, Isaac D. Ecklin, James Fielding, Joseph W. B. Frits, Hugh Graham, Luther Gittings, John Glasgow, John H. Hopper, William H. Jackson, Ira B. King, Wilham L. League, Patrick Moore, William McClain, Covington Messick, Alonzo W. Park, William L. Spiker, Alexander Spiker, William Spiker, William F. Wolff. One Hund/red amd Forty-eighth IlUrwis Infantry, Company I.— T. C. Leslie.
— —
Second Illinois Cavalry, Compamy H. Enoch H. Coggswell. Fourth IlUnois Cavalry, Compamy C. Henry A. Brokaw. S&venth IlUnois Caval/ry, Compamy Z.— Elijah Jecklin, William M. Morris, George Post, John H. Schenck, George Thompson. Eleventh Illinois Ca/valry, Company H. Robert D. Leslie, Calvin B. Galloway, David Salter. Twelfth Illmois Cavah-y, Company Z.—John W. AUaman, JonaCompany M.— than Earp, William Toler, J. Wesley Wheeling.
—
Ciiarlefe J. Foster.
Seventh Iowa Infantry,
John Litllefield, First Iowa Battery Robert O.
Foster,
—
Compamy A. John K. Atkinson. Company E. Patrick Cadle, John Henry W. Eobbins.
Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, •
—
—
Pursell.
L.
AND HENDERSON
HISTORY OK MEECEB
1414
Seventh Missouri Cavalry, Hall, James Moore, Joseph
Company D. Poehler,
Williams. Tentl\,
Missowri
Infa/ni/ry,
(JOKNJ'IKS.
—^Henry
William
Billings, Charles
George
Willhite,
—
Company B. W. Simpson Stokes. Company C. — John Hnfhagel,
Twenty-sixth Missouri, Infantry,
John Link.
—William Kirby. —Gideon Ayres. Eighteenth United States Infamtry. — Samuel Cisna. —George Burton. Sixth United States Cawalry, Company SeG(Pnd Colorado Cavalry.
Seventeenth United States Infantry.
li.
C.
Fourth United States Artillery, Company 6-'.—Melville United States
Nam/.—R. W.
Company and Regiment Unknown. Nash, Charles Shull,
S. Griffith,
C
Hinds.
Kelly.
J.
—James P.
A. Lewis, Thomas
Wilkinson, H. M. MeLain,
Swigert.
Mr. Froehlich, the
efficient
and gentlemanly county
clerk,
took the
leading interest in the erection of this monument, and devoted
time and labor to the patriotic undeitaking.
No
other
man
is
much
so fully
conversant with whatever pertains to the military history of Henderson county, and his information on the subject
is
the outgrowth of his
indefatigable industry in perfecting the record of her share in the
memory and the shinmonument he has designed and had manufactured by Culver, Page, Hoyne & Co., of Chicago, a Soldiers' Record, giving the name of each soldier, his rank, company, regiment, state, arm of service, when enlisted, residence at enlistment, when dischai'ged, cause of death, when and where struggle for the Union,"
and
ing deeds of her sons in
its
in perpetuating the
defense.
As
a corollary to the
for a long time,
and
and history of- soldier. Mr. Froehlich has been still is, engaged in an exhaustive research and
correspondence
for
material to
died, place of burial
prepare an epitomized
history of
who ever went from Henderson county also such a history of every one who went into the military service from any other place, but who is buried in the county and in addition, sketches of veterans of other wars who reside, or whose ashes lie here. Too much praise every soldier
;
;
cannot be awarded him for his painstaking zeal and enthusiastic publip spirit.
http://stores.ebay.com/Ancestry-Found
http://stores.ebay.com/Ancestry-Found
http://stores.ebay.com/Ancestry-Found
View more...
Comments
